Jason Sean O’Leary
Executive - Financial Services
Dubai
Summary
Dynamic board-level executive with over 30 years of experience steering multi-jurisdictional financial and investment businesses across the UAE, GCC, and Asia-Pacific regions. Proven track record in strategic planning, P&L management, regulatory engagement, and transformative business initiatives. Expertise in building and leading high-performance teams while executing successful market entries that drive significant revenue and asset growth for private companies, family offices, and regulated entities. Extensive collaboration with boards, shareholders, and government bodies ensures sustainable and profitable growth.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Managing Partner
St. James’s Place Asia & Middle East
01.2018 - Current
- Managing Partner with full P&L responsibility for operations across UAE, Hong Kong, and Singapore, overseeing teams of 50+ advisors and support staff. Co-owner of Horizon Private Wealth, a Partner Practice of St. James’s Place, responsible for strategic growth, operational leadership, and regulatory compliance.
- Key Achievements:
- Led market entry into Dubai post-DFSA licensing, leveraging extensive regional network to accelerate growth.
- Directed largest M&A transaction in Hong Kong for St. James’s Place, integrating teams and systems.
- Increased regional assets under management by double-digit percentages year-on-year.
- Developed and delivered training programmes to enhance advisor productivity and client service standards.
Executive Manager, Middle East / General Manager, Qatar
deVere Group
01.2010 - 01.2018
- Led operations across six GCC offices, reporting to the CEO of one of the world’s largest financial advisory groups. Accountable for business development, regulatory compliance, and profitability in multiple jurisdictions.
- Key Achievements:
- Established and grew Qatar office from 3 to 50 staff, ranking in global top 5 for two consecutive years.
- Oversaw multi-office operations with combined revenues exceeding USD 20M.
- Built personal portfolio of HNW clients and consistently ranked among top 10 consultants in the region.
Co-Founder & Partner
Lets4U
01.2003 - 01.2010
- Built a UK residential property portfolio of 25 units.
Finance Director
City Estates
01.2002 - 01.2007
- Managed £35M development project and major asset sales.
Corporate Manager
National Westminster Bank
01.1989 - 01.2002
- Managed high-value corporate portfolios, including a £365M PLC acquisition.
Education
International Certificate - Wealth Management
Chartered Institute of Securities and Investments
Chartered Institute of Banking - undefined
3 A-Levels - Maths, Accounts, Economics
Skills
- Execution of strategic initiatives
- Profit and loss management
- M&A project management
- Regulatory Engagement (DFSA, QFCRA)
- Stakeholder collaboration
- Global team management
- Governance and risk oversight
- Wealth management expertise
- Comprehensive financial management
- Cost management strategies
- Operational efficiency management
- Revenue growth
Accomplishments
- Grew Qatar office from 3 to 50 staff within 5 years, ranking top 5 globally in performance.
- Co-led multi-million-dollar M&A integration in Hong Kong, consolidating St. James’s Place practices for scale and profitability.
- Established DFSA-licensed office in Dubai, achieving significant AUM growth within the first year.
- Directed multi-country operations (UAE, Qatar, Singapore, Hong Kong) with combined revenues exceeding USD 50M.
- Negotiated and executed strategic partnerships with local shareholders, regulators, and international stakeholders.
Interests
Sailing (qualified Day Skipper), golf, squash, fitness
Timeline
Managing Partner
St. James’s Place Asia & Middle East
01.2018 - Current
Executive Manager, Middle East / General Manager, Qatar
deVere Group
01.2010 - 01.2018
Co-Founder & Partner
Lets4U
01.2003 - 01.2010
Finance Director
City Estates
01.2002 - 01.2007
Corporate Manager
National Westminster Bank
01.1989 - 01.2002
Chartered Institute of Banking - undefined
3 A-Levels - Maths, Accounts, Economics
International Certificate - Wealth Management
Chartered Institute of Securities and Investments
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