The Bank’s CIO expects risky assets to remain supported by a soft-landing macro backdrop, though investors will need to navigate energy prices, equity supply, investor positioning and central bank policy in H2 2026.

For investors in the UAE and wider Middle East, evolving energy dynamics and easing geopolitical risk premiums following the US-Iran interim deal are expected to support sentiment, while stable oil prices and strong regional liquidity continue to underpin investment activity and diversification opportunities.

Against this backdrop, the CIO remains Overweight global equities, with a preference for the US and Asia ex-Japan, alongside selective opportunities in fixed income and alternatives.

Reflecting this stance, the CIO team sees further upside in key asset classes, with a target of 7,950 for the US S&P 500 index and USD 5,100 for gold by mid-2027, underscoring the role of equities as a core growth driver and gold as a strategic portfolio diversifier.

Global equities rose more than 12% year-to-date, supported by strong earnings and AI-driven optimism, despite geopolitical tensions, higher oil prices and elevated bond yields.

While this momentum is expected to extend into H2, investors will need to be more nimble as markets adjust to four key pivot points: energy prices, equity supply, investor positioning and central bank policy.  

In the Middle East, including the UAE, oil market developments remain particularly relevant. While the interim US‑Iran agreement may ease supply constraints and soften prices, the pace of recovery in physical flows and inventory rebuilding is why energy prices are unlikely to immediately return to start-of-year levels, a key factor shaping inflation expectations and investment opportunities.

Ayesha Abbas, Managing Director and Head of Affluent and Wealth Solutions, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and UAE at Standard Chartered, said: “UAE investors are entering the second half of 2026 from a position of strength. The region continues to benefit from supportive liquidity conditions and the stabilisation of oil markets. In this environment, we are seeing strong demand for diversified portfolios that balance growth opportunities in global equities with income strategies such as Emerging Market USD bonds, alongside gold as a strategic hedge. For internationally minded clients in the UAE, staying invested and well-diversified will be key to capturing opportunities as markets evolve.”

UAE depreciation rules just gave real estate a quiet but valuable upgrade. For owners who elect the realisation basis—deferring tax until sale—the guidance now allows a capped annual deduction up to 4% on original cost or written-down tax value even when properties sit at fair value. That tweak won’t change the reasons to own property; it will change how the asset performs inside a tax-aware portfolio.

UAE depreciation rules: what changed

Historically, businesses faced a trade-off. If you valued property at fair value, you gained market-reflective reporting but lost depreciation. If you used historical cost, you kept depreciation but sacrificed market alignment. The new guidance removes that friction. Consequently, you can keep fair-value reporting and recognise year-on-year tax relief—while still taxing gains on realisation.

How UAE depreciation rules lift internal returns

Property isn’t judged only by appreciation. Cash flow, tax outcomes, and reinvestment capacity matter just as much. Here, the annual deduction acts like an efficiency dividend: it offsets taxable income, raises post-tax returns, and frees cash for debt reduction, maintenance capex, or growth. Even at 4%, the effect compounds across multi-year holds and multi-asset portfolios, especially where liquidity needs are modest.

Fair value plus depreciation: a cleaner model for allocators

With depreciation now available under fair value, asset allocators can compare real estate more cleanly with private equity, listed securities, and insurance portfolios. Assumptions for tax and cash flow become clearer. Moreover, fair-value carrying amounts keep balance sheets aligned with market conditions, while the deduction provides recurring relief that supports stable planning.

CFO checklist: capturing the UAE depreciation benefit

1) Confirm the realisation basis. Ensure the election is in place and tied to the relevant entities.
2) Map the cap. Model the 4% limit by asset; prioritise where cash-flow uplift is most material.
3) Align books and tax. Keep fair-value for reporting; maintain disciplined tax bases and schedules.
4) Optimise structure. Revisit SPVs, intercompany leases, and financing so deductions land against income.
5) Pre-commit reinvestment. Direct freed cash to deleveraging, resilience capex, or higher-yield opportunities.
6) Document governance. Evidence valuations, elections, and controls to reduce audit friction.

