Swiss private bank Maerki Baumann has expanded its operations into the United Arab Emirates digital asset market following regulatory approval from Abu Dhabi Global Market authorities. The approval places the bank under the supervision of ADGM’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority, allowing it to formally operate a Middle East hub from Abu Dhabi. This move underscores growing institutional interest in regulated crypto banking services across the region and reflects rising demand from blockchain-focused businesses in the Middle East.
With regulatory clearance in place, Maerki Baumann has reinforced its international footprint in crypto banking. The bank has indicated that its UAE presence is designed to support blockchain, crypto, and Web3 companies by offering dependable access to core financial infrastructure. Abu Dhabi’s continued efforts to position itself as a regulated digital asset hub have contributed to increased demand for compliant banking partners capable of serving sophisticated technology-driven enterprises.
Focus on Technology Ventures and Web3 Entrepreneurs
The expansion strategy places a strong emphasis on technology ventures and crypto entrepreneurs, enabling the bank to extend its services beyond its traditional European base. By entering the UAE market, Maerki Baumann aims to advance its global private banking strategy while aligning with the rapid growth of Web3 activity in the region. The bank’s permanent establishment in Abu Dhabi is expected to improve engagement with regional blockchain companies and foster closer collaboration with local stakeholders.
Operating locally allows Maerki Baumann to deepen relationships with digital asset firms that require banking partners familiar with both regulatory expectations and emerging technologies. As demand for compliant crypto banking solutions rises, the UAE has emerged as a strategic destination for institutions seeking to bridge traditional finance and decentralized innovation.
ARCHIP Brand Anchors Digital Asset Services
The Middle East hub will operate under the ARCHIP brand, which consolidates Maerki Baumann’s offerings for clients active in the crypto ecosystem. Through this platform, the bank provides a range of services including corporate accounts, liquidity management, trading, custody, staking, and broader digital asset management. These services are structured to meet the operational and regulatory needs of blockchain-native companies as well as established institutions entering the sector.
Maerki Baumann’s involvement in the digital asset industry dates back to 2019, when crypto services began shaping its strategic direction. Over time, the bank has developed expertise in connecting traditional banking frameworks with digital assets. This experience now supports its Middle East expansion, enabling the institution to apply lessons learned in Switzerland to a rapidly evolving regional market.
𝗠𝗮𝗲𝗿𝗸𝗶 𝗕𝗮𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗻 𝗲𝗿𝗵ä𝗹𝘁 𝗟𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗻𝘇 𝗳ü𝗿 𝗡𝗶𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗯𝘂 𝗗𝗵𝗮𝗯𝗶
Wir haben von der Aufsichtsbehörde der Freihandelszone Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) die regulatorische Zulassung zur Eröffnung einer Niederlassung in Abu Dhabi… pic.twitter.com/LUqBCKbMvI
— Maerki Baumann Privatbank (@MaerkiBaumann) February 5, 2026
Hybrid Operating Model Ensures Consistency
The bank’s operating structure combines local presence with centralized expertise. Relationship managers based in Abu Dhabi will serve clients across the Middle East, while core services and support functions continue to be delivered by teams in Zurich. This hybrid model is intended to maintain consistency in service quality and regulatory standards across jurisdictions.
Operational support will be provided by the Tech Banking department in Zurich, which has experience serving hundreds of crypto-focused clients globally. By extending this expertise to the UAE, Maerki Baumann aims to reduce onboarding friction for new clients and ensure continuity in compliance and risk management practices.
Leadership and Governance Continuity
The Middle East hub is led by Andreas Froehlicher, the former general counsel of Maerki Baumann, who has played a key role in shaping the bank’s crypto strategy since 2019. Based in Abu Dhabi, Froehlicher reports to Deputy Chief Executive Officer Lukas S. Risi. This leadership structure is designed to preserve governance stability and uphold consistent compliance standards during the bank’s international expansion, an approach that is particularly attractive to institutional crypto clients.
Broader Industry Shift Toward the UAE
Maerki Baumann’s move reflects a wider industry trend, as other Swiss banks have also increased their crypto-related activities in the UAE. Institutions such as Julius Baer and UBS have signaled growing interest in digital asset services across Abu Dhabi and Dubai, driven by client demand and supportive regulatory frameworks. Collectively, these developments highlight the UAE’s rising importance within the global regulated crypto banking landscape, as institutions seek jurisdictions that balance innovation with compliance.
