Saxo Bank and Etihad Capital Launch Professional Portfolio Access for UAE Retail Investors

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Saxo-Etihad deal democratizes wealth management: UAE retail investors gain access to professional portfolios via digital platform in 2026.

Saxo Bank and Etihad Capital PJSC announced a Model Manager agreement on January 12, 2026, enabling retail investors in the UAE and broader GCC region to access professionally managed portfolios through Saxo's digital trading platform. The partnership represents a significant expansion of the firms' existing collaboration, which dates back to 2017.

Under the agreement, Etihad Capital will create pre-defined model portfolios based on specific investment strategies and risk profiles, made available through Saxo Bank's multi-asset platform infrastructure. The offering is expected to launch in early 2026, with portfolio types including thematic strategies, fixed-income solutions, and diversified multi-asset allocations.

Model Manager Framework Explained

The Model Manager structure enables retail investors to access institutional-grade portfolio management at scale. Investment managers create pre-constructed portfolios aligned with specific strategies and risk objectives, which clients can select based on their personal risk tolerance and investment goals.

This framework differs from traditional advisory models through its operational efficiency. Portfolio managers can make adjustments to model portfolios that automatically replicate across all client accounts using that model, allowing one manager to effectively oversee thousands of portfolios simultaneously. The digital infrastructure automates much of the implementation and rebalancing process.

According to Finance Magnates, the arrangement will operate under UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) regulations, with Etihad Capital holding SCA license number 603036.

Partnership Background and Stakeholders

The January 2026 agreement builds on an eight-year partnership between the two firms. Since 2017, Saxo and Etihad Capital have collaborated to provide global market access, digital onboarding, and multi-asset trading capabilities for UAE clients.

Saxo Bank, a Danish-regulated investment bank founded in 1992, serves approximately 1.5 million clients worldwide with DKK 800 billion (USD 115 billion) in client assets under administration as of May 2025. The bank holds a Systemically Important Financial Institution (SIFI) designation in Denmark and operates through licensed entities across 15 jurisdictions globally.

Etihad Capital PJSC, the investment banking arm of NAEEM Holding, provides asset management and investment advisory services across the GCC region. The Abu Dhabi-based firm operates under SCA oversight and offers services including international markets access, asset management, investment banking, and fund management.

Portfolio Offerings and Features

The new Model Manager initiative will offer three primary portfolio categories:

Thematic Portfolios: Investment models built around specific trends such as technology innovation, renewable energy, or emerging markets
Fixed-Income Strategies: Bond-focused portfolios designed for income generation and portfolio stability, including government bonds, corporate debt, and diversified fixed-income allocations
Multi-Asset Strategies: Diversified portfolios combining equities, bonds, commodities, and real estate instruments to optimize risk-adjusted returns

The partnership focuses on lowering minimum investment thresholds that traditionally excluded retail investors from professionally managed strategies. Through Saxo's platform providing access to over 71,000 instruments across 50+ global exchanges, clients will gain international diversification and professional portfolio construction methodology.

Nicholas Wright, Director and Head of Advanced Solutions and Institutional MENA at Saxo Bank, stated the agreement "builds on that legacy" of the existing partnership, adding that "through the Model Manager structure, more retail investors across the UAE and GCC will have access to diversified, professionally managed portfolios in a digital-platform-first setup."

Democratization of Wealth Management

The Saxo-Etihad partnership reflects broader global trends toward democratizing sophisticated investment products previously available only to institutional investors or ultra-high-net-worth individuals. Digital platforms dramatically reduce the cost of servicing smaller client accounts, while automation enables portfolio management at scale.

The UAE and GCC region presents particularly favorable conditions for this democratization trend, with high smartphone penetration, digital literacy, significant wealth accumulation among Gulf nationals and expatriate professionals, and regulatory frameworks supporting innovation. FinanceFeeds reports the initiative comes as the UAE continues attracting global financial institutions, with record inflows to Abu Dhabi Global Market and Dubai International Financial Centre implementing new regulatory frameworks.

The partnership enters a competitive but rapidly growing market, facing competitors including Interactive Brokers (which recently added UAE equities to its platform), CFI Capital Financial Investments, and local UAE banks offering digital investment platforms.

Launch Timeline

The Model Manager portfolios are expected to become available to retail clients in early 2026, suggesting a Q1 2026 launch window. Implementation requires technology integration between Etihad Capital's investment models and Saxo's platform infrastructure, regulatory approvals from the SCA, and client education materials development.

The January 12 announcement timing suggests the firms are in advanced preparation stages with commercial launch imminent.