“May you live in interesting times”, is a well-known expression where the word interesting is used mischievously to mean troubled, but in terms of the regional development of wealth and investment management, the word very much carries its true meaning as well as its sarcastic slant. Whil e this year has seen geo-politics boost its already established impact on the Middle East, the effects on the sector here have been, in some ways, the proof of its grounding as a global centre for wealth management and investment.

There have been some short-term outflows, but the clear majority of the resident wealthy are staying put, looking at the current circumstances as an isolated challenge rather than a permanent loss of the region’s long-term appeal. However, the effects this has had, has in many cases, been to raise the levels of engagement between clients and their financial services providers as portfolios are adjusted and adapted to allow for rapidly changing circumstances.

Interesting times are also brought about by the pervading presence of AI whose inevitable progress and seemingly unlimited benefits will be readily taken up in the management of HNWIs finances. However it raises questions about how performance can be enhanced while ensuring the bespoke products and attention demanded by clients, as AI can also be a great leveller.

Adding to the interesting nature of our times is the prioritising of digital assets and tokenisation as core economic strategies, with regional governments enacting legislation and building regulatory frameworks to encourage their use. How will these assets work their ways into the portfolios and investment plans of our regions resident wealthy and prosperous communities?

It is true that questions about regional political challenges are legitimate and should always be asked, but it is equally and noticeably true that our region is once again, smartly and thoughtfully, with vigilance and innovation, maintaining its place as a global wealth hub. Maybe in this context the expression should be adapted – “May you live in interest bearing times”.