13 April 2015
Dubai - The Gulf Bond and Sukuk Association (GBSA), the trade association representing the Arabian Gulf fixed income market, held a debt capital market conference in Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain on Thursday 9th April. The event connected senior figures from private companies with leading global and regional investors and highlighted the benefits of accessing the bond and sukuk markets. The event was sponsored by GBSA member FGB and carried out in cooperation with Bahrain Economic Development Board.

The President of the GBSA, Michael Grifferty, said: "Only a small minority of mid-sized companies have taken advantage of bond/sukuk markets to extend their liability profiles and diversify their investor base. Events like this one remove some of the uncertainty for companies considering issuing bonds."

Participants took in an assessment of global and regional trends impacting the GCC by Jarmo Kotilaine, Chief Economist at Bahrain Economic Development Board. Anita Yadav, Head of Fixed Income Research at Emirates-NBD gave an overview of global and regional corporate bond markets, pointing out that there is scope for GCC issuers to achieve attractive pricing while significantly reducing risk. 

A panel discussion featuring leading private company financial leaders was led by Mohammed Albensaleh, Associate Director, Debt Capital Markets, HSBC Saudi Arabia. Roderick Gordon, Head of DCM at Gulf International Bank, led a buy-side panel that shed light on current investor preferences.

Hesa Al Sada, Superintendent of Monetary Operations, Banking Services Department at Central Bank of Bahrain, explained CBB's support of the Bahraini market through conventional and Islamic issuance, including the recent launch of an innovative platform for retail purchases through Bahrain Bourse. 

Grifferty continued, "This type of conference is part of our drive to improve fixed income markets in the region, and similar events will be held elsewhere."

The GBSA's sub-committees, working groups and National Chapters bring together the thought leaders of the regional the industry. 

-Ends-

About GBSA
The Gulf Bond and Sukuk Association (GBSA) is the regional trade association representing the Arabian Gulf bond and sukuk market. GBSA is involved in all major matters concerning development of bond markets in the region.  

For further information please contact:

Michael P. Grifferty
President
The Gulf Bond and Sukuk Association
mgrifferty@gulfbondsukuk.com
www.gulfbondsukuk.com
Tel: +971.4.401.9944

© Press Release 2015