Building the UAE’s next generation of financial advisers
Thought leadershipArticleFebruary 13, 2026
A growing market and new learning pathways are making it easier for residents to build meaningful, future-ready careers.
The UAE has long been an aspirational hub for people with ambition seeking opportunities for upward mobility. Yet one of the most promising career paths in the country remains surprisingly overlooked: becoming a financial adviser. At a time when the nation’s population is expanding, affluence is rising, and financial planning needs are becoming more sophisticated, the demand for qualified financial advisers has never been higher.
What many don’t realise is that entering this profession is far more accessible than they imagine. Unlike careers that require specialised degrees or years of technical training, financial advisory is open to people from almost any background - fresh graduates, mid-career professionals seeking a change, people returning to the workforce, or even those already in financial services who want to elevate their expertise.
Rayner Britto, Head of Retail Business, Zurich International Life Ltd. Middle East, said: “The UAE is entering a phase where financial literacy, long-term planning and wealth protection are becoming mainstream priorities. As more residents seek clarity and confidence in their financial decisions, the adviser’s role is evolving from transactional to deeply consultative. This shift calls for professionals who are not only technically trained but also empathetic, ethical and committed to raising awareness.”
This evolution is being shaped by the immense positive transformation we see in the UAE economy. A growing expatriate population, rising entrepreneurship, and increased intergenerational wealth transfer are expanding the need for personalised financial guidance. At the same time, regulatory reforms and stronger consumer protection frameworks have placed greater emphasis on professional standards, transparency and suitability of advice.
Why the UAE needs more advisers
The UAE’s demographic story is one of constant growth and change. New residents arrive every day, many of them young professionals or families building long-term lives here. This comes with a growing need for guidance on savings, protection, retirement planning, wealth creation, accumulation and preservation.
Yet the supply of qualified financial advisers has not kept pace. The market needs more professionals who can offer informed, ethical and personalised advice - people who understand both universal financial principles and the unique dynamics of life in the UAE.
This gap is precisely what has opened the door for a new generation of financial advisers.
Dinesh Tanikella, Head of Zurich Advisory Network (ZAN), said: “Many residents today are navigating complex financial decisions for the first time, from education planning to legacy planning, while operating across multiple jurisdictions. Financial advisers increasingly act as long-term partners, helping clients manage risk, build disciplined savings habits and adapt plans as their circumstances evolve.”
Who can become insurance adviser?
One of the most compelling aspects of this career is its inclusivity. Successful advisers in the UAE come from remarkably diverse walks of life. Over the past five years, the industry has seen:
- Career changers from retail, hospitality, aviation and other sectors who bring strong people skills and a service mindset.
- Professionals already in financial services who want to deepen their advisory capabilities and build more entrepreneurial career.
- Parents returning from sabbaticals, especially mothers, who value the flexibility and earning potential the role offers.
- Fresh graduates who are eager to build a career with purpose and long-term growth.
What unites them is not their previous job title, but two core traits: an entrepreneurial mindset and a genuine desire to help people make better financial decisions.
Advisory firms note that language skills, cultural awareness and community connections often play an equally important role in building a sustainable practice. In a unique market like the UAE with over 200 nationalities, advisers who understand different financial attitudes and cultural considerations are well positioned to build trust and long-term client relationships.
What does the journey look like?
To begin a career as an insurance adviser in the UAE, individuals typically need:
- A minimum of one year of residency, which helps ensure they have built some social connections and understand the local environment.
- A commitment to learning is required, as the industry requires ongoing education and certification.
- A customer-centric approach, since the role is fundamentally about building trust and guiding people through important life decisions.
- A strong, self-driven, self-reliant, enterprising mindset.
New entrants typically undergo structured training programmes covering financial planning principles, regulatory compliance, ethics and client engagement. Many firms provide mentoring, digital tools and ongoing professional development to help advisers build sustainable practices, manage client portfolios and keep pace with evolving financial products and regulations.
Ambition meets purpose
Becoming an insurance adviser in the UAE is not just about selling policies. It’s about helping people secure their futures, protect their families and build financial resilience. It is a career that rewards ambition and purpose. For those who feel they’ve hit a ceiling in their current roles or are seeking work that offers both flexibility and impact, this path offers a compelling alternative. With the right training and support, anyone with drive and empathy can build a successful advisory career.
As financial awareness deepens across the UAE, industry participants expect advisory services to play an increasingly central role in household decision-making. For professionals willing to invest in credibility, relationships and continuous learning, life financial advisory is emerging as a long-term career path aligned with both the country’s economic evolution and the financial well-being of its residents.
The article was first published in Gulf News