Dubai’s Leading Bank Joins Forces with BlackRock
March 25, 2025
Dubai-based banking giant Emirates NBD has announced a strategic partnership with BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, to enhance access to private markets and alternative investments. This collaboration aims to provide high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and affluent investors with opportunities traditionally reserved for institutional players.
Expanding Access to Alternative Investments
Historically, private equity, private credit, and alternative assets have been inaccessible primarily to retail and wealth management clients. This initiative aligns with projections indicating that alternative assets are expected to reach $30 trillion by the decade’s end.
Key Benefits of the Partnership:
- Access to diversified private market investments
- Enhanced investment strategies combining income and capital appreciation
- Advanced risk management and technology-driven solutions
- Educational resources for investors to understand alternative asset classes
Leveraging BlackRock’s Expertise
BlackRock, managing over $450 billion in alternative assets, brings its global expertise to Emirates NBD’s private wealth clients. The firm will provide:
- Investment products tailored for regional investors
- Marketing, education, and training support
- Technology-driven portfolio management solutions
BlackRock’s Alternative Investment ecosystem is renowned for its private credit, infrastructure, and venture capital expertise, giving Emirates NBD a competitive advantage in the Middle Eastern financial landscape.
Leadership Insights
Marwan Hadi, Group Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management at Emirates NBD, emphasized the importance of innovation:
“We are pleased to partner with BlackRock to offer best-in-class alternative market products while supporting the growing needs of regional investors.”
Rachel Lord, Head of International at BlackRock, highlighted the expected surge in private market allocations:
“The combination of Emirates NBD’s distribution capabilities and BlackRock’s expertise in private markets will provide Middle Eastern investors with an unparalleled investment proposition.”
Implications for Middle Eastern Investors
With Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds and HNWIs increasing their allocations to private markets, this partnership represents a pivotal shift in the region’s investment landscape. According to a Preqin Report (2022), private market assets under management (AUM) are expected to exceed $18 trillion globally by 2027.
Why This Matters for Investors:
- Diversification: Exposure to non-traditional asset classes
- Reduced Volatility: Private market investments are less correlated to public markets
- Institutional-Grade Strategies: Access to strategies previously exclusive to pension funds and hedge funds
Final Thoughts
The Emirates NBD-BlackRock partnership is a landmark move that aligns with global investment trends. It provides Middle Eastern investors with institutional-quality access to private markets. As demand for alternative investments grows, this collaboration strengthens Emirates NBD’s position as a leading wealth management institution in the region.
With increasing regulatory support and investor appetite for diversified portfolios, this initiative could redefine how HNWIs and institutional investors engage with alternative assets in future years.
