United Financial Planners, the Hong Kong-based financial holding company, has recently launched a new investment bank in the Dubai International Financial Centre.

United Investment Bank, the new entity, will focus primarily on the needs of high net worth individuals and institutional clients, especially those with considerable interest in emerging markets. Based in Dubai, it is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority and will offer clients access to opportunities not just in the Middle East, but also in Brazil, China, Africa, and Eastern Europe.

"Emerging markets remain an important investment focus area, as do developing investment products backed by tangible assets or based on industries with high growth potential," Raul Silva, the newly-appointed chief executive of United Investment Bank, said in a statement.

The bank will initially offer advisory services, domestic and cross-border merger and acquisition assistance and structuring, asset management, and custody services. It intends to play a major role in the inbound and outbound M&A deals in the region through treasury and advisory offerings. In addition, it is authorised to develop the same services through a Shariah-compliant route.