New research has uncovered large differences between the understanding, attitudes and engagement of UAE investors with different nationalities.
The report, carried out by financial solutions provider, Old Mutual International, and investment management firm, Quilter Cheviot, identified UK expats as the most risk averse while non-resident Indians (NRIs) were the most informed on their investment portfolios.
The research found that 48 percent of UK expats in the UAE believe they are “risk averse”, compared to an overall average of 32 percent. US expats were in line with the average at 32 percent while 21 percent of European expats (excluding UK) identified themselves as risk averse, and NRIs charted as the least at 17 percent.
The largest percentage identifying themselves as risk takers were NRIs (33 percent), followed by European (21 percent), UK expats (20 percent), and just 16 percent of Americans.
The research also found that NRIs are more involved in their investments compared to other nationalities with 92 percent reviewing their investment portfolio either monthly or quarterly with their adviser, compared to 79 percent of European respondents, 58 percent of Americans and 53 percent of Brits.
This level of engagement was also demonstrated by NRI’s knowledge of their investments as 75 percent, ahead of other nationalities.
The survey also revealed that more investors from Dubai (32 percent) identified themselves as risk takers, compared to 22 percent from Abu Dhabi, while 39 percent from the capital claim to be risk averse compared to 26 percent from Dubai.
Brendan Dolan, regional director, Middle East and Africa, for Old Mutual International said: “It is perhaps no surprise that investors have different behaviours and expectations depending on their nationality, as cultural and geographic variances play a key part in shaping who we are.
“These differences highlight the extent to which financial advisers and providers need to tailor their approach to meet a range of expectations.”
