2025 UAE Financial Services Salary Guide and Market Trends

Salaries in the financial services sector are largely stable, although some compliance roles have seen increases of up to 4%. Financial services candidates are the most likely of any sector to look for a new role before the end of 2025 (71%), but a lack of salary growth and loss of periphery benefits will trap many in their existing jobs.

Competition for compliance talent is increasing, especially for those with experience of Dubai’s jurisdiction, which is becoming more complicated and sophisticated. As relocators do not have the experience required, companies are luring talent from competitors, which is creating a domino effect and pushing up average salaries.

As one of the few global locations currently flourishing, there has been an influx of investment firms into the UAE, which are now seeking traders and general partners, bringing in talent from the UK, US, Netherlands and Singapore. Retail financial institutions are also growing in the area due to the prevalence of high-net-worth individuals.

View salaries by category

Starting salaries can vary greatly depending on a professional’s skills and experience, the company’s size, and demand for the role.

Private equity and asset management

Governance, risk and compliance

Finance and accounting

Global markets (FX, equities & FICC)

Position title

25th Percentile

50th Percentile

75th Percentile

Director

210000

258250

292000

Vice President

135000

154000

192750

Senior Associate

108000

131000

154250

Associate

84750

100250

115500

Analyst - Private Equity

69250

84000

96500

25th Percentile

The applicant has limited or no experience in the position and is still developing their skills.

50th Percentile

The applicant has an average level of experience and has most of the necessary skills.

75th Percentile

The applicant has above-average experience, has (nearly) all necessary skills, and may also have specialised qualifications.

Top jobs in financial services

Compliance manager

Money laundering compliance officer

Quantitative traders

Risk analyst

Top skills and experience in financial services

Chartered (ACAS, ACCA, FCCA, ACA)

Stakeholder management

Communication and presentation skills

Cross-time zone management

How much should I pay or earn?

Top certifications and degrees in financial services

ACAMS

CISI

ACA

ACCA / CIMA

Top industries for financial services specialists

Private equity

Investment management / Asset management

Government Funds

Brokerage

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The salaries listed in the Salary Guide from Robert Half are the result of a rigorous, multistep process to ensure our projections accurately reflect the marketplace. They are based on actual compensation for professionals Robert Half has matched with employers across the United Arab Emirates. The salaries listed in the salary tables represent starting compensation only, meaning pay for someone new to a company in the position listed. Our estimates do not include bonuses, benefits or perks. We report salaries in percentiles and ranges, recognising that professionals join companies at varied experience levels.

Non-salary data referenced in this Salary Guide is from two online surveys developed by Robert Half and conducted by research consultancy Savanta. In May 2024, Robert Half commissioned a survey of 103 senior business decision makers in the UAE with hiring responsibilities. In August 2024, Robert Half commissioned a survey of 521 professionals living and working in the UAE. Both surveys used an online data collection methodology, and drew respondents from different business sectors and areas of the UAE.