The Gulf state is cashing in on wealthy clients from the sanctions-hit country, the news outlet claims
Emirati banking majors are trying to capitalize on economic opportunities arising from Western sanctions imposed on Russia, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, citing people familiar with the matter.
According to the sources, Emirates NBD, Dubai’s key government-controlled financial institution, “poached” bankers from Russian lenders to launch a local subsidiary for dealing with money from wealthy clients.
Meanwhile, First Abu Dhabi Bank, the country’s largest lender, is launching a department focused on “wealthy” Russians, sources told the media outlet.
Local banks have reportedly opened thousands of accounts for Russians, though it often takes weeks to arrange paperwork that confirms proof of funds, and shows that applicants are not politically exposed.
According to UAE officials, as cited by the media, local lenders avoid servicing sanctioned individuals in order to maintain correspondent relationships with US banks that clear dollars.
Tens of thousands of immigrants have reportedly relocated to the Gulf state over the past year, turning the Russian-speaking community into one of the most visible among the country’s population of almost nine million people.
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