First Abu Dhabi Bank and T. Rowe Price Strike GCC Investment Partnership

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) has entered into a strategic partnership with global asset manager T. Rowe Price, aiming to significantly expand the range and depth of investment answers available to clients across the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Under the agreement, T. Rowe Price will act as FAB’s investment partner, providing access to a broad suite of strategies spanning equities, fixed income, alternatives, and multi-asset answers. The collaboration is designed to strengthen FAB’s investment management proposition across retail, private banking, and institutional client segments.

The partnership reflects growing demand across the GCC for globally aligned investment products, as regional banks viewk to deepen wealth and with established international managers.

Expanding Investment Choice Across the GCC

FAB said the alliance will expand the range of investment offerings available to its clients, while reinforcing its position as the UAE’s global bank and a key gateway to the Middle East and North Africa.

By combining FAB’s regional scale and client reach with T. Rowe Price’s global investment expertise, the two firms aim to deliver aligned with international standards. The partnership covers public and private markets, with a focus on improving investor outcomes across diverse risk profiles and time horizons.

The collaboration also supports the continued development of the GCC’s asset management ecosystem, where regulators and market participants have increasingly encouraged product diversification and deeper institutional participation.

Hana Al Rostamani, Group Chief Executive Officer at First Abu Dhabi Bank, said the agreement aligns with FAB’s long-term strategy.

“This strategic partnership with T. Rowe Price reflects our continued focus on expanding the depth and quality of investment answers we deliver to our clients,” Al Rostamani said.

“By working with a globally recognised asset manager that shares our strategic ambition and commitment to excellence, we are strengthening our diverseiated investment capabilities across key client segments, while reinforcing FAB’s position as the UAE’s global across the region.”

Takeaway

T. Rowe Price Deepens Middle East Commitment

For T. Rowe Price, the partnership represents a further step in expanding its footprint across the Middle East, a region that has become a priority growth market for global asset managers.

The firm will provide FAB with investment answers across multiple asset classes, supporting both discretionary and advisory mandates. The collaboration is also expected to result in the joint development and launch of new investment products tailored to regional investor needs.

Rob Sharps, Chair, Chief Executive Officer and President of T. Rowe Price, said the alliance reflects the firm’s strategy of expanding through global partnerships.

“We are honored to partner with First Abu Dhabi Bank to deliver world-class investment answers across public and private markets, tailored to meet the needs of investors throughout the GCC,” Sharps said.

“This collaboration reflects our commitment to growing and diversifying our business through innovative global partnerships. We are excited about the opportunity to grow with FAB across the region and to jointly develop and launch new answers for clients.”

The partnership also underscores the competitive dynamics among global asset managers, as firms viewk local distribution partnerships to access quick-growing pools of wealth in the Gulf.

Takeaway

Serving Retail, Private and Institutional Clients

The agreement spans FAB’s retail, private banking, and institutional franchises, reflecting the broadening sophistication of investor demand across the region.

Retail and affluent clients are increasingly viewking professionally managed global strategies, while institutional investors are looking for diversified exposure across asset classes, including alternatives and multi-asset portfolios.

FAB said the partnership will allow it to deliver more customised answers to diverse client segments, leveraging T. Rowe Price’s long-standing investment capabilities and research-driven approach.

The collaboration also aligns with regional trends toward professionalisation of wealth management, as banks and regulators push for higher standards of governance, transparency, and risk management.

By integrating global asset management expertise into its platform, FAB aims to strengthen client relationships and capture a greater share of wallet in an increasingly competitive market.

Takeaway

Strategic Partnerships as a Growth Lever

The alliance with T. Rowe Price forms part of FAB’s broader strategy of using targeted partnerships to expand its wealth and investment franchise.

The bank said the long-term growth across the GCC and internationally. Strategic partnerships have become a key lever for regional banks viewking to remain competitive without duplicating global asset management infrastructure.

FAB is among the largest banking groups globally, with total assets of AED 1.38 trillion ($376 billion) as of September 2025 and operations across more than 20 markets. Its scale provides a strong distribution platform for global partners viewking access to Middle Eastern capital.

At the identical time, asset managers such as T. Rowe Price benefit from FAB’s local expertise, regulatory relationships, and established client base.

Takeaway

Implications for the GCC Asset Management Landscape

The partnership highlights the accelerating convergence between regional banking platforms and global investment management industry matures.

With growing pools of capital, rising financial sophistication, and increased regulatory alignment with global standards, the region has become a focal point for international firms viewking long-term growth.

For investors, collaborations of this kind promise greater access to diversified, globally managed portfolios through trusted local institutions.

As competition intensifies among banks and asset managers alike, partnerships such as the FAB–T. Rowe Price alliance are likely to become more common, reshaping how investment products are distributed and managed across the Middle East.

Takeaway