Standard Chartered hosts Emerging Markets Traders Association Forum in Dubai

Forum discusses the political changes taking place in the MENA region and their economic impacts

Standard Chartered Bank today hosted the Emerging Markets Traders Association's (EMTA) forum in Dubai. The event was attended by more than 100 Bank clients comprising top executives and traders from the region.

The Dubai forum is part of the Trader's association series of forums which also take place in New York, London, Latin America and Asia. Dubai is the first Middle East location for this popular series.

The EMTA Forum provides a platform for discussion on the challenges and opportunities in the new world order and the way in which emerging market economies can work towards achieving sustainable balanced growth. The one day event discussed the political changes taking place in the MENA region and their economic impact and featured sell-side and buy-side panels debating on the prospects and trends for the emerging markets. Attendees comprised of traders, research analysts, sovereign wealth funds and retail investors from the region and across the globe/beyond.

Dan Azzi, Co-Head of Wholesale Banking, Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan, Standard Chartered said:
"Our strong on the ground presence in the Middle East comes in line with our clear strategy which is to focus on the emerging markets of Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Over the past few years, we have continued to invest in developing our platforms, human resources and product and services capabilities and most importantly continued to support our clients against a challenging environment. This commitment places us in an ideal position to benefit from the opportunities available in this market."

Nafees Akbarali, Regional Head of Fixed Income, Currencies and Commodities Trading for MENA and Global Head of G10 rates and Structured Products Trading, Standard Chartered said:
"Despite the challenging global and regional economic environment, the fundamentals of our business remain strong and we continue to support our clients with competitive pricing and solutions for their hedging needs. Today, we are the leading bank in the field of currencies, commodities and Fixed Income trading in the region as a result of our clear focus and commitment to the dynamic markets of Asia, Africa and the Middle East. "

Marios Maratheftis from Standard Chartered Bank, Abdul Kadir Hussain from Mashreq Capital, Farouk Soussa from Citi, Ghassan Chehayeb from Exotix, Simon Williams from HSBC, Dino Kronfol from Franklin Templeton Investments, Matt Epstein ICE Canyon, Marcel Kfoury from Nomura and Biswajit Dasgupta from InvestAD shared their economic and market insights in light of the global, regional and local economic and market conditions.

For further information, please contact:

Nimmi Kamal
Head Corporate Affairs Bahrain, Standard Chartered Bank
Tel: +973 3977 076
E-mail: Nimmi.Kamal@sc.com

For more information about EMTA, please contact:

Jonathan Murno
Managing Director
Tel: +1 646 289 5413
E-mail: jmurno@emta.org

Standard Chartered - leading the way in Asia, Africa and the Middle East

Standard Chartered is a leading international banking group. It has operated for over 150 years in some of the world's most dynamic markets and earns more than 90 per cent of its income and profits in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. This geographic focus and commitment to developing deep relationships with clients and customers has driven the Bank's growth in recent years. Standard Chartered PLC is listed on the London and Hong Kong stock exchanges as well as the Bombay and National Stock Exchanges in India.

With 1,700 offices in 70 markets, the Group offers exciting and challenging international career opportunities for around 85,000 staff. It is committed to building a sustainable business over the long term and is trusted worldwide for upholding high standards of corporate governance, social responsibility, environmental protection and employee diversity. Standard Chartered's heritage and values are expressed in its brand promise, 'Here for good'.

For more information please visit www.standardchartered.com