Chief Investment Officer

Location Dubai
Discipline: Private & Public Markets
Job type: Permanent
Contact name: Amira Richards

Contact email: amira.richards@venturesearch.com
Job ref: 3431
Published: about 10 hours ago

Chief Investment Officer - Emerging Markets Trading/Investments
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

We are partnered with a leading independent European financial services group, widely recognised for its expertise in fixed income, FX, equities, derivatives, and economic research. With a strong franchise across emerging markets (EM) and developed economies, the group has a long-standing reputation for delivering innovative solutions to institutional clients globally. The firm is seeking a highly experienced and entrepreneurial CIO to lead its Dubai operations. This is a senior leadership role, responsible for defining the regional investment strategy, building out the local platform, and strengthening the firm’s position as a partner of choice for investors seeking exposure to emerging markets, fixed income, FX, and multi-asset strategies.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Define and execute the firm’s investment strategy for the GCC and Middle East.
  • Lead the build-out of the Dubai investment office, including team leadership and strategic growth.
  • Oversee portfolio management, asset allocation, and risk management across EM fixed income, FX, and multi-asset strategies.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with institutional clients, sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and UHNWIs.
  • Partner closely with the European headquarters to align on global strategy, leverage research, and ensure consistency of investment views.
  • Ensure compliance with DFSA regulations and uphold the firm’s governance standards.
  • Represent the firm at industry events, client forums, and media engagements in the Middle East.

Candidate Profile:

  • 15+ years of experience in asset management, investment banking, or trading, with a strong focus on emerging markets and/or fixed income.
  • Previous senior leadership role (CIO / Head of Investments / Senior PM) with a proven track record of success.
  • Strong network across sovereign wealth funds, institutional investors, and family offices in the GCC.
  • Deep understanding of macro, EM debt/FX, and multi-asset investment strategies.
  • Demonstrated ability to build and scale investment platforms, ideally in a new market environment.
  • Exceptional leadership, communication, and client relationship management skills.
  • English fluency essential; Arabic or Spanish advantageous.