A recent HSBC survey highlights significant financial planning gaps among UAE residents, with 25% uncertain about their financial future after leaving the country and 8% having no retirement strategy at all.
A comprehensive survey conducted by YouGov for HSBC has unveiled crucial insights into the financial preparedness of UAE residents planning to live or retire outside the Emirates. The study reveals that one-quarter of respondents are uncertain about their long-term financial plans, indicating potential economic challenges for the expatriate community.
Key findings from the survey show that among those considering moving abroad, the most significant obstacles include:
- Complex cross-border financial management (28%)
- Insufficient income (18%)
- Lack of prior financial planning (16%)
In response to these challenges, HSBC has introduced an innovative digital tool called Future Planner, available through its mobile app. This first-of-its-kind platform in the UAE allows users to simulate financial scenarios, track progress toward key goals like retirement, and forecast net worth over time.
“The UAE is one of the world’s most international markets, and our customers’ lives and finances often span countries and currencies,” said Dinesh Sharma, HSBC’s Head of International Wealth and Premier Banking for the Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye.
The survey also highlighted evolving priorities among UAE residents, with 34% of adults identifying health and wellbeing as a top concern over the past year. HSBC’s new Premier banking offering reflects these changing dynamics, structured around four key pillars: wealth, health, travel, and international services.
Notably, HSBC’s World Trader platform has seen remarkable growth, with a 535% increase in trading value in the first half of 2025 and assets under management rising 75% to $883 million, demonstrating growing investment appetite among UAE-based clients.
As part of its expansion strategy, HSBC has opened its first Middle East Wealth Centre in Dubai’s Jumeirah district and partnered with Dubai Opera for the 2025–2026 season, underlining its commitment to serving affluent customers in the region.
