Walid Shash

Walid Shash has been driving Union Bancaire Privée's MEA strategy since 2005, establishing himself as a cornerstone of the Geneva-based private bank's expansion in the region. Since January 1, 2024, he has served as co-head of the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region alongside Mohamed Abdellatif, a strategic leadership restructuring designed to support accelerated growth initiatives.

Shash holds an undergraduate degree from The American University in Cairo, equipping him with deep regional knowledge and networks. Prior to his current leadership role at UBP, he worked as a Director at Commercial International Bank - Egypt (CIB) SAE, where he developed expertise in institutional and corporate banking across the Middle East and North Africa.

As senior managing director and head of Middle East and Africa at UBP, Shash has articulated a clear growth strategy centered on organic expansion and strategic acquisitions, including UBP's 2015 acquisition of Coutts International from RBS. Under his leadership, UBP manages over USD 12 billion in wealth for its Middle Eastern clients and targets doubling this business within five years.

Career History

• Co-Head of Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, Union Bancaire Privée (since January 1, 2024)
• Senior Managing Director, Head of Middle East and Africa, Union Bancaire Privée
• Director, Commercial International Bank - Egypt (CIB) SAE

What Shash could bring to his co-leadership role at Union Bancaire Privée: With two decades of experience in MENA banking and an established track record leading UBP's MEA expansion since 2005, Shash brings deep regional expertise, established client relationships with ultra-high-net-worth individuals and institutional clients, and a proven M&A execution capability. His appointment as co-head recognizes his strategic vision for organic and inorganic growth—positioning UBP to capitalize on the region's accelerating wealth concentration and institutional capital flows.