World

15 million GCC residents plan shift from saving to investing

By 19Network Editorial Team · Jul 11, 2026 · 2 min read

15 million GCC residents plan shift from saving to investing

New research from Nomo shows 15 million GCC residents are prepared to move capital from savings to active investments.

Approximately 15 million residents across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are prepared to transition from traditional cash savings to active investment strategies, according to new research from Nomo. The data indicates a broad shift in financial behavior as retail savers seek higher returns and asset diversification. Shifting retail investor sentiment The study, conducted by the digital Sharia-compliant bank, shows that a significant portion of the region's professional workforce is now prioritising wealth management over passive saving. This demographic includes both GCC nationals and expatriates who are increasingly looking for cross-border investment opportunities, particularly in international property and Sharia-compliant equity markets. Nomo, which operates as part of the Bank of London and The Middle East (BLME) and is backed by Boubyan Bank, identified that the 15 million residents are seeking more sophisticated financial tools. The research suggests that the demand for digital-first banking that provides direct access to global markets is a primary driver behind this intended pivot. Demand for international diversification The findings highlight a specific interest…