Head of Client Investment and Advisory

Job Title: Head of Client Investment and Advisory

Job Type: Full-Time

Location: DIFC, Dubai

Our client is an investment advisory firm specialising in providing comprehensive investment management solutions to a diverse client base. Our clients are dedicated to delivering superior investment outcomes through in-depth research, rigorous analysis, and disciplined investment strategies. They are based in DIFC and regulated by DFSA.

Job Purpose:

We are looking for a highly skilled and experienced individual to join the investment advisory firm as Head of Client Investment and Advisory. In this strategic leadership role, you will oversee and manage all aspects of the investment and advisory services provided to the firm's clients. The Head of Investment Advisory will be responsible for leading the firm's investment advisory function, driving the strategic direction of the department, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality investment solutions to the firm's clients. This role requires strong leadership, extensive investment expertise, and the ability to inspire and manage a team of investment advisors. The successful candidate will be pivotal in driving growth and maintaining our position as a leading investment advisory firm

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the investment advisory function and provide overall strategic direction for the department, ensuring alignment with the company's goals and objectives. Develop and execute a comprehensive investment and advisory strategy to meet the financial goals of the firm's clients.
• Oversee the development and implementation of investment strategies, asset allocation models, and portfolio construction methodologies to meet the unique needs and objectives of our clients.
• Collaborate closely with the SEO to formulate and execute the firm's business strategy, identifying growth opportunities and potential market risks.
• Coach and manage a team of investment & research advisors, setting clear performance objectives, providing guidance, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and client-centricity.
• Lead, motivate, and mentor a team of investment professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Liaising with the SEO to review sales and revenue targets for the relationship managers and work diligently to meet the targets.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, investment managers, custodians, and other industry professionals to leverage networking opportunities and enhance the firm's reputation and service offering.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of the firm's investment products, fund structures, and wealth management services, and provide guidance to client relationship managers on suitable investment strategies.
• Ensure compliance with DFSA regulatory requirements, industry best practices, and ethical standards in investment advisory activities.
• Develop and implement innovative strategies to attract and onboard new clients, leveraging our firm's value proposition and competitive advantage.
• Assume direct responsibility for managing and growing a portfolio of high-net-worth clients, providing bespoke investment advice and solutions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Business partners & custodians and serving as the primary point of contact for all investment and advisory matters.

DFSA Principles

• Observe high standards of integrity and fair dealing;
• Act with due skill, care and diligence;
• Observe proper standards of conduct in financial markets; and
• Deal with the DFSA in an open and cooperative manner and disclose appropriately any information of which the DFSA would reasonably be expected to be notified.
• Additionally, you must take reasonable care to ensure that the business of the Firm for which you are responsible; Is organized so that it can be managed and controlled effectively; and complies with any legislation applicable in the DIFC.

Skills & Knowledge

• In-depth knowledge of regulatory requirements and best practices within the DFSA regulations.
• Knowledge & understanding of DFSA regulatory compliance and risk management practices within the private banking industry.
• Proven track record of success in a senior leadership role within an investment advisory firm or a similar financial institution.
• Extensive knowledge of financial markets, investment products, and portfolio management strategies across various asset classes.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire teams to achieve high performance.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build strong relationships and effectively influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Solid understanding of regulatory requirements and compliance obligations in the investment advisory industry.
• Well-developed analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a keen eye for detail.
• Highly analytical mindset with the ability to leverage data and insights to drive informed investment decisions.

Qualification & Experience Required

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field. Advanced degree (MBA, CFA) is highly desirable.
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in private banking, investment advisory, or wealth management, with a strong track record in managing high-net-worth clients.
• Strong business acumen and strategic thinking capabilities, with the ability to translate market insights into actionable business strategies.
• Proven ability to drive growth, manage change, and optimize operational efficiencies within an investment advisory firm.
• Possesses all the required licenses and certifications as per DFSA regulatory guidelines.
• Strong leadership skills, with experience in managing and developing a team of investment professionals.