Marie-Laure GASSIER
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Summary
Extensive international banking experience (25 years + ) across 3 continents (Europe, Asia, Middle East).
Expertise both in private banking and corporate banking, with a strong focus on clients relationship (UHNWI) and coverage (aviation sector), credit structuring and risk analysis.
In depth knowledge in aviation and shipping with 15 years focus on business jets and yachts.
Loyalty, adaptability, reliability and strong commitment to deliver results meeting expectations.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work history
MD - Head of Asset Finance & One Bank
First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)
Abu Dhabi, UAE
2025.04 - Current
- Development of the aviation finance franchise for commercial aircraft and business jets (private and corporate clients);
- Business development leveraging the bank’s strong presence in Middle East, using various structures (A to Z transaction responsibility);
- Generate AED 30 mn revenues annually with 30 % growth;
- Coordination between Investment and Private Banking fostering a One Bank approach;
- Speaking engagements at several conferences - Team of 4.
Wealth Management – MD Head of Jet & Yacht finance
BNP Paribas
Geneva, Switzerland
2016.01 - 2025.03
- Development within Wealth Management of a well-recognized jet & yacht franchise for UHNWI
- Portfolio of ~600 MCHF with diversified revenue mix and strong focus on side business and AUM (> 1,5x);
- Numerous client-facing situations and large sectorial network with increasing presence in Dubai;
- Various speaking engagements ( EBACE, Corporate Jet Investors London & Dubai (since 2012), Geneva University.
Corporate & Investment Banking - Transportation Group – Director Aviation Finance
BNP Paribas
Paris, France
2011.01 - 2016.01
- Coverage and financing structuring for a portfolio of European airlines
- Global coverage and development of business jet financing making BNPP a well-known industry player;
- Transaction responsibility from origination to execution including pricing and presentation to credit committee; restructuring and management of special situations with no loss.
- Portfolio of ~780 MUSD; > 40 deals closed from 10 to 300 MUSD;
- Team of 3, adding support staff (middle office, legal, compliance), to the dedicated team.
Wealth Management - Financial intermediaries and family offices segment - Deputy head
BNP Paribas
Paris
2009.01 - 2011.01
- Building up of a B2B offering: credit and dedicated products, execution platform, reporting tools;
- Business development to family offices, external asset manager, small institutions (€ 9.4 bn assets under custody);
Wealth Management Asia - Head of credit structuring - Regional position
BNP Paribas
Singapore
2006.06 - 2009.06
- Credit structuring to UHNWI across Asia;
- Development of the lending offering through new products and countries.
Previous engagements
BNP PARIBAS
Paris, France
1991.03 - 2006.01
Wealth Management International - Credit department - Deputy Head
- Definition of credit policies and financing norms applying to a wide range of investment products
- Leading coordinator for an in-depth review of the credit strategy and portfolio (€ 5.4 Bn) and presentation to BNPP Group management to support business transformation.
Corporate Banking - Credit analyst
Retail banking - Business development
Education
IEP - Sciences Po - Finance and Economics
Toulouse
Master’s Degree - History
Sorbonne University (Paris I)
Skills
- Highly adaptable with strong intercultural skills
- Client oriented approach with excellent commercial skills,
- Ability to leverage a large international network to build partnerships and bring value to ME projects,
- Result driven mindset and ability to provide constructive feedback,
- Proven management experience with ability to ensure coordination on a very transversal basis
- Fluent in English and French / Based in Abu Dhabi
Affiliations
- Board Member (6 years) of the Senior Managers' Association of the BNP Paribas Group ("ACD");
- Chairwoman of the Financiers’ Working Group (6 years) within European Business Aviation Association;
- French Banking Association (AFB) Learning Center
International experience
France, Austria (5 years), Singapore (3 years), Switzerland (9 years), currently living in UAE.
Timeline
MD - Head of Asset Finance & One Bank
First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)
2025.04 - Current
Wealth Management – MD Head of Jet & Yacht finance
BNP Paribas
2016.01 - 2025.03
Corporate & Investment Banking - Transportation Group – Director Aviation Finance
BNP Paribas
2011.01 - 2016.01
Wealth Management - Financial intermediaries and family offices segment - Deputy head
BNP Paribas
2009.01 - 2011.01
Wealth Management Asia - Head of credit structuring - Regional position
BNP Paribas
2006.06 - 2009.06
Previous engagements
BNP PARIBAS
1991.03 - 2006.01
Master’s Degree - History
Sorbonne University (Paris I)
IEP - Sciences Po - Finance and Economics
Toulouse