Spotlight on Christiane El Habre
Regional Managing Director – Middle East, Apex Group | Visionary Leader in Financial Services 2025
Christiane El Habre is a distinguished leader in the financial services sector, currently serving as the Regional Managing Director for the Middle East at Apex Group. With a rich career spanning over two decades, Christiane has been instrumental in shaping the investment and asset management landscape across the GCC. Her strategic vision and operational expertise have helped Apex solidify its position as the region’s leading financial service provider, managing assets exceeding $135 billion. Christiane’s leadership reflects a deep commitment to innovation, growth, and fostering sustainable capital markets in the Middle East.
Current Role and Leadership Impact
Since October 2023, Christiane El Habre has been at the helm of Apex’s Middle East operations, driving strategic growth and operational excellence across a dynamic and rapidly evolving market. The Group, a leading global financial services provider operating in over 50 jurisdictions with assets under administration surpassing $3.4 trillion, has seen its Middle Eastern footprint expand significantly under her stewardship.
Christiane’s leadership focuses on delivering comprehensive financial solutions to a diverse clientele including asset managers, family offices, sovereign wealth funds, and corporates. Her expertise in business strategy, capital markets, and investment banking has been pivotal in doubling Apex’s assets under administration in the region within recent years.
Her role involves navigating complex regulatory environments across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and other GCC countries, ensuring compliance while capitalizing on emerging opportunities. Christiane’s ability to build strong client relationships and foster partnerships has enhanced Apex’s reputation as a trusted partner in the Middle East’s financial ecosystem.
Professional Journey
Christiane’s extensive career is marked by senior leadership roles and strategic advisory positions:
- Apex Group : Progressed from Head of Strategic Business Development for the GCC (June–October 2023) to Regional Managing Director – Middle East (October 2023–Present), leading regional expansion and client engagement.
- Elkho Group: Partner and Board Member for over five years, contributing to strategic decisions and governance.
- FFA Private Bank: CEO and Executive Board Member for over 12 years, where she honed her expertise in private banking, asset management
Her academic foundation includes a degree in Finance from Saint Joseph University of Beirut and advanced leadership training at IE Business School and Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, where she completed the Oxford Fintech Program.
Specializations and Research Contributions
Christiane’s core skills and areas of expertise include:
- Business Strategy & Development: Crafting and executing growth strategies that align with market dynamics and client needs.
- Capital Markets & Investment Banking: Deep understanding of equities, corporate finance, valuation, and investment banking processes.
- Management & Negotiation: Leading high-performing teams and negotiating complex deals in multi-jurisdictional contexts.
- Banking & Financial Services: Extensive experience in private banking, asset management, and regulatory compliance.
- Fintech & Innovation: Leveraging emerging technologies to enhance financial services delivery and client experience.
Her thought leadership often focuses on the Middle East’s unique investment landscape, highlighting private capital growth potential and the evolving regulatory frameworks that shape investor confidence.
Vision and Legacy
Christiane El Habre envisions the Middle East as a global hub for private capital and financial innovation. She advocates for sustainable growth driven by transparency, regulatory excellence, and client-centric solutions. Under her leadership, Apex aims to deepen its regional presence, empower local markets, and facilitate cross-border investment flows that contribute to economic diversification.
Her legacy is one of transformative leadership that bridges global best practices with regional insights, fostering an inclusive financial ecosystem that supports long-term prosperity.
Honoring an Arab Leader
Christiane El Habre exemplifies the power of visionary Arab women leaders shaping the future of finance in the Middle East. Her strategic foresight, operational expertise, and commitment to excellence make her a role model for aspiring professionals across the region.
The Arab Leaders platform proudly honors Christiane for her outstanding contributions to the financial services industry, celebrating her as a beacon of leadership, innovation, and impact in 2025 and beyond.
