Deutsche Bank poised to become major player in transaction banking sector in the region

During the seminar, key bank executives and economists held discussions on various aspects of banking and the implications of global economic trends for the Middle East.

"This seminar is an important forum to share information with clients across the region and we are pleased that it has attracted a strong
attendance. This further demonstrates Deutsche Bank's commitment to the region and our continuing initiatives to strengthen our onshore banking platform. The seminar's timing is especially significant since it comes shortly after the launch of the Dubai International Financial Exchange of which we are a founding member," says Kenneth C Borda, Chairman Asia Pacific (ex Japan), Chief Executive Officer, Middle East & North Africa.

"Deutsche Bank is a leading player in the global transaction business. We decided to hold this seminar in the Middle East due to our desire to participate in this high growth region and strengthen our presence in the marketplace," said Reinhard E.Uhl, Managing Director, Head of Trade Finance and & Cash Management Corporates, Deutsche Bank AG.

"The Middle East plays a significant role in Deutsche Bank's business, especially in the transaction banking sector. The money and trade flows, which were initially directed towards North America and Europe, are now moving between Asia, South America, Eastern Europe (including Russia) and the Middle East. This includes both oil and non-oil related trade and transaction business. The region is becoming a hub for trade and payment. The capital available is looking for investments which are made in the region, and this has resulted in an increase in capital flows within the region. As a transaction bank we would like to participate in this wealth generation," he said.

"Deutsche Bank is ideally placed to service importers, exporters and investors in markets around the world. The Global Transaction Banking seminar is the first step towards strengthening our transaction banking business in the region. The forum has been an ideal discussion platform for trade, cash, trust and securities services with our partners and clients," said Nadim Zaman, Managing Director, Global Transaction Banking Head, Middle East & North Africa, Deutsche Bank AG.

Deutsche Bank is known for taking a proactive role in satisfying customer requirements through innovative customer tools and superior service. In addition, the bank's white-labelling initiatives, leading-edge technologies and ongoing operations investment makes it a powerhouse in the marketplace.

Deutsche Bank has a long history in the region, having established its first branch in 1909. The bank announced the opening of the Dubai branch last week, while in Riyadh, Deutsche Bank is one of the very few institutions that has been permitted to operate under a 100 per cent foreign-owned universal banking license. The bank has also entered into a joint venture with Al Azizia Commercial Investment Company in Saudi Arabia.

During the past two years the Trust and Securities Services (TSS) Group at Deutsche Bank has provided trustee and administration services on a wide range of debt structures for banks and corporates in the Middle East. Andrew Leamon, regional head of new business for the debt services group says, "The increase year on year in respect of new transactions originating from the region has been very encouraging. We are providing administrative services for an increasing number of clients on facilities such as syndicated loans, project financings, Sukuk and corporate bonds." The TSS business also provides depositary bank services for American Depositary Receipts and securities custody in 27 markets around the world.