Emirates NBD, one of the UAE’s leading banking institutions, has formed a strategic alliance with global asset management leader BlackRock to develop a cutting-edge investment platform tailored for its high-net-worth clients. This platform will grant exclusive access to alternative investments, specifically targeting private markets.
The new initiative will primarily focus on private credit and multi-alternatives, leveraging BlackRock’s renowned Alternative Investments platform, which oversees more than $450 billion in assets. The platform will be managed by Emirates NBD Asset Management, ensuring a seamless integration of the offerings into the bank’s existing wealth management services.
According to the joint announcement, the partnership aims to introduce an initial selection of evergreen investment products designed to cater to income and growth strategies for UAE investors. These products will be available on an exclusive basis to wealth clients in the region. 
The collaboration also sees BlackRock bringing its open architecture approach into play, providing crucial support to Emirates NBD Asset Management in expanding its private markets services. This includes services such as marketing, education, training, and advanced technology solutions to help clients navigate the complexities of private markets.
The long-term ambition of the partnership is to “democratize access to alternative assets,” enabling clients throughout the Middle East to tap into a broader range of investment opportunities across various asset classes.
This development follows closely on the heels of Emirates NBD’s recent collaboration with India’s Pine Labs to enhance its merchant acquiring services, further underscoring the bank’s commitment to expanding its digital and institutional offerings.
