Sarwa and StashAway are two robo-advisory platforms available to UAE residents, each offering automated, portfolio-based investing with access to international markets. Both platforms target expatriates and residents seeking low-cost alternatives to traditional wealth management products in the UAE.
Sarwa and StashAway: side by side
Reference data from public sources. Confirm details on each broker's own website.
| Feature | Sarwa | StashAway |
|---|---|---|
| Regulator | Sarwa is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), operating from the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). | StashAway holds a licence from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). See each platform's official website to confirm current regulatory status. |
| Platform type | Sarwa operates as a robo-advisor offering automated, goal-based portfolio management. It also provides Sarwa Trade, a self-directed account for buying and selling individual financial instruments, and Sarwa Save, a cash savings product with both conventional and Shariah-compliant options. | StashAway operates as a robo-advisor offering automated, goal-based portfolio construction and management for UAE-based investors. |
| Shariah-compliant option | Sarwa offers Shariah-compliant portfolio options across its investing and savings products, including a Shariah-compliant version of Sarwa Save. | Check StashAway's official website for current Shariah-compliant product availability in the UAE. |
| Product range | Sarwa offers three distinct products: a managed robo-advisory portfolio (Sarwa Invest), a self-directed trading account (Sarwa Trade), and a savings product (Sarwa Save). This gives investors a broader set of account types within a single platform. | StashAway's core offering is automated portfolio management. See the official website for the full current product range available to UAE residents. |
| Fund structure | Sarwa builds portfolios using ETFs. Investors should confirm with Sarwa directly whether underlying funds are UCITS-domiciled, which is a relevant consideration for non-US residents seeking tax-efficient structures. | StashAway builds portfolios using ETFs. Investors should confirm with StashAway directly whether underlying funds are UCITS-domiciled. |
| Fees | Sarwa charges a management fee on assets under management. The specific fee schedule should be confirmed on the Sarwa official website, as tiered fee structures can vary. Cost drag in basis points compounds materially over a 10-year horizon - even a 25 bp difference on AED 100,000 amounts to roughly AED 2,600 in foregone returns before investment growth. | StashAway charges a management fee on assets under management. The specific fee schedule should be confirmed on the StashAway official website. Apply the same 10-year cost-drag analysis before committing capital. |
| Minimum investment | See the Sarwa official website for the current minimum deposit requirement, as this can change. | See the StashAway official website for the current minimum deposit requirement applicable to UAE residents. |
| Access to international markets | Sarwa provides UAE residents and expatriates with access to international markets through its portfolio and trading products, addressing a gap that can otherwise be difficult to navigate for Gulf-based investors. | StashAway provides UAE residents with access to international markets through its automated portfolio service. |
| Target investor profile | Sarwa positions itself as suitable for beginners and for investors seeking a straightforward, low-cost managed portfolio, as well as those who want an optional self-directed trading account alongside their robo-advisory portfolio. | StashAway is aimed at investors seeking automated, goal-based portfolio management without requiring active involvement in day-to-day investment decisions. |
| Things to know | Sarwa Save returns are linked to prevailing interest rate conditions and are not guaranteed. The self-directed Sarwa Trade account introduces execution and stock-selection risk that is absent from the managed portfolio product. Always verify current fee schedules and regulatory status on the official website. | As with all robo-advisory products, StashAway portfolios are subject to market risk and the returns on automated strategies are not guaranteed. Investors should scrutinise the underlying ETF expense ratios in addition to the platform management fee, as total cost of ownership includes both layers. Always verify current details on the official website. |
| Risk warning | Investing carries risk. The value of your investments can fall as well as rise, and you may receive back less than you invest. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. This comparison is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. UAE residents should consider their own financial circumstances and, where appropriate, seek independent regulated financial advice before investing. | Investing carries risk. The value of your investments can fall as well as rise, and you may receive back less than you invest. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. This comparison is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. UAE residents should consider their own financial circumstances and, where appropriate, seek independent regulated financial advice before investing. |
Frequently asked questions
- Can I have an account with both Sarwa and StashAway?
- There is no general restriction on holding accounts at multiple brokers. Each broker has its own eligibility and onboarding requirements - check both broker websites to confirm.
- Where do I verify each broker's regulatory status?
- Look up each broker on the public register of its regulator. The Official sources section below links the common GCC and UK regulator registers.
- How do I compare fees between Sarwa and StashAway for my situation?
- Fee schedules depend on product, currency, and trade size. Use each broker's own fees page and run example trades through their calculators if available.
Official sources
Verify regulatory status: DFSA Public Register.