NBAD Global Financial Markets Forum draws record delegates

The National Bank of Abu Dhabi’s (NBAD) Third Annual Global Financial Markets Forum (GFMF) and Global Financial Markets Islamic Forum (GFMIF) concluded with record number of attendees. 

More than 700 delegates attended the four-day conference which provided for constructive discussions about the future of markets, regional developments, and Abu Dhabi’s increasing role in the global economy. During the conference, NBAD facilitated productive workshops and investor presentations, which has never been offered in the region. 

“I am proud and pleased that NBAD, the Number One Bank in the UAE, provided our valued clients, investors, partners, stakeholders, and other attendees a suitable platform to share information and discuss on the important topics of the day,” says Michael H. Tomalin, the Group Chief Executive at NBAD. “NBAD facilitates forums such as the Global Financial Markets Forum to provide to serve our commitment to supporting Abu Dhabi’s ambitious development plans.”

“NBAD is an inseparable part of Abu Dhabi's fabric and the Emirate’s partner in the progress and development envisioned in Vision 2030. We believe information sharing and facilitating global forums is one way to support Abu Dhabi Vision 2030,” Mr. Tomalin continues. 

He adds: “NBAD would continue to organise and support world class conferences in Abu Dhabi to cement Abu Dhabi as a global destination and to achieve NBAD’s vision to be recognised as The World’s Best Arab Bank.”

This year, NBAD segmented the global financial forum. The Global Financial Markets Islamic Forum (GFMIF), which took place February 27^th and 28^th, provided a forum for financiers and scholars to discuss challenges and opportunities of the US$1 trillion Shariah-compliant banking system. On March 2^nd and 3^rd, GFMF continued with a focus on conventional banking and general market conditions.

On the daily average, about 150 delegates attended GFMIF and the conventional GFMF drew 450 delegates each day.

NBAD’s Financial Markets Division (FMD) organised the GFMF in cooperation with several partners.

“The Third GFMF opened on the heels of very critical developments in the region and I believe the event succeeded in providing our esteemed clients and investors the essential information needed to succeed in today’s evolving environment,” said Mahmood Al Aradi, the Senior Executive Vice President of NBAD’s Financial Markets Division. “Our team effectively organised very informative sessions with world class speakers and thought-provoking panel discussions as well as valuable workshops and investors presentations.”

Among the notable speakers was Dr. Nassim Nicholas Taleb, the author of “The Black Swan,” who spoke on February 27^th and March 2^nd. Other speakers were author, academic and economic commentator Jim Rogers, Jamil Baz, chief investment strategist of Man- GLG, and Richard Perry, founder and partner of Perry Capital.

GFMF also focused on Abu Dhabi’s Vision 2030. H.E. Fahad Al Raqbani, the Director General of Abu Dhabi Council for Economic Development, addressed the crowd about the Emirates plans and progress toward Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 and a panel discussion comprising of the “who is who” of Abu Dhabi discussed and deciphered the plan.

 “The highly intellectual and influential thinkers and decision-makers provided engaging discussions and perspectives, particularly on the recent global economic and regional political developments,” says Sameh Abdulla Al Qubaisi, the General Manager of Institutional and Corporate Coverage Group at NBAD’s Financial Markets Division. 

“The annual Global Financial Markets Forum aims to serve our investors and partners with the most informative information. Moreover, our workshops provide them with the latest tools in the financial industry. This year we also introduced Investors’ Presentations to the forum for the first time in the region. I’m proud to report that the Investors’ Presentation was highly welcomed by the delegates.” 

NBAD’s valuable partners made the third GFMIF and GFMF possible. Al Hilal Bank and Abu Dhabi National Islamic Finance Company (ADNIF), the Islamic banking unit of NBAD, served as NBAD’s partner in GFMIF; and GFI and Boursa Malaysia as sponsors of the event. Thomson Reuters, Bloomberg, Murex, ICMA, and NBAD Academy are NBAD’s workshop partners; and CNBC Arabia is the official Broadcaster of GFMF. Other partners are Etihad Airways, Official Airline, YAS Hotel, Official Hospitality Partner; Blaze Event Solutions, YAS Marina Circuit, and YAS LINKS official Entertainment Partners; and Etisalat, Official ICT Partner.

Sponsors of GFMF are Abu Dhabi Department of Finance, Abu Dhabi Council for Economic Development, Finance House, General Holding Cooperation, Al Habtoor Group, Al Waha Capital, and ACT Middle East. 

“NBAD is thankful to all our partners for their support and contribution which will lead to a more successful forum,” Al Qubaisi says.