National Bonds appoints Chief Investment Officer

He will also be responsible for managing and diversifying National Bonds' current portfolio of investments.

With 23 years of experience across Europe, the United States and the Gulf, Bernard brings to National Bonds rich expertise in the field of investments and wealth management.

Bernard previously served as the Head of Investment Funds at Global Investment House, Kuwait.

Mohammad Qasim Al Ali, CEO of National Bonds Corporation, said:

"We are pleased to welcome Bernard to our management team. We believe his extensive experience and in-depth understanding of the global and regional financial industry will enable us to further develop our business and expand the range of services we offer to our bondholders and investors."

Bernard previously served as Chief Investment Officer at Banque Ferrier Lullin & Cie Geneva, a wholly owned subsidiary of UBS; Managing Director with Prudential Financial in New York; and Head of Citibank Asset Management Group in London.

He holds an MBA in Finance and Banking from Pace University New York, and a JD in Commercial and Labor Law from the University of Bordeaux International Law School.

Commenting on his appointment, Bernard said: "I am extremely pleased to join National Bonds at a time when it is experiencing remarkable growth. In a fast-growing market for Islamic savings, National Bonds has achieved tremendous momentum in a very short span of time. In my new role, I look forward to ensuring that National Bonds maintains its attractive returns for bondholders by securing the diversified Sharia-compliant investment opportunities the region offers, while strengthening risk management and enhancing investment processes."

National Bonds is a simple and safe savings scheme that offers the excitement of the five million dirham monthly draws plus high expected annual returns (6.03% in 2007).

All these aspects have made National Bonds everyone's favourite place to save.

The Investment Corporation of Dubai (the investment arm of Dubai Government) owns 50% of National Bonds while the rest is owned by leading Dubai Inc. companies.

National Bonds can be purchased from over 320 associated outlets nationwide, including any of Dubai Bank's 20 branches, as well as from Emirates Islamic Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank, Sharjah Islamic Bank, Dubai Bank and the Al Ansari, Al Fardan, Al Ghurair, Redha Al Ansari, Al Rostamani International, UAE Exchange, Lari Exchange, Wall Street and Habib exchange houses.