Through exclusive conversations with senior private banking leaders in the Middle East, Euromoney explores five forces reshaping the region’s wealth management landscape.

With its strong growth, strategic initiatives and technological advancements, NBK Wealth stands out for its private banking offering in Kuwait.

In the dynamic heart of the UAE, ADCB Private and Wealth Management has established itself as a regional powerhouse, carving a distinct niche as a trailblazer in serving high net-worth (HNW) individuals. Its exceptional performance has earned the group the Middle East's best private bank award.

In a year marked by geopolitical flux and a surge of ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) individuals relocating wealth to the UAE, Emirates NBD Private Banking has emerged as a leading steward for wealthy individuals and families in the region.

In a region synonymous with rapid wealth creation and intensifying competition for high-net-worth (HNW) clients, ADCB Private and Wealth Management has solidified its position as a leader in the Middle East.

ADCB Private and Wealth Management has solidified its position as a leader in investment research across the Middle East, driven by a rigorous analytical framework, digital innovation, and a client-centric approach tailored to the region’s evolving wealth landscape.

Lighthouse Canton excels in wealth management services, demonstrated by a 124% year-on-year jump in revenues during the awards period, with client assets spiking 53.5% growth.

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) has emerged as the Middle East's leader in sustainable private banking courtesy of its pioneering climate initiatives and robust ESG integration across operations and client offerings.

In a region where cross-border wealth dynamics and the aspirations of ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) clients define the private banking landscape, HSBC has reinforced its position as a cornerstone of global financial connectivity. Leveraging a century-long legacy in the Middle East and a Swiss private bank entity that serves as its international hub, the firm cultivates a unique blend of localised expertise and institutional scale – a combination that resonates deeply with the region’s entrepreneurial elite.

National Bank of Oman (NBO) saw very strong financial performance over the review period, led by its impressive product offering and portfolio management solutions.

With a market share of over 30%, Qatar National Bank has a strong presence in the country, having enhanced its investment opportunities and digital banking solutions.

GFH Financial Group stands out for providing a wide range of attractive alternative investment opportunities with sustainable returns.

ADCB Private and Wealth Management has demonstrated excellent financial growth, commitment to sustainability and digital innovation over the review period.

ADIB Private Banking showcased once again its commitment to digital transformation and customer-centric innovation strategy over the review period. These efforts highlight ADIB Private Banking’s dedication to being a digital-first financial institution, with digital initiatives positioned at the centre of its strategy.

Jordan Kuwait Bank (JKB) takes the best private bank award in Jordan, anchored on an enhanced product offering and strong financial performance over the review period.

HSBC has solidified its position as a leader in fund selection across the Middle East, driven by a combination of rigorous methodology, expansive product diversity and a forward-looking approach tailored to regional preferences.

Lombard Odier has secured its position as the Middle East’s best for discretionary portfolio management (DPM). Judges praised the bank's "very strong business proposition", particularly noting the "clear articulation of strategy, detailed coverage of team structure and very comprehensive coverage of impact in Middle East" which distinguished its submission.

As the largest generational wealth transfer in history unfolds – with an estimated $84.4 trillion poised to shift hands by 2045 – Goldman Sachs has positioned itself as a critical architect of intergenerational continuity.

Julius Baer has emerged as a leader in philanthropic advisory across the Middle East, blending structured wealth stewardship with purpose-driven initiatives that resonate with the region’s growing emphasis on legacy and social impact.

As Middle East families navigate generational wealth transfers, Emirates NBD Private Banking positions itself as the architect of choice for heirs demanding autonomy, digital fluency, and values-aligned investing. The Dubai-based firm has cemented its leadership through a strategy of relentless innovation and intergenerational empathy.

Lombard Odier has cultivated a distinct presence in the Middle East, blending Swiss heritage with a deep understanding of regional values. The bank's excellence in private banking is driven by innovation, sustainability and bespoke client services, with judges particularly noting its strong focus on fund selection, digital solutions and alternative investments.

SAB’s strength in the private banking sector has been demonstrated across multiple areas, especially when it comes to investment opportunities and digital solutions.

HSBC’s chief investment office (CIO) has distinguished itself in the Middle East through a blend of institutional rigour, client-centric innovation, and cross-border collaboration, earning acclaim for its strategic foresight and execution.

UBS has reinforced its leadership in family-office services across the Middle East, leveraging its global scale, institutional expertise and deep regional integration to address the multifaceted needs of ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) families and institutional clients.

In a region where alternative investments have become a refuge for institutional and high-net-worth investors seeking stability amid global volatility, Bahrain-based GFH Financial Group has carved out a distinct niche. With $21 billion in assets under management and a laser focus on defensive sectors such as logistics, healthcare and renewable energy, GFH’s recognition as Middle East’s best for alternative investments underscores its ability to marry rigorous due diligence with agile execution.

RMB Private Bank is the leading private bank in South Africa due to its commitment to innovation, client-centric solutions and investment excellence. Over the review period, the bank refined its private banking offering, integrating powerful digital capabilities with expert advisory services to deliver value to its clients.

Barclays Private Bank is an international wealth management powerhouse in Africa. The UK lender celebrates its regional centenary this year, with a history in Africa that stretches back to 1925.

FNB is redefining excellence in private banking and wealth management. This year, Euromoney named the South Africa-based outfit the best private bank in Africa, as well as the region’s best for succession planning and serving ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) individuals. 

At the heart of Nedbank Private Wealth’s investment strategy is a disciplined and values-based philosophy, geared toward long-term and carefully considered decision-making. The private bank’s approach ensures it maximises returns for clients across entire market cycles, and focuses on investing in high-quality companies heavy on long-term growth potential.

For generations, Standard Bank Wealth and Investment has been a leader in serving high-net-worth clients and families. Its offering integrates a host of different services, including fiduciary, lending, insurance, banking and advisory. Beyond this, the South Africa-based private bank fosters deep relationships via its Generational Wealth Strategy, and its unique events and thought leadership programmes, making it Africa’s leading bank for high-net-worth (HNW) individuals.