Middle East
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Société Générale has agreed to pay $1.34bn in fines and an enhanced monitoring programme for violating US sanctions against Cuba, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Myanmar and North Korea, according to notices issued by US agencies on Monday. -
Arison Holdings, a vehicle for Shari Arison, the Israeli billionaire, has reopened the EMEA equity blocks market after the weekend with the sale of a 3.7% in Bank Hapoalim, the largest bank in Israel.
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Leads on Emirates NBD’s trade are closely watching the market this week for an issuance window for the delayed five year dollar trade, as another Middle Eastern issuer might be testing the market tomorrow.
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Naftogaz and Emirates National Bank of Dubai (ENBD) shelved plans for five year dollar benchmarks this week, thanks to a steep fall in the oil price and what bankers referred to as weak sentiment.
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NMC Healthcare, the London-listed United Arab Emirates healthcare company, made its bond market debut in a week wracked by volatility. But despite the choppy backdrop, NMC’s debut came off smoothly.
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Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, the aircraft lessor 96% owned by state-controlled Investment Corp of Dubai, has closed a $720m loan with an international, rather than regional, syndicate, as Gulf borrowers continue to pivot away from local financing.
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Bahrain-headquartered Gulf International Bank has successfully increased and closed a $500m loan, the bank announced on Wednesday.
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Two emerging market borrowers had to postpone deals this week, thanks to volatility in the market. Naftogaz and Emirates NBD have had to put plans for their five year dollar benchmarks on hold.
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UAE-based Bin Butti International Holdings has launched its debut syndicated loan to refinance existing debt worth $500m.
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Despite commodity catastrophes and diplomatic discord, the Gulf is set to be one of the most promising regions for the syndicated loan market in coming years, with a number of projects in the pipeline and governments seeking to modernise their economies by diversifying their funding sources. Banks seeking long-term returns and future ancillary business should pay close attention.
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Emirates NBD is set to return to the dollar market, picking banks for a five year benchmark. The trade will be joined in the market by a dollar bond from UAE-based private healthcare provider.
