Liechtensteinische Landesbank AG Shifts Focus from Middle East

In a strategic move that marks a significant shift in its international operations, Liechtensteinische Landesbank AG (LLB) has announced its decision to withdraw from its business locations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. This decision comes after two decades of presence in the Middle East, a region where LLB has been actively expanding its private banking services.

On September 2, 2025, LLB signed a referral agreement with Rothschild & Co Bank AG, entrusting the bank with the responsibility of managing its private banking clients in the Middle East. This partnership is aimed at providing LLB’s clients and employees in the region with new growth opportunities through Rothschild & Co Bank AG, a renowned financial institution.

Christoph Reich, the interim Group CEO of LLB, explained the rationale behind this strategic decision. He emphasized that while LLB has successfully expanded its presence in the Middle East with dedication and passion, the bank is now choosing to concentrate its efforts on its core markets in Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. This refocusing is intended to enhance the support provided to LLB’s international clientele.

The decision to withdraw from Dubai and Abu Dhabi was made after a thorough analysis, reflecting LLB’s commitment to aligning its operations with long-term strategic goals. By partnering with Rothschild & Co Bank AG, LLB aims to ensure a seamless transition for its clients and employees, maintaining strong relationships and fostering continued growth in the region.

This strategic realignment is expected to allow LLB to better leverage its strengths and resources in its primary markets, while still maintaining a presence in the Middle East through a trusted partner. As LLB navigates this transition, it remains committed to delivering high-quality banking services and supporting its clients’ financial aspirations.

In financial terms, LLB’s recent performance has been stable, with a close price of CHF 82.6 as of August 31, 2025. The bank’s price-to-earnings ratio stands at 14.98033, reflecting its market valuation. Despite the strategic shift, LLB continues to offer a wide range of banking products and services, including business start-up loans, corporate financing, home mortgages, asset management services, and investment funds, primarily in its core markets.

As LLB embarks on this new chapter, stakeholders will be closely watching how the bank’s strategic focus on its primary markets will influence its future growth and performance.