It was my absolute pleasure to be included in a special feature published by Asian Private Banker at the end of last year. The interview, conducted alongside some of the most well-known figures in the private banking arena in the region, outlined strategies designed to assist clients protect and grow their wealth while navigating current market volatility and the myriad of geopolitical tensions.

In terms of equity markets, developed regions like the US and Europe appear set to offer promising returns particularly in the technology, energy and healthcare sectors. Closer to home for Asian private banks, markets such as Japan and India stand out. Private equity, private credit and real assets like real estate and infrastructure will likely remain attractive due to their lower level of correlation with public markets. The new development will be the introduction of cryptocurrencies into balanced portfolios buoyed by the support of the sector from the incoming US administration.

The interview focussed on the fact that the Middle East, and particularly the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has emerged as an important hub for private wealth management. The UAE’s expanding real estate market, including luxury residential and commercial properties, remains a strong draw particularly for clients seeking stable, dollar-pegged assets in a tax-friendly jurisdiction.

Asian HNWIs are increasingly looking to the Middle East for opportunities in sectors like infrastructure, renewable energy, and technology that align with regional economic diversification agendas such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Conversely, Middle Eastern investors are exploring Asia’s fast-growing markets, particularly in technology and consumer sectors creating reciprocal investment flows.