Christiane El Habre is a highly respected leader in the financial services sector, serving as the Regional Managing Director for the Middle East at Apex Group Limited. With more than 20 years of experience, she has played a vital role in shaping the investment and asset management industry across the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Under her leadership, Apex Group has become one of the region’s most trusted financial service providers, managing assets worth over 150 billion US dollars. Her leadership is defined by innovation, growth, and a strong commitment to building sustainable capital markets in the Middle East.
Beyond her corporate roles, she is deeply committed to developing the next generation of talent. She serves as Chair of the Nurture Committee at LIFE, where she drives scholarship programs, mentoring initiatives, and opportunities that empower Lebanese students and young professionals globally.
My Story Christiane El Habre
I grew up in Lebanon during a time of instability, and those early years shaped the woman and leader I became. Watching my family navigate uncertainty taught me resilience, responsibility, and the importance of building a secure future rooted in discipline and purpose.
My journey started early, and almost by chance, when I stepped into the world of finance. What began as an unexpected path quickly became my greatest source of fulfillment. I discovered an industry that challenged me, inspired me, and pushed me to grow. I never looked back or regretted a single step.
Starting my career in Lebanon’s financial sector, I learned to prove myself in a male-dominated environment where expectations were high and opportunities had to be earned. Those early challenges strengthened my confidence, grit, and ability to thrive under pressure. Finance became the perfect fit, a blend of strategy, problem-solving, global thinking, and the power to create real, lasting impact.
The UAE became the place where my journey expanded. This country gave me opportunity, trust, and a platform to build, lead, and dream bigger than I ever imagined. It became the home where my career evolved and my purpose solidified.
Every chapter since has strengthened my leadership. Today, I am proud to lead Apex’s Middle East transformation growing assets, engaging deeply with regulators across the region, expanding across the GCC, and building a platform that empowers investors while developing the next generation of talent. This work matters to me because it shows how vision, consistency, and a strong team can reshape an entire ecosystem.
Along the way, I learned one of my most valuable lessons: consistency beats intensity. Show up, do the work, and push forward, especially in difficult moments. Quiet discipline changes everything.
What drives me now goes far beyond numbers. I want to leave a meaningful footprint by opening doors for young professionals, especially Lebanese talent, modernizing financial infrastructure across the region, and building bridges between global markets. I hope to be remembered as a leader who transformed systems, empowered people, and led with heart.
If I could speak to my younger self, I would tell her to trust her instincts earlier, take bolder risks, and remember that her voice is stronger than she thinks.
This is my journey one that started by chance, grew through resilience, was elevated by the UAE, and continues with purpose.
Leading Apex Group Limited’s Expansion in the Middle East
Since October 2023, Christiane El Habre has led Apex Group Limited’s Middle East operations with remarkable success. Apex Group Limited is a global financial platform that operates in more than 50 countries, managing assets valued at over 3.5 trillion US dollars. Under her direction, the company has significantly expanded its presence in the Middle East.
Her focus is on delivering comprehensive financial solutions to asset managers, family offices, sovereign wealth funds, and corporations. Thanks to her strategic guidance and deep understanding of the market, Apex Group Limited has doubled its assets under administration in the region in just a few years.
She also plays a key role in navigating the complex regulatory landscapes of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and other GCC nations. Her expertise in compliance, paired with her ability to identify emerging opportunities, has positioned Apex Group Limited as a trusted financial partner across the region.
Career Journey A Path of Leadership and Expertise
Her career spans a series of senior leadership roles that shaped her deep expertise in finance, strategy, and governance.
She began at Apex Group Limited as Head of Strategic Business Development for the GCC before taking on the role of Regional Managing Director for the Middle East, where she leads the firm’s regional growth, regulatory engagement, and operational transformation.
Before joining Apex, she served as Partner and Board Member at Elkho Group, contributing to strategic direction, governance frameworks, and cross-border business expansion.
Earlier in her career, she was CEO and Executive Board Member of FFA Private Bank for more than 12 years, gaining extensive experience across private banking, asset management, and investment banking, overseeing the bank’s expansion, institutional relationships, and multi-jurisdictional operations.
Her academic foundation includes a Finance degree from Saint Joseph University of Beirut, complemented by advanced leadership programs at IE Business School and Oxford’s Saïd Business School.
Beyond her corporate roles, she is deeply committed to developing the next generation of talent. She serves as Chair of the Nurture Committee at LIFE (Lebanese International Finance Executives), where she drives scholarship programs, mentoring initiatives, and opportunities that empower Lebanese students and young professionals globally.
Key Skills and Specializations
She brings expertise across business strategy, capital markets, valuation, investment banking, team leadership, cross-border negotiation, private banking, asset management, and regulatory compliance. She is also deeply committed to financial innovation and the role of fintech in transforming client experiences.
Her thought leadership often focuses on the region’s investment opportunities, private capital, and the evolving regulatory environment.
Vision for the Middle East’s Financial Future
She envisions the Middle East becoming a global hub for private capital and financial innovation, driven by sustainable development, transparency, client-centric solutions, cross-border investment, and economic diversification.
Her leadership blends global best practices with regional insight to build a resilient financial ecosystem.
A Role Model for Arab Women Leaders
Christiane El Habre stands as a symbol of strength and vision among Arab women leaders. Her achievements inspire young professionals, especially women seeking success in finance. She demonstrates how determination, expertise, and consistent leadership can open doors across the industry.
Beyond Work Commitment to Growth and Mentorship
Her story extends beyond her professional achievements. She is dedicated to lifelong learning, personal growth, and mentorship. She supports women in overcoming industry barriers and champions financial literacy and inclusion across the region.
Her balanced approach emphasizes resilience, continuous learning, and creating a positive impact beyond the boardroom.
Conclusion
Christiane El Habre’s leadership is transforming the financial services landscape across the Middle East. With her vision, experience, and commitment to innovation, she continues to strengthen Apex Group Limited’s position as a leading financial service provider while reshaping the region’s investment ecosystem.
Her journey reflects the essential role Arab women leaders play in building a prosperous and globally connected Middle East.
Do connect her on LinkedIn
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