Etihad Capital’s expansion into retail segment underpins global outreach strategy 

Backed by two decades of serving high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors, Etihad Capital is entering the retail segment through a new app as part of its broader global outreach strategy.

“Our expansion into retail is not a shift in strategy but a natural evolution,” Ahmed Karkar, senior vice president of wealth management and investment, told IFN Investor. “We saw successful global examples and realized we have the expertise and capacity to offer similar services.”

The Etihad Select portfolios, offered via an app white-labeled from Saxo Bank, went live on the 12^th January 2026, marking the formal launch of the firm’s retail proposition. 

Previously, products required minimum investments ranging from US$100,000 to US$500,000. The new Etihad Select portfolios carry no minimum investment threshold, significantly widening access compared to the firm’s traditional private client model. Through the app, these opportunities become accessible with lower entry barriers.

The client base is globally diversified, with investors residing within and outside the GCC.

The retail move reinforces the operational distinction between Etihad Capital and its parent group, NAEEM.

The app offers six actively managed, themed portfolios aligned to varying risk profiles. Both conventional and Shariah options are available covering commodities, AI and technology equities, crypto assets as well as money market instruments.

Regulated by the UAE Capital Market Authority, Etihad Capital is also exploring REIT opportunities in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the UAE as part of its pipeline.