Associate Director, Priority Banking

Standard Chartered is hiring in Dubai for the Associate Director, Priority Banking. The bank’s Wealth and Retail Banking division serves affluent and emerging affluent clients across a global footprint, offering a blend of traditional banking services, investments and wealth planning solutions. With about 25,000 colleagues spread over 35 countries, the group values agile ways of working and a client-centred approach. The role is onsite in Dubai and would suit someone who enjoys building lasting client relationships and delivering tailored banking and investment solutions in a dynamic market.

The role focuses on creating new relationships and onboarding new clients while continuing to service a portfolio, using clear communication, strong negotiation and a commitment to excellent customer service. It blends leadership with risk awareness and cross‑functional collaboration to drive growth in Priority Banking across the region.

If you’re drawn to leading high‑value client conversations, shaping strategy, and guiding teams to provide top‑tier financial solutions, this could be a great match.

Day-to-day rhythm in priority banking

You’ll craft strategic plans to grow revenue and support the bank’s digital initiatives while steering the business toward practical, measurable outcomes.

You’ll generate new business to meet targets for customer numbers, volumes and revenue, paying attention to product mix, liabilities and transactional activity to drive a balanced portfolio.

You’ll onboard all new-to-bank clients brought in by branches and the direct sales team, and you’ll develop sales call plans to win large prospects through referrals.

You’ll keep Sales MIS updated with calls, prospects, attritions and business done, ensuring the team can track progress and learn from activity.

You’ll manage customer expectations, address and reduce complaints, and deliver professional service that supports high levels of satisfaction and long‑term retention.

You’ll lead by example, shaping the culture and values while working with risk and control partners to maintain a safe, compliant environment.

You’ll ensure KYC/AML updates are completed and documentation is accurate with zero errors, and you’ll be vigilant for signs of suspicious transactions or money laundering or forgery.

You’ll uphold strict compliance with Anti‑Bribery, Anti‑Money Laundering and financial crime risk procedures, and you’ll pursue the SCA license within six months of joining, followed by timely CPD commitments after licensing.

What the ideal candidate brings to the role

• A proven track record as a sales and relationship manager with experience across banking and investment products, plus strong communication and negotiation skills that help you influence outcomes.
• Ability to network effectively and coordinate across departments to deliver on shared goals.
• Interpersonal skills and leadership that energise teams and cultivate a collaborative environment.
• Sound knowledge of capital markets and financial planning concepts.
• An SCA certification, or plan to obtain it within six months of joining.

• Understanding of the UAE business environment with direct contacts among local high‑net‑worth clients is a plus.
• Comfort working in a multicultural environment.

Pay, benefits and practical details

The role offers a competitive salary and benefits aligned with Standard Chartered’s Fair Pay Charter, designed to support mental, physical, financial and social wellbeing.

You’ll receive core retirement savings funding, medical and life insurance, plus flexible and voluntary benefits available in some locations.

Time off includes annual leave, 20 weeks of parental/maternity leave, a 12‑month sabbatical option, volunteering leave and a minimum total of 30 days off per year when combining standard annual leave and public holidays.

Flexible working options are available, with arrangements based around home and office locations. The bank also provides wellbeing resources through Unmind, development courses for resilience and other human skills, an Employee Assistance Programme, sick leave and mental health support through on‑site first‑aiders and other self‑help tools.

There is a commitment to continuous learning and reskilling, with access to learning resources across physical, virtual and digital formats. The organisation values diversity and inclusion, aiming to give everyone space to realise their full potential.

Advice for applicants

Lead with your track record in sales and relationship management across banking and investment products, and show concrete outcomes you’ve achieved, like revenue growth or successful onboarding of new clients. Put this at the top of your résumé so recruiters can see your fit quickly.

Demonstrate your ability to onboard new‑to‑bank clients and manage a portfolio, and highlight how you collaborate with branches and direct sales teams to win large prospects.

Be ready to discuss your experience with KYC/AML processes and the SCA licensing pathway, and describe how you would partner with risk and controls in daily work.

Ask a smart question about how the role interfaces with risk and control partners and the timeline for obtaining the SCA license, including CPD expectations after licensing.