Risks and realities: keep perspective

This is a tailwind, not a thesis. Real estate remains a long-horizon asset with rate, liquidity, and operating-cost sensitivities. Tenancy quality, interest cover, and capex discipline still drive outcomes. Cross-border groups should coordinate transfer pricing and substance to avoid leakage. In short, use the rule to improve performance; don’t rely on it to create performance.

Strategic takeaway: predictability that compounds

Small, rules-based changes can meaningfully enhance strategy. The updated UAE depreciation rules convert property from a passive store of value into an active contributor to tax planning and capital management. Just as importantly, they signal policy predictability—guidance that supports investment without favouring any single structure. For owners building across decades, that predictability underpins steadier decisions, clearer reporting, and healthier reinvestment cycles.

Bottom line: Real estate still stores capital, diversifies risk, and stabilises wealth. Now, with fair-value depreciation in play, it also works harder inside the portfolio.

Check out our previous post, Wio Xero integration simplifies UAE SME accounting

As decentralized finance gains global traction, DeFi Technologies’ compliance strategy is setting a new benchmark in digital asset management. By aligning its infrastructure with regulatory requirements and future-proofing through quantum security, the company is redefining how traditional investors access and trust the decentralized economy.

How Infrastructure Experience Drives DeFi Technologies Compliance Vision

Chase Ergen’s background in satellite and telecom shaped his outlook on digital finance. Having worked on cryptographic systems at Dish Network in his teens, he grew fascinated with decentralized architecture. Discovering Bitcoin in 2010, he was less intrigued by the asset than the protocol powering it: a transparent, distributed network with real-time data security.

“Blockchain, telecom, and quantum encryption all share the same foundation: secure information over distributed systems,” says Ergen. “We’re connecting that legacy with next-gen finance.”

His early exposure to encryption now influences DeFi Technologies’ investment in quantum-secure systems, a critical step as AI and quantum computing become central to fintech’s evolution.

Making DeFi Accessible — Without Compromising Compliance

As the first Nasdaq-listed digital asset manager of its kind, DeFi Technologies has built trust frameworks that rival traditional institutions. With third-party audits, financial disclosures, and partnerships with tier-1 custodians, the firm ensures compliance while offering exposure to high-liquidity, secure protocols like Ethereum and Solana.

Importantly, DeFi doesn’t operate in a silo. “We collaborate with protocol developers to better assess risks and governance,” Ergen explains. Their DeFi Alpha division also creates volatility-aware trading strategies, marrying performance with regulatory alignment.

Strategic Growth: From Bitcoin Mining to 1,000 ETPs

The team behind DeFi Technologies co-founded HIVE Blockchain, the first publicly listed Bitcoin miner. They also introduced XBT Tracker to Nasdaq Stockholm in 2015—well ahead of institutional crypto adoption. That experience now fuels their product strategy.

Through Valour, the company has launched over 65 exchange-traded products (ETPs) and aims to cross 100 by the end of 2025. By 2030, they plan to offer 1,000 globally, covering everything from tokenized assets to stablecoins and quantum-secure infrastructure.

“We’re not just issuing crypto products,” says Ergen. “We’re building rails for the next wave of financial infrastructure.”

A Diversified Revenue Model, Built for Sustainability

DeFi Technologies earns fees through assets under management (AUM), similar to traditional fund managers. ETPs offer liquid, regulated access to crypto markets, while internal divisions like Stillman Digital (institutional services) and Reflexivity (research) further enhance revenue and agility.

Unlike speculative token-based projects, their model focuses on infrastructure, compliance, and risk-mitigated growth—elements that attract both retail and institutional clients.

