Sarwa, one of the GCC’s investment and personal finance platforms, has surpassed $1 billion in client assets under management (AUM), becoming the first homegrown UAE fintech to reach this milestone.
Reached amid ongoing global and regional uncertainty, the milestone signals both the resilience of the UAE’s financial infrastructure and the growing confidence of individual investors. It also reflects a broader shift underway in the UAE, where retail investors are playing an increasingly active role in shaping the future of financial markets.
“When we started, many said retail investing would not work in MENA. They thought investors here were different. Crossing $1 billion in client assets proves otherwise. The demand was always there. What was missing was trust, access, and a simple product built by a great team. Retail investors in this region were underserved. Now, we see not just participation, but investors building portfolios with performance only once thought possible for institutions,” said Mark Chahwan, Group CEO and Co-founder of Sarwa.
Sarwa’s growth mirrors the rapid evolution of the UAE’s economy over the past decade. “This milestone belongs to our clients,” said Jad Sayegh, Co-founder and CTO of Sarwa. “It’s their portfolios, their discipline, and their long-term mindset. What we’re seeing now is the result of retail investor discipline.”
In 2021, Mubadala led the company’s Series B funding round, reinforcing Sarwa’s position as one of the UAE’s earliest digital wealth platforms. Ali Eid AlMheiri, Executive Director of Diversified Assets at Mubadala, said: “Since our investment under the MENA Venture Capital Fund in 2021, Sarwa has continuously demonstrated how technology expands access to investing and supports participation in financial markets. Reaching $1 billion in client assets is a meaningful milestone that reflects both the strength of Sarwa’s platform and the growing maturity of the UAE’s fintech ecosystem.”
The GCC fintech sector is expanding quickly, projected to grow at a 15% compound annual growth rate through 2030. With only 6% of UAE residents invested in stocks, bonds, and funds – a number significantly below developed countries like the US – the UAE is witnessing the early days of its projected growth. The UAE is establishing itself as a leading global hub for innovation, financial or otherwise, supported by strong infrastructure, forward-looking regulation, and increasing digital adoption. This environment has enabled startups like Sarwa to scale into regional players.
Sarwa plans to build on this momentum by continuing to expand its offerings and deepen access to investing for individuals across the region.
