The background to the new office opening is that many Nordic residents have bought properties in the Mediterranean region. In parallel with this, it is believed that the pandemic will prompt more people to buy homes abroad and that many will take advantage of the opportunity to work remotely, given more flexible work methods.
“We are seeing a greater international need among our home market customers, as more are choosing to move or invest abroad. As part of our strategy we see the new representative office as an important step in delivering greater value to our customers by being located near them,” says William Paus, head of SEB's newly established Private Wealth Management & Family Office division.
On top of serving as a branch that offers customers assistance with local needs, the office in Nice will provide a meeting place with a lounge and various meeting rooms that customers can use, enabling them to host various types of meetings and mingles with customers. Customers will continue to be offered investment advice and financing solutions from SEB’s office in Luxembourg or in the bank’s home markets. The office in Nice is planned to open during the second quarter of 2022.
“France is one of the division’s most important markets outside of the Nordic region,” notes Ole Hamre, head of PWM&FO International. “Having a physical presence in France will make it possible for us to strengthen existing customer relationships, international business and networking activities."
SEB's office in Nice will primarily serve customers in the PWM&FO division.