Investment holding companies and high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) in the UAE have access to private banking and wealth management services that differ significantly from standard SME banking. Here is a guide to UAE private banking and investment banking for HNWIs.
UAE Private Banking Overview
UAE private banking services are available to HNWIs with typically USD 500,000–1,000,000+ in assets under management (AUM). Major UAE private banks: Emirates NBD Private Banking, First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) Private Banking, Mashreq Private Banking, and international private banks with UAE licences (UBS, Credit Suisse DIFC, Standard Chartered Private Banking DIFC, HSBC Private Banking DIFC, Citigroup Private Bank UAE). Services: portfolio management, alternative investments (private equity, hedge funds, real estate), trust and family office services, UAE property financing, and international estate planning.
Private Banking Minimum AUM
| Bank | Minimum AUM |
|---|---|
| Emirates NBD Private | AED 1.5M (USD 400K) |
| FAB Private Banking | AED 1.5M (USD 400K) |
| HSBC Private DIFC | USD 2M |
| Credit Suisse DIFC | USD 5M |
| UBS DIFC | USD 5M |
Investment Products Available to UAE HNWIs
UAE-based HNWIs can access: UAE equity market (ADX, DFM — Dubai Financial Market, NASDAQ Dubai), UAE real estate investment (commercial and residential), private equity and venture capital (Abu Dhabi Diversified Co-Investment Programme, ADIO co-investment), international equities and bonds (via private bank managed portfolios or DIFC-regulated brokers), and alternative investments (structured notes, real estate funds, private credit).