BNP Paribas the lead sponsor for the 2nd Annual Fund Forum Middle East
For the second consecutive year, BNP Paribas has shown its support for the growing funds management and securities services industry in the Gulf countries by acting as lead sponsor at the Middle East’s annual Fund Forum. The event took place between 1 to 4 December at the Gulf Hotel, in Bahrain
The 2nd Annual FundForum Middle East 2008, was yet again another opportunity for BNP Paribas to demonstrate its strong commitment to the development of asset management and securities services in the Gulf countries. The globally recognised investment forum brought together 500 delegates from around the world including, government officials, CEOs, senior global fund managers, fund buyers, investment managers, private bankers and institutional investors.
“We had a very positive response from our lead sponsorship of last year’s 1st Annual Fund Forum and we are very pleased to be the lead sponsor again for the second year for this excellent event that has brought a large number of local and international market players together. This is an opportune time for us to reaffirm our commitment in the region, as we have high expectations regarding the growth of the fund management and securities services industry in the Gulf countries, and we are well positioned regionally to provide our expertise.” said Tariq Al-Samahiji, CEO of BNP Paribas Investment Partners – MENA.
BNP Paribas Group, a European leader in banking and financial services, with a presence in more than 85 countries including the US and Asia, has a long standing commitment to the Middle East offering a wide selection of banking services to the region. The bank has been operating in the Gulf countries for over 35 years with a presence in: Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. BNP Paribas has approximately 670 employees in the region working for three core business lines - Asset Management and Services, Corporate and Investment Banking, and International Retail Banking.
BNP Paribas’ asset management business, BNP Paribas Investment Partners, is globally recognised. One of the speakers at the FundForum was the CEO of SAIB BNP Paribas Asset Management, who raised participants’ awareness of our MENA fund management capabilities. Also presented was a study on the correlation of MENA equity exposure in a global portfolio and the benefits this can offer investors seeking prudent diversification.
BNP Paribas Securities Services at the FundForum also advised clients on the importance of global custody at a time where asset security is of paramount importance. BNP Paribas is one of the top rated financial institutions in the world and is well positioned to assist clients in safe guarding their assets. BNP Paribas Securities Service set-up offices in Bahrain earlier this year and have already taken on new clients as the need for global custody and securities services gains importance for local government agencies, regional fund managers and family offices
