The office will also act as a bridge to provide a wide variety of asset management and investment banking services to its clients in the region, said the firm.
BMO Financial Group president and chief executive officer Bill Downe said that the opening of Abu Dhabi representative office exemplifies the growing ties between North America and the Middle East.
"After nearly half a century of close client relationships in the region, BMO is proud and honoured to become the first Canadian-based bank with a presence in Abu Dhabi. We look forward to strengthening our long-standing ties with the region and to developing many more strong and fruitful relationships in the years ahead," Downe added.
BMO has named Joseph Georgie as general manager for the regional representative office, who were taking care of its relationships with financial institutions in the Middle East and North Africa for more than 15 years.
BMO global asset management Middle East and North Africa managing director Firas Mallah will also assist at the office, guiding a team of asset managers based in Toronto and Chicago, and a global network of investment specialist boutiques in Miami, London, Mumbai, Hong Kong and Singapore.
As of 31 March 2012, BMO Financial Group owned total assets of $538bn and provides a broad range of retail banking, wealth management and investment banking products and solutions.
