Product Development Manager – Asset Management

SUMMARY OF ROLE

To lead the design, development, and continuous enhancement of investment products and solutions under Ahli Bank's Asset Management Division, covering both conventional and Islamic platforms. The role supports the Private Banking and Wealth Management segments by identifying client needs, designing suitable investment offerings, and developing strategic partnerships with global and regional asset managers, fund houses, and product providers.

The position ensures that the bank's product shelf remains competitive, innovative, and aligned with client expectations and regulatory standards, across mutual funds, fixed income strategies, structured products, REITs, sukuk portfolios, and alternative investments.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Product Planning

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive product strategy aligned with Ahli Bank's Asset Management roadmap and the needs of Private Banking and Wealth Management clients.
• Identify product gaps and opportunities across both conventional and Shariah-compliant investment solutions.
• Conduct market and competitor benchmarking to ensure Ahli Bank's offerings remain differentiated in terms of performance, cost, and innovation.
• Collaborate with senior management to align product pipeline with the division's AUM growth, profitability, and strategic priorities.

Product Design & Development

• Lead the end-to-end process of product design, from ideation to launch, ensuring products meet client demand, profitability thresholds, and regulatory/Shariah standards.
• Prepare concept notes, business cases, and product proposals for submission to the Product and Investment Committees.
• Coordinate with internal teams (Investment, Legal, Compliance, Risk, Operations, and IT) to structure, price, and operationalize new funds, mandates, or products.
• Integrate digital enablement and data analytics into product design for improved client experience and reporting.

Strategic Partnerships & Third-Party Product Onboarding

• Develop partnerships with leading local, regional, and international asset managers to expand Ahli Bank's product shelf through feeder funds, white-label mandates, or distribution agreements.
• Conduct due diligence on third-party managers and platforms to ensure suitability, alignment with client needs, and compliance with regulatory and Shariah requirements.
• Negotiate commercial terms and monitor ongoing performance of external partnerships.

Product Management & Enhancement

• Oversee the lifecycle management of all products, ensuring periodic review and enhancement to maintain performance and client relevance.
• Lead enhancements and restructuring initiatives in response to market changes or regulatory updates.
• Develop comprehensive product documentation (fact sheets, term sheets, KIDs, and marketing material) in collaboration with compliance and marketing.

Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to the bank's product governance framework, approval hierarchy, and internal control standards.
• Maintain complete documentation of product approvals, amendments, and performance reviews to ensure transparency and audit readiness.
• Work closely with Legal, Compliance, and Shariah teams to ensure full regulatory compliance across both conventional and Islamic offerings.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the product and partnership interface between Asset Management, Private Banking, and Wealth Management divisions.
• Provide training and product briefings to Relationship Managers and Investment Advisors to improve product understanding and client engagement.
• Support marketing campaigns and client communications related to product launches and investment insights.

Client Experience & Customization

• Work with client-facing teams to design bespoke investment solutions for UHNW clients and institutions, including discretionary mandates or tailored portfolios.
• Align all product designs with client risk profiles, liquidity needs, and investment objectives.

Market Intelligence & Innovation

• Stay updated with global and regional wealth management trends, including ESG, digital assets, private markets, and alternative investment vehicles.
• Proactively recommend new product ideas, enhancements, or partnerships based on client insight and market developments.
• Benchmark against leading private banks to ensure the bank's product suite remains cutting-edge, competitive, and value-driven.

Requirements

• Education
  : Bachelor's degree in finance, Business Administration, or Economics or related field
• Experience
  : Minimum of 7–10 years of experience in product development, wealth management, or investment solutions, preferably within Asset Management and/or Private Banking

o Strong knowledge of investment products (structured products, mutual funds, discretionary mandates, private equity, and alternative investments).

o Sound understanding of regulatory frameworks, compliance processes, and risk management principles within private banking.

o Proven ability to translate client needs and business strategy into innovative product propositions.