450 economic opinion-leaders attend SABB's "Global Markets Roadshow"

The Global Markets Roadshow was organised by SABB's Treasury for key corporate Institutional banking, commercial banking and private banking clients. Two eminent specialists in the field of economics David Bloom (Global Head, Foreign Exchange Strategy, HSBC) and Dr. John Sfakianakis (SABB Chief Economist) presented their views on the current and future direction of the world, Gulf and Saudi economies. The key themes for 2008 were global foreign exchange and the regional macro economic environment.

The roadshow provided a unique insight to current economic issues, made possible through the close partnership between SABB - with its distinctive local vision - and the international expertise of the worldwide HSBC Group, one of the largest and most influential financial institutions in the world.

A welcome address by SABB's regional Area General Managers opened each venue, while Walid Khoury, SABB's Treasurer, gave closing addresses.

Mr Khoury said:

"In addition to examining events that are impacting on foreign exchange and the world and regional economies, we also highlighted our treasury capabilities relevant to our various client segments."

He added, "The event was highly successful and customer feedback showed that they appreciated the insight they gained into the transactional environment they operate in, as well giving them focus on markets' perspective. This second roadshow was valuable in updating our customers at a time of world economic turmoil."

Mr Khoury added, "The roadshows also aim to create more visibility for SABB and adds further to SABB's ongoing theme of 'Local Vision, International Expertise'."