First Abu Dhabi Bank

Hana Al Rostamani has served as Group Chief Executive Officer since January 2021, overseeing all strategic and investment banking functions. Investment decisions cascade through the wholesale banking and global markets divisions, with direct equity and proprietary investments managed under the bank's asset management and private equity teams. Major strategic moves require board-level approval, where Abu Dhabi's sovereign-linked directors hold significant sway given the government's controlling stake.

FAB is not a sovereign wealth fund itself but functions as the primary onshore banking partner for Abu Dhabi's sovereign entities, including Mubadala Investment Company, ADQ, and the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority. The Abu Dhabi government, through Mubadala and other state vehicles, is FAB's largest shareholder. The bank regularly co-invests, provides leverage facilities, and offers advisory services to these sovereign entities while maintaining independent commercial banking operations under UAE Central Bank regulation.

FAB executes both direct investments and fund commitments. Its asset management division runs direct private equity and alternative investment portfolios, often participating as a strategic co-investor in UAE-centric energy, infrastructure, and real estate transactions. The bank also acts as a limited partner in regional and global private equity funds, though its direct co-investment and balance-sheet lending activity is larger in dollar terms than its fund commitments.

FAB's investment banking division concentrates on the Gulf Cooperation Council, broader Middle East and North Africa, and select Asian markets, including India and China. Sector emphasis tracks Abu Dhabi's economic diversification priorities: energy and renewables, infrastructure, real estate, financial services, and technology. The bank led or participated in landmark regional deals such as the $20.7 billion ADNOC gas pipeline transaction in 2020.

FAB actively co-invests alongside both regional sovereign investors and global alternative asset managers when transactions align with Abu Dhabi's strategic interests. The bank deploys its balance sheet selectively for co-investment opportunities in energy infrastructure, logistics, and financial services. These co-investments are typically structured as equity stakes or mezzanine financing rather than blind-pool commitments, reflecting a preference for direct exposure and deal-level control.