Scaling Globally, Region by Region

As DeFi scales, compliance by jurisdiction is vital. The company is publicly listed in North America, active in Europe, and recently expanded into the UAE, which it views as a global regulatory innovation hub. According to Ergen, “Dubai and Abu Dhabi are shaping the narrative for secure and compliant crypto adoption.”

This flexible, region-by-region approach allows DeFi Technologies to grow responsibly without stalling innovation.

Planning for a Quantum-Driven Future

DeFi Technologies’ roadmap is future-oriented—both in product and security. The company is closely aligned with BTQ Technologies, a quantum cybersecurity firm chaired by CEO Olivier Roussy Newton. As quantum threats rise, the need for next-gen security becomes urgent.

“We’re not waiting for threats to arrive,” says Ergen. “We’re protecting the financial infrastructure of tomorrow—today.”

Check this out, previous news: Blockchain Applications Beyond Cryptocurrency in GCC Finance

Direct TT, one of the world’s leading financial consultancy firms and part of the DTT Group, a globally recognized and regulated financial services provider, acquired the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) license for Financial Consultancy and Financial Analysis. The DTT Group further announced its plans to invest USD 10 million over the next two years in its regional operations and fintech research and development.

As part of the acquisition, Direct TT will offer its clients regulated, reliable financial research and analysis, along with scientific data based on more than 25 years of experience, to forecast price trajectory and future trends for the forex, stocks, CFDs, precious metals, and energy markets. In addition, the license permits Direct TT to introduce customers to financial services from SCA-licensed entities and promote financial products through marketing and advertising.  The move represents a significant step towards becoming a regional and global financial market leader.

H.R.H Dr. Saif Al-Islam Bin Saud Bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud, Chairman of the Board, DTT Group, commented: “The region has firmly established itself as a global financial hub, with its strong and diverse economy, advanced financial markets, and pro-business policies, thereby attracting investments from around the world. In addition, the fintech and innovation sectors are experiencing a rapid boom due to the high demand from businesses upgrading their technology infrastructure to meet global standards.”

Walid Ead, CEO & Managing Partner DTT Group, said: “Acquiring the SCA license is a major milestone for Direct TT, as it reaffirms our commitment to our clients in the UAE. Our mission has been to consistently deliver regulated, accurate, and reliable financial data to ensure that traders have access to the best financial products and information and the security to invest with confidence.”

“We consider the GCC to be a key region for us, due to its position as a global financial hub. By making significant investments in the region, will look forward to better serving our clients and meeting the growing demand for quality services and cutting-edge fintech solutions. It further underscores our commitment to contribute to the empowerment of the financial sector across the region,” he added.

Recent reports have revealed that Dubai has a USD 8.7 trillion economic plan for the upcoming decade to boost trade, foreign investments, and its status as a global hub. The DTT Group, renowned for unparalleled quality, innovation, and customer service, is well-positioned to contribute to this growth. The company has been in the financial services industry for over 25 years and has 13 physical offices worldwide. In addition to the UAE regulation, DTT is regulated in the UK, Lithuania, Colombia, and Vanuatu.

Unifonic is set to participate at LEAP 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. At the second edition of the global tech event, which will be launched under the theme ‘Into New Worlds,’ Unifonic will present its cutting-edge communication technology, redefining how brands connect with their customers.  The conference will be held from February 6 to 9, 2023, at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Convention Center.

Ahmed Hamdan, CEO and Co-Founder of Unifonic, stated: “Digital transformation is disrupting every industry. And for the most, it’s led by customers’ growing expectations for seamless digital journeys. We believe conversational technology will form the backbone for digital commerce, marketing, and support. In line with this, Unifonic is set to showcase the evolution of its customer engagement platform to a melting pot of tech innovators and leading experts from around the world at Leap 2023. We are proud to demonstrate how our technology can deliver seamless end-to-end omnichannel digital customer experiences and showcase our new AI capabilities. Through this platform, Unifonic aims to empower organizations with advanced communication tools that promise exceptional experiences for customers.”

