Winning Gen Z clients with technology

A new wave of investors - young, tech-savvy, and socially connected - is demanding a digital-first approach

- GN FOCUS REPORT

In the UAE, where private banking has long been defined by marble floors, exclusive lounges, and discreet in-person meetings, a quiet revolution is under way.

A new wave of investors - young, tech-savvy, and socially connected - is demanding a digital-first approach that is reshaping how wealth is managed and relationships are built.

Historically, high-net-worth clients in the Gulf region have valued face-to-face interactions and long-standing personal relationships with their bankers. But the next generation isn't walking into branches - they're logging in. They expect seamless digital platforms, real-time engagement, and financial insights served up on the same channels they use every day. This generational shift is being led by Gen Z - those born between 1997 and 2012 - who are entering the investment world with very different expectations from the clients of decades past. They've grown up in a world of instant access, AI-curated content, and hyper-personalisation. And they're bringing that mindset into their financial lives.

"Private banks must completely rethink their approach when it comes to Gen Z customers. This generation demands more than traditional wealth management products. They expect digital first approach, personalisation of services and offerings, strong commitment to values, sustainability and social impact, as well as transparency around fees and ethical investing options," says Basit Sajid Saiyed, Head of Wealth Management at Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank.