NBAD Securities #1 Brokerage in the UAE

• NBADS closed 2015 as #1 broker in the combined ADX and DFM markets, both in terms of traded value AED 40 billion and market share 9.5%.
• NBADS executed the largest transaction in ADX history in 2015, with the value exceeding AED1.6 bn
• NBADS launched a successful strategy of diversification three years ago and sees opportunities for investors in challenging year 2016

NBAD Securities, a subsidiary of National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD), closed the year 2015 as the #1 broker in the combined ADX and DFM markets in terms of traded value, exceeding 40 billion dirhams. While overall UAE markets traded values have dropped by over 60% compared to 2014, NBADS managed to maintain its UAE market share of about 9.5%, due to a strategy of diversification and customised research services.

In 2015, NBADS executed the largest single transaction in ADX history with value exceeding AED1.6 billion.

Mohammed Ali Yasin, Managing Director- Head of NBAD Securities, said “This is an amazing achievement which reflects all the hard work the team has put in over the past three years.  We, were able to maintain our market share during a period in which the overall market decreased.”

Three years ago, NBAD Securities undertook a plan to restructure its business, strengthen its team and diversify  its revenue streams by attracting a larger portion of institutional clients. While institutions at that time represented less than 10% of the business as compared to 75% for high net-worth individuals, the bank’s brokerage subsidiary managed to increase the institutional share of the business to 33% and become a major revenue contributor.

Mr. Yasin added: “In periods of higher market volatility and risk, investors look for credible long term partners to trade with. NBAD Securities, in addition to being a pioneer in the UAE capital markets, was able to build on the NBAD group history and strength as the World’s Safest Bank in Emerging Markets. We continue to gain the trust of all types of clients, and we always rank as one of the top brokerage companies to work with in the UAE markets.”

NBAD Securities also developed stronger and customised research services to offer more insightful views into clients’ investment needs.

Concerning the market, Mr. Yasin said: “2016 looks to be challenging, and in some aspects we believe the first half of the year could be more difficult than 2015 due to macro factors, such as low oil prices, volatility of international markets and geopolitical issues. However, NBAD Securities plans to capitalise on this challenging environment to further strengthen our offering, providing interesting diversified products to cover wider regional markets, and benefiting from regional opportunities as they present themselves. While other brokerage companies may experience difficulties during challenging times, we will ensure that we are closer to our clients in order to minimize potential negative effects on their investments. Through it all, NBADS will continue to be a strong and reliable partner.”

About NBAD

NBAD has one of the largest networks in the UAE, with an expanding network of 114 branches and cash offices and more than 574 ATMs across the country. NBAD’s growing international network consists of about 60 branches and offices in 18 countries stretching across five continents from the Far East to the Americas, giving it the largest global network among all UAE banks.

Since 2009, NBAD has been ranked consecutively as one of the World’s 50 Safest Banks by the prestigious Global Finance magazine, which also named NBAD the Safest Bank in the Emerging Markets and the Middle East.

 NBAD is rated senior long term/short term AA-/A-1+ by Standard & Poor's (S&P), Aa3/P1 by Moody’s, AA-/F1+ by Fitch, A+ by Rating and Investment Information Inc (R&I) Japan, and AAA by RAM (Malaysia) , giving it one of the strongest combined rating of any  Global  financial institution.

A comprehensive financial institution, NBAD offers a range of banking services including retail, investment and Islamic banking. NBAD grows strategically toward its vision to be recognised as the World’s Best Arab Bank.

For more information please visit our corporate webpage at: www.nbad.com.

About NBAD Securities

NBAD Securities provides Institutional clients with exceptional brokerage services across the UAE and main MENA markets. It delivers tailor-made solutions and ‘best execution’ standards, supported by exclusive technical and fundamental research reports. The institutional desk caters to the full spectrum of local, regional and international clients.

NBADS’ range of institutional services include:

-          Access to regional equities, fixed income, and IPOs

-          Experienced sales trading team providing real time market colour and news

-          First rate execution capabilities

-          Trade idea suggestions

-          Block trading and facilitating

-          Dedicated middle office function

-          Margin trading