Abu Dhabi, 29 October 2015

The upgrade of the UAE and Qatar's classification on the MSCI Global Equities Index from Frontier to Emerging Market status has meant greater stability and more investment, and prompted an increased focus on corporate governance, according to Abu Dhabi-based international financial services company ADS Securities. 

Dr Ryan Lemand, Head of Managed Solutions & Business Development at ADS Securities, spoke at the MENA Capital Markets & Summit Awards, held in Dubai, on the panel discussing MSCI upgrades and financial centres in the UAE, Qatar and GCC region.

"The impact of the MSCI upgrade of UAE & Qatar stock markets may not have been immediately obvious, but it has most certainly served as a catalyst for the ongoing diversification of the financial ecosystem in the GCC and MENA region," explained Dr Lemand.

"Financial centres across the region have focussed on both strengthening their regulatory regimes and drawing in recognized expertise, attracting key players and a highly skilled labour force.  This has not only contributed to the development of a robust competition environment locally and regionally, but has served to enhance the region's influence as a global financial player."

"The launch of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is the perfect example and as the UAE continues to develop its global marketplace, the true advantage of being classed as an emerging market will become even clearer," Dr Lemand added.

Dr Lemand was previously the Senior Advisor and Head of Risk Management at the Emirates Securities & Commodities Authority.  He has also held roles as a Senior Portfolio Manager at Fortis Investments in London and Paris, as well as teaching financial econometrics courses at the Paris II-Assas University and Paris IX-Dauphine University. 

Dr Lemand holds a PhD (summa cum laude) in Financial Econometrics from the École Normale Supérieure, France, and is the author of two books on financial contagion, as well as a number of research articles on financial correlation.

-Ends-

For more information, please contact:
Stephen Davie, Communications Director, ADS Securities
Tel: +971 2 654 7663
Mob: +971 56 6852 878
Email: sgd.mkt@ads-securities.com

About ADS Securities:
ADS Securities is an Abu Dhabi based international financial services company, dedicated to providing the highest quality investment opportunities for institutional, private and retail clients.  It offers unique online trading, global market, investment banking and wealth management services.  Established in 2011 ADS Securities is part of the ADS Holding group and in a short period of time has established itself as a leading forex, bullion and online trading firm.  It is regulated and licensed by the UAE Central Bank, and was established with initial capital of US$400 million.  ADS Securities is headquartered in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE.  A regional HQ office, ADS Securities Hong Kong Limited, regulated by the SFC (AXC847), was launched in December 2013.  ADS Securities Singapore Pte was established in Singapore in 2011, and provides customer support across the region.  In the UK ADS Securities London Limited is authorised and regulated by the FCA (577453), and is a wholly owned subsidiary of ADS Securities' parent company.  

For more information please go to www.ads-securities.com

© Press Release 2015