“Moreover, it also offers an ideal setting to underscore the advancements we have achieved from our acquisition of Sestek, an AI-driven conversational automation company’.  Ahmed Hamdan, added.

This year’s LEAP conference, featuring more than 700 speakers from 50 countries and 900 local and international companies, will significantly advance KSA’s economy through numerous partnerships, agreements, and investments. Unifonic is also excited to spotlight UnifonicX, an investment of SAR 100 million that focuses on Acceleration and Venture Building, among other initiatives. The accelerator program is targeting rising SaaS startups. This initiative program aligns with and supports the Saudi Vision 2030 of accelerating digital transformation initiatives for public and private enterprises in the Middle East, as well as meeting Saudi Arabia’s goal to invest in high-growth, high-impact technology startups in the country.

Funding or access to capital has significantly hindered the growth of start-ups and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the UAE. Funding Possibilities is a sought-after platform for both seekers and providers of capital, providing access to various forms of capital beyond equity, including traditional debt, alternative and structured finance. It aims to make private markets more accessible and transparent.

It seeks to give retail investors access to start-ups and enable retail investors to contribute to the overall start-up ecosystem and new-age businesses.

Funding Possibilities is a sector and stage agnostic platform aiming to build more than ten profitable unicorns, i.e., Profi-Corns, in the coming decade.

The launch of Funding Possibilities comes barely three weeks after the launch of the Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’ by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, that includes 100 transformative projects, with economic targets of Dh32 trillion over the next ten years, doubling its foreign trade to reach Dh25.6 trillion and adding 400 cities as key trading partners over the next decade. More than 400,000 SMEs operate. They represent more than 60 per cent of the UAE’s non-oil economy and provide employment opportunities for 86 per cent of the workforce in the private sector, the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development reports.

“Dubai will rank as one of the top four global financial centres with an increase in FDI to over Dh650 billion over the next decade and an annual Dh100 billion contribution from digital transformation. Over 300,000 global investors in Dubai today are helping build Dubai into the fastest growing global city,” HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum said in a statement.

Dubai is home to more than 10,000 small and medium start-ups. Funding is crucial for the success of start-ups as well as MSMEs. Funding Possibilities would play a significant role in helping start-ups and new-age businesses to grow and become profitable unicorns, i.e. Profi-Corns in future. This will help these businesses play an essential role in realizing Dubai Government’s D33 Vision.

Sheetal Soni, CA, CFA Charter Holder and Founder of Funding Possibilities, says, “Increasing funding options is necessary for the UAE’s small businesses and start-ups. Funding Possibilities is set to fill a clear gap in the start-up and MSME space providing quality funding channels for them to grow and fuel the growth of the UAE economy.

“The launch of Funding Possibilities is well timed with the announcement of D33 – which will accelerate the growth of the economy of Dubai and the UAE in the next decade. It will bring investors closer to the start-ups for multi-stage funding and provide small businesses with the working capital requirement.”

Start-ups across the Middle East, Africa, Pakistan and Turkey raised $7.2 billion through 1,473 deals. Last year, despite macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty, according to a report by data platform Magnitt. With Funding Possibilities, this number will multiply to help thousands of start-ups in the early stage of incubation.

The Funding Possibilities comprise highly-qualified chartered accountants, certified public accountant professionals, tech geek, and serial business entrepreneurs.

Prateek Toshniwal, CA and Co-Founder of Funding Possibilities, says, “We will serve the business community with curated deals to suit their needs, ease informed investment through a four-dimensional due diligence process, provide ease of exits and need-based relevant information at the user’s palm.

“In a nutshell, we want to build a community of start-ups, investors, bankers, alternative finance providers, wealth managers, private equities, family offices, venture capitalists and all other private institutional players.

“We will create a knowledge and resource bank for start-ups, create an eco-system to find the right co-founders, help them in ease of capital raise through various sources of capital, handhold at various stages of their journey from incubation to profitable unicorns.”