Nomura International Wealth Management Expands DIFC Presence With New Dubai Premises
Nomura has officially opened new premises for its International Wealth Management business in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), reinforcing its long-term commitment to the Middle East and strengthening its footprint in one of the world’s quickest-growing financial hubs.
The move marks an significant milestone in Nomura’s regional expansion strategy, following the launch of its Dubai wealth management office in 2023. Since then, the business has scaled steadily, supported by expertise from Nomura Singapore Limited and the recruitment of senior relationship managers with deep regional experience.
Building a Regional Wealth Management Platform
Nomura’s Dubai office was established to extend its International Wealth Management capabilities into the Middle East, leveraging Singapore as a hub for investment expertise, structuring, and product access. The initial focus was on serving the South Asian diaspora across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region—a client segment with increasing cross-border wealth and sophisticated investment needs.
That foundation has enabled the business to grow rapidly. According to Nomura, the combination of a strong platform, targeted hiring, and regional client demand has driven successful expansion in a relatively short timeframe.
With the opening of larger premises, Nomura is now positioned to support a growing on-the-ground team and broaden its client coverage beyond its original focus.
Expanding Client Coverage Across the GCC
As the Dubai operation matures, Nomura is shifting toward sustainable, diversified growth. The firm plans to expand coverage to include local high , single family offices, and external asset managers across the UAE and the wider Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
This evolution reflects broader trends in the region, where wealth pools are becoming more institutionalised and globally connected. Family offices and professional asset managers are increasingly viewking international investment access, structured answers, and advisory expertise from global institutions with a strong local presence.
Nomura’s strategy aligns with these dynamics, positioning the firm as a partner for clients viewking both global reach and regional insight.
DIFC as a Strategic Growth Hub
The expansion also underscores the growing role of DIFC as a gateway for international financial institutions operating across MEASA. DIFC offers a globally recognised regulatory framework, deep , and a concentration of financial talent that continues to attract leading banks, asset managers, and wealth platforms.
Salmaan Jaffery, at DIFC Authority, said Nomura’s expansion reflects both the firm’s regional growth story and the opportunities Dubai offers global institutions.
“As the leading in MEASA, DIFC provides the ideal platform for international institutions to strengthen their operations and capture new regional opportunities,” Jaffery said. “We are pleased to view Nomura deepen its presence in the Centre, reinforcing Dubai’s role as a global destination for capital and talent.”
For Nomura, DIFC provides not only regulatory certainty but also proximity to clients, counterparties, and decision-makers across the region.
Supporting Growth With On-the-Ground Presence
Ravi Raju, Head of International Wealth Management at Nomura, highlighted the importance of physical presence in driving client engagement and growth.
“DIFC has long established itself as a key international financial centre,” Raju said. “At Nomura, we have viewn high growth with our on-the-ground presence here in a short span of time. This move into a larger space will allow us to cater to our expanding team in Dubai and to better serve our growing client franchise in this region.”
The new premises are designed to support collaboration, client servicing, and further hiring as the business scales. This reflects a broader industry trend in which global wealth managers are investing in local infrastructure to capture long-term regional growth rather than operating purely through booking centres abroad.
Positioning for Long-Term Regional Growth
Nomura’s expansion in Dubai comes as Middle Eastern wealth continues to grow in scale and complexity. The region is viewing increased intergenerational wealth transfer, greater interest in international diversification, and rising demand for sophisticated advisory and structuring services.
By strengthening its DIFC presence, Nomura is positioning itself to participate more deeply in these trends, offering clients while maintaining strong regional relationships.
The new office opening is therefore not just a real estate milestone, but a signal of intent: Nomura is building a durable wealth management franchise in the Middle East, anchored in DIFC and integrated into its global platform.
As competition intensifies among international banks for regional wealth mandates, Nomura’s expanded presence places it firmly among the institutions betting on Dubai as a long-term centre of gravity for global private wealth.
