Asset management crucial for Middle East governments

Mature asset management models have already been developed

Fueled by strong economic expansion, infrastructure sector in the Middle East is rapidly growing in size, maturity and professionalism, and needs to be managed effectively in order to ensure the financial and physical sustainability of these multi-billion dollar investments. However, experts believe that there is still a substantial gap in the management of these infrastructure assets once they are built. While the concept of asset management is relatively new to the region, it is vital for Middle East governments that invest billions of dollars, to ensure that their infrastructure investments are efficient and deliver value for money in the long term. Read more

Big Money Mystery: Billionaire dines with top notch financer

Billionaire Khalaf Al Habtoor, Chairman of Al Habtoor Group, met with Steve Schwarzman, Chairman and CEO of Blackstone Group, on February 21, 2012.

The two men discussed business over dinner at the Habtoor Grand Hotel in Dubai, according to a press release issued by Al Habtoor Group.  Read more

Opportunity to develop local asset-management industry

The first attempts to introduce a pensions system for expatriates in UAE were revealed back in 2008, when the General Authority for Pensions and Social Insurance said that it was researching a proposed “pension savings” draft law. The promised legislation failed to materialize at the time, but now seems closer to realization. Read more

Emirates NBD Asset Management Money Market Fund breaks US100 million

• Achieves more than four times the total return compared to overnight deposits
• Leading its peer group, 18-month-old fund attracts over US100 million from individuals, corporates and insurance companies
• Asset growth of fund reflects interest from conventional and Islamic investors

Emirates NBD Asset Management, the asset management arm of Emirates NBD, a leading bank in the region, announced today that its Emirates Islamic Money Market Fund attracted more than US100 million from investors in the 18 months since the fund was launched.


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‘Equity Manager of the Year’ goes to Emirates NBD Asset Management

• Wins top award at Global Investor Middle East Asset Management & Brokerage awards
• Award underlines strong performance in challenging markets
• Focus on equities with strong and sustainable growth contributes to strong performance of Emirates NBD AM managed funds

Emirates NBD Asset Management Limited, the asset management arm of Emirates NBD, announced today that it has won the award for “Equity Manager of the Year” at the Global Investor – Middle East Asset Management & Brokerage Awards, on the back of strong performance in difficult markets. Read more

Emirates NBD Asset Management announces dividend

• Boards of Jersey-based funds approve formal dividend payout for H1 2011
• Stellar performance on income fund suite
• Fixed income suite delivers significant capital growth

Emirates NBD Asset Management Limited, the asset management arm of Emirates NBD Bank PJSC, today announced high dividend distributions on its income range of funds for the first half of 2011. Read more

Abraaj Capital no longer exploring a transaction with Citadel Capital

In response to market speculation, Abraaj Capital confirmed today that following a review, it is no longer currently exploring a transaction with Citadel Capital, a private equity firm based in Cairo and listed on the Egyptian Exchange. This does not preclude Abraaj Capital from exploring such a transaction in the future should performance, deal terms and/or circumstances change. Read more

‘Best Fund Management Company’ at Arab Achievement Awards 2011

Emirates NBD Asset Management Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary and the asset management arm of Emirates NBD, a leading bank in the Middle East, announced today that it had been named the region’s “Best Fund Management Company,” at the annual Arab Achievement Awards 2011. The award ceremony was held in Abu Dhabi alongside the Arab Investment Summit 2011. Read more

Emirates NBD Asset Management fixed income funds perform strong

• Emirates Islamic Money Market Fund ranks amongst top
• 10 per cent of US Dollar Money Market funds globally
• Sharia-compliant Emirates Global Sukuk Fund returned more than seven per cent; Emirates MENA Fixed Income Fund more than nine per cent
• First anniversary of fixed income funds marked by robust performance and strong outlook

Emirates NBD Asset Management, the asset management arm of Emirates NBD, a leading bank in the region, announced today the one year anniversary returns of its three fixed income funds. The past year witnessed asset attraction as well as robust performance for one of the top 10 asset management firms in the region.

The suite of fixed income funds includes an Islamic money market fund that has taken advantage of the higher profit rates in the region and returned nearly three per cent in the past year. This ranks it among the top 10 per cent of US Dollar Money Market funds globally. In comparison, over the same three-month period, US LIBOR returned just 0.37 per cent*. Read more

UBS appoints Anthony Iliya as CEO MENA

UBS today announced the appointment of Anthony Iliya (56) as CEO for Middle East and North Africa. Iliya, who will start August 1, will be based in Dubai and report to Alex Wilmot-Sitwell, Group Chairman and CEO EMEA and Co-CEO of UBS Investment Bank.

Iliya has 30 years experience in the financial industry across Investment Banking, Asset management and Wealth Management. He was most recently with Credit Suisse in Hong Kong as Executive Vice-Chairman and Head of Asset Management APAC. Previously he held the position of Head of Fixed Income and Co Head of Investment Banking Coverage for Non-Japan Asia and Australia. Before that he held different senior positions in Global Markets in New York, London and Bahrain, with General Re Financial Products, Credit Suisse and Bankers Trust.

Alex Wilmot-Sitwell, Group Chairman and CEO EMEA and Co-CEO of UBS Investment Bank said; “The Middle East and North Africa region is a key, strategic growth market for UBS and I am very pleased Tony will be joining our excellent team in the region. His wealth of expertise and his background will position us well to further deliver the full strengths and capabilities of the firm and maximise our growth and profitability in this important region.”