Lloyd’s TSB, the UK bank, is planning to open a full-scale branch network in the GCC, in a sign that more international banks are going to make efforts to break the branch restrictions currently placed on them by regulatory authorities.

Local banks in the GCC offer far more job opportunities at the moment. They currently account for 77.4% of total assets in the region because they have access to government fund surpluses and no restrictions on their branch networks.

Lloyds currently has a regional hub in Jumeirah and four more customer service centres in Arabian Ranches, Healthcare City, the Green Community and Uptown Mirdiff.

Bert De Ruiter, managing director of Lloyds TSB Middle East, says: “We would love to have more branches, especially in Abu Dhabi, and are currently talking to the Central Bank. I would be really pleased if we got a full banking licence in the second half of this year.”

The UAE has also been under pressure to open up its banking sector to foreign competition. Throughout 2007 the aggregate assets of foreign banks increased by 30.4% and local banks by just 22.1%, according to a study by Abu-Dhabi investment bank the National Investor.

Barbara Van Meir, director of recruiters WoodHamill Ingram Dubai, says: “Retail banks persistently strive to differentiate themselves from their rivals by offering innovative products and services to attract and retain customers. Naturally, this economic growth, coupled with increased demand for consumer finance, has meant hiring within this sector has risen over the past six to 12 months.”

As for choosing between local or multinational banks, James Storey, consultant at Michael Page in Dubai, says it depends where you hail from.

“Locals are obviously happy working for local banks. If people are from Europe you have a split between those getting involved with local organisations or those sticking with multinationals. People from the sub-continent, however, are keen to get names like Barclays and Lloyds on their CVs over the local banks.”

What are you worth? Retail banking monthly salaries UAE (AED)

Branch manager

31,500 ($8,576)(average)

23,000 ($6,262) (low)

40,000 ($10,890)(high)

Head of credit cards

57,500 ($15,519) (average)

45,000 ($12,251) (low)

70,000 ($19,058)(high)

Head of cards operations

47,500 ($12,932) (average)

35,000 ($9,529) (low)

60,000 ($16,336) (high)

Head of retail

67,500 ($18,242)(average)

50,000 ($13,613) (low)

85,000 ($23,143) (high)

Product officer

15,000 ($4,084) (average)

10,000 ($2,722) (low)

20,000 ($5,445) (high)

Product manager

35,000 ($9,529) (average)

25,000 ($6,806) (low)

45,000 ($12,251) (high)

Head of product development unit

45,000 ($12,251) (average)

35,000 ($9,529) (low)

55,000 ($14,974) (high)

Chief operating officer

72,500 ($19,575) (average)

55,000 ($14,850) (low)

90,000 ($24,300) (high)

CEO

125,000 ($33,750) (average)

100,000 ($27,000) ((low)

150,000 ($40,500) (high)

Country head

150,000 ($40,500) (average)

130,000 ($35,100) (low)

170,000 ($45,900) (high)

Source: The Charterhouse Partnership