IR Insight Issue 14: Evolving Investor Relations: Lessons from Australia and UAE

In our 14^th edition of IR Insight, we take a deep dive into regulatory environments, market dynamics, and strategic economic visions across UAE and Australia with Harsh Vardhan, Investor Relations Executive at Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank. 

How would you compare the IR landscape between Australia and UAE?

"The investor relations landscapes of the UAE and Australia display unique characteristics shaped by their distinct regulatory environments, market dynamics, and strategic economic visions, and present different
expectations, challenges, and opportunities.

Australia's investor relations landscape is more mature, structured, and regulatory-driven, while the UAE's is evolving rapidly, with increasing global alignment. The UAE offers significant growth opportunities for Investor Relations Officers (IROs) as more companies recognise the importance of investor engagement.

One area of difference is market maturity and investor expectations. As an emerging market, UAE is a growing and evolving capital market with a strong push toward attracting foreign investment. In 2023 UAE ranked 2^nd globally in terms of net FDI inflows (USD31bn). In comparison, Australia is a mature and highly transparent market with more targeted investor discussions around disclosures and expectations from organisations.

The investor base in UAE includes a mix of regional institutional investors, sovereign wealth funds, and an increasing presence of global investors. Face-to-face engagement, particularly through conferences and roadshows, is crucial.

Whereas in Australia, there is relatively stronger institutional investor presence, both domestic and international. Digital engagement, earnings calls, and comprehensive investor presentations are standard practices.

And lastly, the UAE is seeing a surging demand for quality IROs as companies are on a growth trajectory and seeking to improve transparency and attract global investors."