Both bankers have joined Nedbank from Lloyds TSB International Private Bank in Dubai, which in May this year announced its plans to close the branch.
At Lloyds TSB, Jones was responsible for managing the portfolios of private and high net worth clients across the GCC region, while Beattie has worked in advisory and business development roles at the bank’s Dubai and Jersey offices for 12 years.
Andrew Bates, who was promoted to Nedbank’s head of Middle East and Asia in July, said that the bank was committed to focussing on the Middle East and Asia as its bigger international counterparts start scaling back their presence in the region.
“In a regional environment where other international banks have either withdrawn or scaled back operations recently, these new appointments clearly demonstrate our commitment to this market and our clients, plus our belief in the growth prospects of the region," he said.
Nedbank, which is owned by South African company Old Mutual, rebranded from Fairbairn last year. The bank first opened its Middle East office in 2011.