Emirates NBD Signs Pact With JP Morgan Asset Management to Offer Active ETFs Digitally

The agreement is a framework rather than a firm product launch. If it goes ahead, Emirates NBD's retail and wealth customers would get app-based access to a range of actively managed funds covering international markets. Gulf banks are competing to keep a fast-growing pool of local wealth on their own platforms.

Active ETFs trade on exchanges like conventional index funds, but managers pick the holdings instead of tracking a benchmark. JP Morgan Asset Management has been one of the largest issuers of the format globally.

Beyond distribution, the two companies said they would look at co-curated investor education, market insights, digital content, webcasts and events to raise customer awareness and engagement. That includes material from JP Morgan's Market Insights Program, its research and commentary series.

Raed AlJaser, Head of Wealth Management at Emirates NBD, said the partnership would help the bank "bridge regional demand with global market opportunities" and improve the digital customer experience. He tied it to the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to make the emirate a top global financial centre.

Claude Kurzo, Head of Mena at JP Morgan Asset Management, said digital platforms are changing how customers access investments and build long-term wealth. He described the UAE as one of the world's most dynamic wealth markets. "By combining its regional reach and understanding of customers with JP Morgan Asset Management's global investment expertise, digital experience and its Market Insights Program, we have a unique opportunity to develop compelling solutions that support the evolving needs of investors in the UAE," he said.

The announcement gave no timetable for when the funds might appear on Emirates NBD's platforms, which funds would be included, or what fees customers would pay.