Etihad Capital & Saxo Bank Democratize Investment: A New Era for UAE & GCC Investors
DUBAI, UAE – December 26, 2025 – In a move poised to reshape the investment landscape for individual investors across the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, Etihad Capital PJSC and Saxo Bank have announced a groundbreaking model manager agreement. This isn’t just another partnership; it’s a fundamental shift in access, bringing sophisticated, institutional-level portfolio management directly to the fingertips of everyday investors. This is a breaking news development with significant SEO implications for the financial tech sector.
Beyond Trading: A New Model for Portfolio Management
The deal, finalized in Dubai this month, goes far beyond simple trade execution and custody. Etihad Capital will now be empowered to design and oversee professionally managed portfolios, accessible through Saxo Bank’s globally recognized digital trading platform. Think of it as having a dedicated investment team, but without the hefty price tag or high minimum investment requirements traditionally associated with such services. Etihad Capital takes the reins on crucial decisions – asset allocation, portfolio construction, and ongoing supervision – while Saxo Bank provides the robust technology infrastructure, seamless trading access, secure custody, and comprehensive reporting.
This collaboration isn’t born from scratch. The two companies have been building a relationship since 2017, initially focusing on expanding digital market access and providing a range of asset trading services. However, this new framework represents a significant evolution, extending the scope to include discretionary portfolio solutions – a game-changer for individual investors.
Why This Matters: Bridging the Investment Gap in the Gulf Region
The GCC has witnessed explosive growth in retail investment over the past decade, fueled by the convenience of online platforms and increased market accessibility. But a significant gap has persisted. While individual transactions have soared, sophisticated, decentralized model portfolios and systematic asset allocation strategies have largely remained the domain of institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals. This partnership directly addresses that imbalance.
“We’re targeting individual investors who want structured investments across a variety of asset classes but don’t want to be burdened with making their own asset allocation and risk management decisions,” explained an executive familiar with the deal. The model portfolios will cater to a diverse range of risk profiles and investment horizons, with a focus on diversification and long-term growth, rather than chasing short-term gains.
How the Model Manager Structure Works: Simplicity and Accessibility
The beauty of this arrangement lies in its simplicity. Etihad Capital functions as the investment manager, leveraging its local expertise, while Saxo Bank provides the scalable infrastructure to deliver those strategies to end clients. Investors access these investment strategies directly through the Saxo Bank platform, with all execution, monitoring, and reporting handled digitally. This streamlined process significantly reduces the barriers to entry for discretionary asset management.
Traditionally, managed accounts often come with complex operational requirements, customized management guidelines, and substantial minimum investment amounts. This new structure eliminates many of those hurdles, offering professionally designed portfolios within a regulated framework that prioritizes transparency in portfolio composition, risk profile, and performance reporting – a crucial element given increasing regulatory scrutiny in Gulf markets.
The Rising Demand for Managed Solutions & The Future of Investing
The demand for performance-driven investment solutions is surging across the Gulf region as private investor participation matures. Regulators are increasingly emphasizing suitability, disclosure, and long-term investment performance. Recent market volatility has also underscored the limitations of short-term trading strategies for many individual investors. Portfolio-based solutions offer a compelling middle ground between self-directed investing and personalized wealth management.
Naeem Holding, the parent company of Etihad Capital, views this deal as part of a broader strategy to expand access to professional investment opportunities throughout the Middle East. Saxo Bank, meanwhile, emphasizes its long-standing commitment to supporting more digital and regulated investment models in the region. The first model portfolios are slated for launch in early 2026, with plans to introduce additional strategies – including fixed income, thematic investments, and broader multi-asset approaches – to cater to evolving investor preferences. This launch is expected to draw attention from competitors and regulators alike, potentially setting a new standard for digital retail banking solutions.
This partnership isn’t just about two companies joining forces; it’s about empowering a generation of investors in the Gulf region with the tools and resources they need to build a secure financial future. It’s a testament to the power of combining local investment expertise with global technological innovation, and a clear signal that the future of investing is here – and it’s accessible to all.
Stay tuned to Archyde.com for continued coverage of this developing story and in-depth analysis of the evolving investment landscape in the Middle East. Explore our finance section for more insights into global market trends and investment strategies.
