Bank Frick has expanded its international operations with the opening of a branch in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), after receiving a license from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA).

The license allows the branch to arrange investment business. It may also provide lending and custody services, as well as deliver financial services for Bank Frick in Liechtenstein.

The branch has begun operations on the 17th floor of the Emirates Financial Towers.

It is led by Stefan Rauti, Head of International Banking Solutions, who has been with the bank for 15 years in various management roles.

The Dubai branch will serve professional clients across the Middle East.

These include crypto companies, asset managers, family offices, corporate service providers and fund administrators.

Bank Frick intends to develop the branch gradually as a link to its Liechtenstein operations. Rauti has relocated from Balzers to Dubai, and the bank plans to expand the local team over the coming months.

Chief Executive Officer Edi Wögerer said the move aligns with the bank’s broader international strategy.

“Our decision to choose Dubai follows our strategy of further strengthening our position as a product leader, allowing us to contribute our expertise internationally in a targeted manner,”

he said.

He added that the new branch would bring the bank closer to its existing clients while also supporting market expansion.

Bank Frick has focused on providing banking products and services tailored to crypto-related businesses.

Rauti said the market entry reflects this long-term focus, noting that Dubai has developed into a key centre for financial and digital asset activity.

He highlighted the UAEs’ strong growth rates and rising trading volumes, which have positioned the country as one of the larger markets for crypto-based assets.

Featured image credit: Bank Frick