Canada's BMO Financial Group is launching a representative office in Abu Dhabi, to cover the Middle East and North Africa asset management and investment banking markets.

"The investment management market in the Middle East amounts to more than $2 trillion and is growing rapidly," said William Smith, head of Europe and Middle East at the banking group.

To lead the new office the firm has appointed Joseph Georgie as general manager, who has been responsible for the bank's relationships in the region for over 15 years already. Alongside Georgie, Firas Mallah, managing director, Middle East and North Africa for the asset management division, will be based at the office. Mallas will represent the asset management team, based in Toronto and Chicago, as well as a network of asset management boutiques based in Miami, London, Mumbai, Hong Kong and Singapore.

"The opening of our Abu Dhabi representative office exemplifies the growing ties between North America and the Middle East," said Bill Downe, president and chief executive of BMO Financial Group.