Zurich-based Bank Sarasin has roughly $80 billion in assets and saw share prices rise almost 20% last year. With branches already in Bahrain, Dubai and Qatar, it will likely open a representative office in Beirut within two years. Executive interviewed Burkhard Varnholt, Sarasin’s Chief Investment Officer, about his bank, the political situation in Lebanon and the regional economy. E What does Bank Sarasin offer current and potential clients in the region? Our bank offers dedicated client wealth management services and asset management for private and institutional investors. We have no integrated banking model because we feel it strengthens our franchise as there is no conflict of interest. We one-sidedly look after our client’s assets. We do no brokerage, no securities underwriting, no private equity, no corporate advisory or any other kinds of business often combined with private banking. E Why is Sarasin thinking about opening an office in Lebanon? We
