First Bank in the Middle East to receive this prestigious Award

NBAD ranked #1 in International Sukuk issuance for 1Q 2015, up from #5 in 1Q 2014 as compiled by Bloomberg

NBAD has been recognized with a total of 35 'Deal' awards across its Debt Origination & Distribution businesses so far in 2015

NBAD achieved the highest ranking in bond underwriting amongst Middle East banks in 2015 year to date, ranking #2 in GCC and #3 in MENA as compiled by Bloomberg

Abu Dhabi, UAE 23rd May 2015: The National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) has been named the 'Rising Star Emerging Markets House' by Global Capital magazine, making it the first bank in the Middle East to receive this prestigious award. Year to date, NBAD has worked on 18 benchmark bond and Sukuk offerings including for Etisalat, DP World, National Bank of Kuwait, the Government of Ras Al Khaimah, Hikma Pharmaceuticals and Emirates Airlines. 

Alex Thursby, NBAD's Group Chief Executive Officer, said: "We are extremely pleased with this award, which is a result of executing against business strategy, which began in 2012.  This achievement is evidence of NBAD's commitment to debt capital markets - both regionally and globally - and it serves as evidence of the increasing strength and maturity of the UAE banking industry. We look forward to continuing to build momentum in debt capital markets as we focus on helping clients around the world to raise capital in all forms."

Andy Cairns, Managing Director and Global Head of Debt Origination & Distribution at NBAD, said: "This is a significant honour that recognizes the relevance of Middle Eastern liquidity to both regional and international issuers. It also attests to the breadth and sophistication of NBAD's debt financing platform. That this week we are leading deals for a Chinese bank (ICBC), an Indonesian airline (Garuda) and the Hong Kong Government as well as for Bank Dhofar, DIB and Bank of Sharjah goes some way in illustrating why we have won this award."  

"I wish to congratulate Andy with his team and all our NBAD family on winning this award. We are the first Bank in the Middle East to earn this honour. It is a reflection of the trust the global financial industry has in NBAD's increasing global capabilities," concluded Mr. Thursby.

-Ends-  

About NBAD Debit Capital Market:
Having a complete fixed income debt platform on the ground qualifies NBAD as the best partner for issuers in maximising Middle East distribution.

NBAD has 11 fulltime debt capital markets professionals with vast experience in the origination and structuring of debt products including plain vanilla bonds, Sukuk, hybrid capital and project bonds.

NBAD is the only bank in the Middle East to possess a dedicated on the ground debt syndicate desk resulting in the best intelligence and knowledge of Middle East investors, along with strong relationship foundations.

Furthermore, NBAD's distribution platform in terms of fixed income sales is one of the largest and most prolific in the Middle East, with a sales force of 20 professionals, in addition to key account access in Europe & Asia.

About NBAD
The National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) has one of the largest networks in the UAE, with an expanding network of 125 branches and cash offices and more than 585 ATMs across the country. NBAD's growing international network consists of about 60 branches and offices in 18 countries stretching across five continents from the Far East to the Americas, giving it the largest global network among all UAE banks.

Since 2009, NBAD has been ranked consecutively as one of the World's 50 Safest Banks by the prestigious Global Finance magazine, which also named NBAD the Safest Bank in the Emerging Markets and the Middle East.

NBAD is rated senior long term/short term AA-/A-1+ by Standard & Poor's (S&P), Aa3/P1 by Moody's, AA-/F1+ by Fitch, A+ by Rating and Investment Information Inc (R&I) Japan, and AAA by RAM (Malaysia) , giving it one of the strongest combined rating of any  Global  financial institution.

A comprehensive financial institution, NBAD offers a range of banking services including retail, investment and Islamic banking. NBAD grows strategically toward its vision to be recognised as the World's Best Arab Bank.

For more information please visit our corporate webpage at: www.nbad.com.

© Press Release 2015