The Gulf Capital Market Association Launches Steering Committee With Andrew Dell Appointed As Chairman

Dubai, January 25, 2010 – The Gulf Capital Market Association (GCMA), an independent professional membership body solely devoted to the regions fixed income market officiallylaunched its operations with the formation of its governing Steering Committee andappointment of executive officers.

Andrew Dell, HSBCs Managing Director and head of CEEMEA Debt Capital Markets and Emerging Markets Debt Syndicate has been appointed as Chairman of the Steering Committee.

Michael Grifferty has been appointed GCMA’s President.GCMA will lead efforts to deepen and widen the regional bond market by promotinginternational best practice as adapted to the region. GCMA will act as focal point for theindustry and interact with governments and regulators. The launch comes after a period of consultation to ensure consistency with official national and regional objectives. Though based in UAE, GCMA will work throughout the Gulf region and is not sponsored by oraligned with any market or jurisdiction. GCMA is part of a growing trend to mobilize throughindustry trade associations the expertise available in the region to raise professional standardsand achieve sector development goals.

Andrew Dell, Chairman of GCMA said, Deepening and widening the regional bond and sukuk markets to diversify the sources of capital available has long been a stated aim ofbusiness and governments in the region, and the past five years or so have seen tremendousstrides in the development of a regional debt capital market. The establishment of the GCMAprovides the GCC with a non-aligned industry partner to help continue this progress for thebenefit of the region as a whole.”

Michael Grifferty, President of GCMA said, The origins of this initiative predate the recent financial difficulties. GCMA will contribute to building the long term capital markets and diversification of the region. The Steering Committee members, many of whom have been involved from early days, have demonstrated both prescience and leadership. We are very fortunate to have an outstanding chairman in Andrew.

The GCMA Steering Committee is comprised of the following members:

Barclays Bank Plc
BNY Mellon
DIB Capital Ltd
Emirates NBD
First Gulf Bank
HSBC Bank Middle East
Mashreq Capital
Moodys Investors Service
National Bank of Kuwait
Standard Chartered Bank
Standard & Poors

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For further information:
Michael P. Grifferty
President
The Gulf Capital Market Association
info@gulfcapitalmarket.org
Tel: 971.4.401.9944
www.gulfbondsukuk.org
Note:
GCMA is assisted on strategic matters by MENA Bridge Advisors, LLC; John Habib, President.