NBAD's Global Financial Markets Forum starts tomorrow

The National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD), the Number One Bank in the UAE, kicks off its Third Annual Global Financial Markets Forum (GFMF) on Wednesday, March 2^nd, which follows NBAD’s successful Global Financial Markets Islamic Forum (GFMIF) on February 27^th and 28^th. 

NBAD has organised for its Third GFMF a host of unique and sophisticated discussions and workshops to assure it enhances the success of the previous years and provides attendees critical information about the state of the global economy. 

This year’s GFMF, to take place March 2^nd and 3^rd at Yas Hotel, includes Investor Presentation sessions, a programme that has never been offered in the region. The Investor Presentation sessions are aimed to target top investment managers globally and regionally. This new leg for the GFMF is in addition to the unique conference and Workshops set-ups. 

“We are entering a critical year; so far in 2011 we have already witnessed major dramatic events. The speakers and panelist will discuss and analyse the impacts of recent events as well as forecast the environment for interest rates, credit and the ongoing dialogue between investors, issuers, and financial institutions,” says Sameh Abdulla Al Qubaisi, the General Manager of Institutional and Corporate Coverage Group at NBAD’s Financial Markets Division. “Organising the annual Global Financial Markets Forums reflects NBAD's commitment to increase information-sharing and raise knowledge for our valued investors and clients.” 

Michael H. Tomalin, the Group Chief Executive of NBAD, will inaugurate GFMF on Wednesday, March 2^nd.  Wednesday’s keynote speaker is Dr. Nassim Nicholas Taleb, the author of “The Black Swan,” which was described as one of the 12 most influential books since World War II. Mr. Taleb, who is the Senior Scientific Advisor at Universa Investments and a Distinguished Professor at New York University's Polytechnic Institute, will speak on “Robustness, Fragility and Anti-Fragility.” 

Presentations by BBC news broadcaster Nik Gowing on “The Openness of Media and its Effect on Economies;” another by Jonathan Clark, the Vice Chairman of FX Concepts, on “Foreign Exchange and Impact;” and by H.E. Fahad Al Raqbani, the Director General of Abu Dhabi Council for Economic Development, on “2030 Vision” will follow. 

 A panel moderated by Mr. Gowing would then discuss global macroeconomic issues. The panelist on this discussions are Dr. Taleb; Jim Rogers, an author and economic commentator; and Khaled Abdulla Al Qubaisi, the Senior Advisor at Mubadala Development Company. 

The GFMF continues on Thursday with a keynote speech by Mr. Rogers. A Panel on Thursday discussing “Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 – Setting the Benchmark for Regional Growth,” would be comprised of some of the most high-powered executives in the UAE. The panelists on this discussion are H.E. Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi, the Chief Executive Officer and Board Member of TAQA – Abu Dhabi National Energy Company; Mr. Tomalin, the CE of NBAD; James Hogan, the Chief Executive of Etihad Airways; Jamil Baz, the Chief Investment Strategist of GLG Partners; Ahmad Abdulkarim Julfar, the Group Chief Operating Officer of Etisalat; and Mohamed Jamil Berro, the Chief Executive Officer of Al Hilal Bank. Chavan Bhogaita, the Head of Credit Research at NBAD, is the moderator of the event. 

Presentations on Thursday are by Richard Perry, the founder and Partner at Perry Capital on “Risks and Opportunities in 2011 and Beyond;” and Mr. Baz, who will speak on macroeconomics.  

“NBAD’s Financial Markets Division has done a superb job in the past two years in organising the GFMF and this year we are building on our success as attested by the lineup of prestigious speakers and vital workshops and panel discussions,” Mr. Al Qubaisi comments: 

Several organisations partnered with NBAD in organsing the Third GFMF.  

Thompson Reuters, Bloomberg, Murex, ICMA, and NBAD Academy are NBAD’s workshop partners; and CNBC Arabia is the official Broadcaster of GFMF. Other partners are Etihad Airways, Official Airline, YAS Hotel, Official Hospitality Partner; Blaze Event Solutions, YAS Marina Circuit, and YAS LINKS official Entertainment Partners; Etisalat, Official ICT Partner; and  Super derivatives (SD), the Kiosk Sponsor. 

Supporters of GFMIF are Abu Dhabi Department of Finance; Abu Dhabi Council for Economic Development; Finance House, General Holding Cooperation, Al Habtoor Group, Al Waha Capital, and ACT Middle East. 

“NBAD is thankful to all our partners for their support and contribution which will lead to a more successful forum.” Al Qubaisi says.

For more information, please visit: http://www.gfmf-nbad.com.