Swiss private bank Maerki Baumann expands into the UAE after ADGM approval, targeting blockchain, crypto services, and Web3 entrepreneurs.
Swiss private bank Maerki Baumann has expanded into the United Arab Emirates digital asset market. The bank was approved of its regulatory course of action by ADGM authorities. Therefore, it reinforces its international crypto banking presence. The move indicates increasing institutional demand in the Middle East.
Maerki Baumann Gains ADGM Approval for Crypto Banking
Maerki Baumann is now under the control of ADGMs Financial Services Regulatory Authority. As a result, it is able to operate its Middle East Hub from Abu Dhabi. The bank aims to be supportive of blockchain and crypto companies. It plans to make reliable access to important financial infrastructure possible.
According to a press release, the expansion will focus on tech ventures and crypto entrepreneurs. Therefore, services are extended by the bank beyond a European base. This move helps Maerki Baumann enhance his global private banking strategy. It is also in line with the rising Web3 activity in the region.
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With the ADGM licence, Maerki Baumann has settled down permanently on the spot. As a result, it increases interaction and engagement with blockchain companies in the region. Abu Dhabi continues to position itself as a regulated crypto hub. Due to this, the demand for compliant banking partners is increasing.
The Middle East Hub will be under the ARCHIP brand. ARCHIP brings together the bank’s services for the clients of the crypto community. These services include corporate accounts and liquidity management. Additionally, trading, custody, staking, and the management of digital assets are offered.
Maerki Baumann joined the digital asset industry in 2019. Since then, crypto services have influenced the strategic evolution of it. Therefore, the bank gained knowledge in the field of the bridge between traditional banking and digital assets. This experience is now in support of its Middle East expansion.
Local presence makes it easier for Web3 and technology companies. Relationship managers based in Abu Dhabi will be serving regional clients. Meanwhile, the basic services continue to be provided by Zurich-based teams. This structure guarantees consistency and regulatory parity.
Swiss Banks Accelerate Digital Asset Expansion in UAE
The Tech Banking department in Zurich will offer operational support. It has experience supporting hundreds of crypto community clients. As a result, the expertise developed in Switzerland goes directly to UAE operations. This helps to reduce the friction for new clients to get on board.
The leader of the Middle East Hub is Andreas Froehlicher. He is a former General Counsel of Maerki Baumann. His regulatory knowledge informed the bank’s cryptocurrency strategy, dating back to 2019. He is now based in Abu Dhabi.
Froehlicher is responsible to Deputy CEO Lukas S. Risi. Leadership continuity guarantees stability of governance during expansion. Therefore, compliance standards are consistent in different jurisdictions. This approach is attractive to institutional crypto clients.
Maerki Baumann caters to several hundred crypto corporate and private clients worldwide. It takes clients through the process of digital asset adoption. The bank sells itself as a bridge between finance and blockchain. Consequently, it distinguishes the traditional private banks.
Other Swiss banks are also increasing crypto operations in the UAE. Julius Baer ups Abu Dhabi, Dubai activity in early 2026. It previously became the first DIFC wealth manager to offer digital asset custody.
UBS is also working towards crypto services. In January of 2026, there were reports of plans for Bitcoin and Ethereum trading. These services are addressed to select private banking clients. Demand reportedly followed pilots in Hong Kong.
Overall, Maerki Baumann’s expansion is part of a broader shift in the industry. The regulated crypto banking demand still increases globally. Therefore, the UAE has become important in Switzerland. Abu Dhabi’s framework is conducive to digital asset growth compliance.
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