• Market participants are optimistic about the potential of the KD market

  • More than 100 senior executives, government officials, international and regional investors, and market participants attended the key conference                                                                                                                                       

DUBAI – The Gulf Bond and Sukuk Association (GBSA), in partnership with KAMCO Investment Company and Dentons, held its third Kuwait Debt Capital Markets Conference at The Chairman’s Club in Kuwait. The invitation-only event gathered over 100 local and international market leaders as well as senior government officials.

Faisal Sarkhou, Chief Executive Officer, KAMCO Investment Company delivered the keynote address in which he stated, “As one of the leading debt capital market book runners in the region, we are proud to partner in this GBSA conference. 2017 was significant for debt capital markets in the GCC, as fixed income issuances saw one of the biggest jumps since the financial crisis. As USD yield curves are now established, we expect GCC corporate bond issuances in 2018 to pick up, mainly from the refinancing needs of corporates and banks, and in order to capture relatively lower rates in a rising interest rate environment. International participation for GCC bonds should pick up as well as global investors become more aware of the region’s unique value proposition, and more capabilities are developed within the region.”

Fawaz Abusneineh, Managing Director & Head of Capital Markets, First Abu Dhabi Bank’s, presented on project bonds and sukuk and reflectd on the landmark Abu Dhabi Crude Oil Pipeline transaction.

Alex Roussos, Partner, Dentons led and expert panel on issuer and investor appetite for structured capital market products with Khalid Al Rukhayes, Senior Dealer Kuwait Finance House, Rani Selwanes, Managing Director, Head of Investment Banking, NBK Capital, Khaled Fouad, Chief Investment Officer, KAMCO Investment Company and Hossam Abdullah, Legal Counsel & Managing Partner, Al-Hossam Legal.

A second panel examined the local KD market was moderated by Omar Zaineddine, Senior Vice President, Head of Investment Banking, KAMCO Investment Company with panelists Alex Saleh Partner and Head of Office, Al Tamimi & Co, Declan Sawey, Group Treasurer, Kuwait Projects Company (KIPCO), Rasha Othman, Senior Vice President, Investment Banking, Kuwait Financial Centre “MARKAZ” and Yasmine Salamah Assistant General Manager, Corporate Banking, Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait.

-Ends-

The Gulf Bond and Sukuk Association

The Gulf Bond and Sukuk Association (GBSA) is the regional trade association representing the Arabian Gulf bond and sukuk market. GBSA’s initiatives bring together leaders of the regional credit markets to create a collective and effective voice on the key issues affecting the industry. Member firms are leading banks, investment banks, issuers, investors, asset managers, law firms, rating agencies and service providers.

For further information please contact:

Michael P. Grifferty
President
The Gulf Bond and Sukuk Association
info@gulfbondsukuk.org  
www.gulfbondsukuk.org

KAMCO

KAMCO Investment Company K.S.C (Public) is a premier investment company based in Kuwait, with an office in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). The Company is one of the leading investment banking firms in the Gulf region in terms of assets under management (AUM), and is regulated by the Capital Markets Authority.

Established in 1998 and listed on the Boursa Kuwait in 2003, KAMCO is a subsidiary of United Gulf Bank (UGB).

The Company has established itself as a regional leader in providing innovative products and services to its clients, enabling it to increase AUM to over USD 11.2 billion (as of 31 December 2017) and achieve a strong track record of 96 successful investment banking transactions worth around USD 15.2 billion (as of 31 December 2017).

With almost two decades worth of experience in conducting business with in investment industry, KAMCO has successfully established a robust reputation in the region, driven by its performance, prudent and conservative investment philosophy, solid business model and fundamental belief in implementing the highest standards of transparency, which has consistently commanded the goodwill of a wide and growing patron-base.

Through its strategy, the Company aims to continue building upon its core competencies to provide the MENA region with innovative investment management consultancy and services, in addition to financial services that meet the needs of clients through value-added investment products and a cautious investment approach that is supported by an experienced team and strong track record.

KAMCO Investment Company (DIFC) Limited (KAMCO DIFC) is a whole owned subsidiary of KAMCO Investment Company, incorporated in the Dubai International Financial Centre and regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority.

© Press Release 2018