2012

Investors are showing renewed confidence in global equities amid radically improved market conditions and growing hopes of economic growth, according to the BofA Merrill Lynch Survey of Fund Managers for February. Allocations towards equities have made the largest one-month leap since the beginning of 2011. A majority of the panel now sees the world economy improving. “Improved liquidity has aided …

While many large Middle Eastern corporates’ treasury operations have traditionally been managed at local subsidiary level, and relied heavily on spreadsheets and manual processes, there is growing movement towards the centralisation and automation of these functions. LIZ SALECKA reviews the current situation.

Businesses that earn much of their income in foreign exchange now tend to look at a wider range of cash management options. PAUL MELLY speaks to Tim Jackson, an expert who knows what they are How do you make the most of your company’s cash? This is a challenge – but also an opportunity – that now confronts corporate treasurers …

As part of Cash & Trade’s regional coverage and following our first roundtable in the KSA, we organised a UAE Roundtable discussion under the sponsorship of Emirates NBD transaction banking services. Last year was an excellent one for cash and trade business in the UAE, with the international banks confirming it was a good 12 months across the whole region, …

Banks have played a demonstrably positive role in the real economy and broader society in Qatar during recent years. This is particularly evidenced by their increased provision of trade finance. Caroline Maginn, Trade Partner at Cash Management Matters (CMM), explains In a final look at the specifics of trade finance in the main GCC countries ahead of the conclusion of …

Senior leaders in the region are taking solid steps to set up ‘next generation’ business models in correspondent banking. ALEXANDER R. MALAKET, CITP, looks at how what is happening today will shape ‘tomorrow’ The global financial crisis, which has had – and continues to have – implications of varying degrees of seriousness across the globe, has indisputably resulted in a …

ICIEC is poised for even greater advances. In an exclusive interview with its CEO, Dr Abdel Rahman Eltayeb Taha, our correspondent MUSHTAK PARKER explains what is in store. Where there is turmoil and transformation, there are opportunities. Export credit and investment insurance opportunities to be precise. In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, one institution stands out to …

Dear Reader, We are proud to have held Cash&Trade’s first roundtable discussion in the MENA region. More are to come based on the success of our first in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, at which transaction banking was the subject of discussion. At this time, the importance of cash and trade solutions has never been so vital, competitive and demanding …

Philippe Ghanem, managing director of Abu Dhabi-based ADS Securities The financial sectors of the Middle East and South East Asia could work together to tap new opportunities arising from growth in emerging markets, new technology and the issues facing traditional investment markets, according to Philippe Ghanem, managing director of Abu Dhabi-based ADS Securities.

A client conference was recently held in the UAE by Standard Chartered to discuss the latest innovations in the field of electronic financial solutions and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). Its aim was to raise awareness about the benefits of electronic integration to ensure smooth business operation, reduction of costs and access to round-the-clock financial solutions.

Zaki Jawad, Head of Transaction Banking Group Saudi Hollandi Bank has established a new Trade Services Window in its Al-Hafouf Branch to cater to the trade requirements of corporate and small establishments located in and around the Al-Ahsa city, Eastern Region. The Trade Services Window is providing consultancy, advice and services that include Letters of Credit, Bank Guarantees and Documentary …

Dubai-based Falcon Group’s growth in the Middle East continues apace with the opening of an Abu Dhabi office, with Kapila Karunaratne as Head.

Natasha Patel, regional head of global payment and cash management, Middle East and North Africa HSBC has been voted as Euromoney’s Best Cash Management Bank in the Middle East for 2011, making it the bank’s eighth win since 2003. HSBC was also awarded Euromoney’s Best Regional Cash Management Bank for Financial Institutions in the Middle East for the first time, …

Stephen Gaterell, the new chief executive offi cer The Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange has appointed Stephen Gaterell as its new chief executive officer (CEO).

Kuwait Finance House (KFH), one of the leading Islamic banks in the world, has set up a contact centre using Avaya technology.