HSBC has opened its first wealth management centre in the Middle East in the UAE - its biggest investment in two decades in its premier banking business - to tap the growing investment appetite of affluent investors globally, according to a top banker. The bank's 24,000 sq ft wealth centre started operations in Dubai on Tuesday, where some 90 relationship managers will cater to the investment needs of high-net-worth individuals in the United Arab Emirates. The country is one of the world's top destination ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q2 was reported at $18 million, reflecting a 13% year-over-year decline but a sequential growth of over 20% from Q1 [11][12][34] - Adjusted EBITDA loss narrowed to $1.95 million, an improvement from $3.3 million in Q1 and $9.3 million a year ago [3][14][40] - Net income was positive at $0.2 million compared to a net loss of $12.2 million in the same quarter last year [14][40] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Insurance revenue grew from 11% to 14% of total revenue year-over-year, while wealth increased from 11% to 13% [12] - Combined, insurance and wealth contributed 27% of total revenue in Q2, up from 22% in the same period last year [12] - Credit card revenue decreased slightly from 62% to 61% of total revenue, reflecting a strategic shift towards higher-margin verticals [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported strong momentum in the market with 8.6 million members and over 260 provider partnerships [8] - The current market environment is viewed positively for fintechs that combine profitable growth with visible catalysts [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to reshape its business for durable, profitable growth by prioritizing quality over quantity and focusing on higher-margin verticals [3][10] - Strategic initiatives include expanding insurance and wealth offerings, leveraging AI for operational efficiency, and maintaining cost discipline [7][9][24] - The company plans to achieve 5% to 10% adjusted EBITDA margins over the next two to three years, driven by improved revenue mix and AI-enabled operating leverage [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving positive adjusted EBITDA in the second half of 2025, driven by new bank and insurer actions and scaling insurance and risk programs [8][40] - The company is focused on deepening member engagement and leveraging commercial momentum through strategic partnerships [35][36] Other Important Information - The company is operationalizing AI across various functions, including customer support and competitive intelligence, which is expected to lower costs and improve conversion rates [6][19] - The company is exploring life insurance partnerships and aims to digitally transform the Philippines market [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on AI initiatives and their impact? - Management detailed the use of AI in customer acquisition, support, and competitive intelligence, leading to lower service costs and improved conversion rates [18][19] Question: What are the key growth drivers for 2026? - Management highlighted scaling insurance and wealth, improving conversion rates, and maintaining a regulatory-first approach as key growth drivers [21][22][28] Question: How will the company restore revenue to last year's levels? - Management indicated a focus on scaling higher-margin verticals and deepening member engagement to layer growth onto a healthier foundation [34][35] Question: What factors contributed to the improvement in net loss and EBITDA? - Management attributed improvements to a shift towards higher-margin products, better unit economics, and cost discipline [39][40]