Independent trade specialist Falcon is continuing its Middle East expansion by hiring Mohammad Shafi to the Dubai office.

Shafi will be a major asset to the boutique firm as he has joined from HSBC where he was director for the bank’s corporate banking division.

“After 12 years working at HSBC based in Dubia [Shafi] has much experience working with multinational clients, which will fit well with Falcon’s global operations,” Falcon says in a statement.

“I have a deep understanding of the business environment here.”

Shafi is also eager to use his vast experience in the region to drive Falcon’s growth: “Having spent nearly 20 years working in Dubai, I have a deep understanding of the business environment here. This, together with my strong commercial relationships, should help Falcon to continue its growth throughout the Middle East,” he notes.

“It is very exciting to be involved with this process.”

The hire comes as part of a growth strategy for the firm in the Middle East; in September 2010 fellow ex-HSBC banker Shan Weerakoon was hired to build the Abu Dhabi business.