Middle East Capital Markets Conference

Description

The Middle East’s fast-growing domestic markets and ability to attract international investors mean that its capital markets are an exciting source of activity for local and global deal makers. Despite political and social change in many countries during recent years, those markets have shown impressive resilience.

Qatar’s bumper US$4bn sukuk, for example, has highlighted the eagerness of sovereign and corporate issuers across the region to tap the growing Islamic finance market. The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul and Oman’s Muscat Securities Market saw companies complete IPOs during recent months. And the ever-present need for infrastructure development means the loan and syndication markets will remain crucial sources of funding for project sponsors.

These and other trends will continue to open new opportunities in global investment circles. But there will be challenges. The decision by investment index compiler MSCI in June not to promote Qatar and the United Arab Emirates to ‘emerging market’ status from ‘frontier’ status underlines the fact that some global analysts believe more reforms are needed in certain regional markets.

EMEA Finance’s Middle East Capital Markets Conference will bring together companies, financiers and investors to discuss the varied opportunities and challenges ahead. With a pan-regional  approach complemented by country-specific sessions and discussions, the event will not only highlight the key deals and achievements of recent years, but will also explore the crucial steps now necessary to improve access to international markets and develop domestic markets.

Topics to be discussed include:
● Middle East sovereigns: How are they viewed and what is the current investor appetite?
● What regulatory reforms have been initiated and have these impacted on the market?
● Do the established markets still dominate the GCC landscape and how can smaller players open themselves?
● Rating risks: Considering how issuers can preserve and maintain investor confidence
● Outlining the benefits provided by local currency issuance to issuers and the wider market
● Looking at the various ways in which companies are aiming to fund their expansion
● Highlighting recent Shariah-compliant transactions taking place and the financing used
● Addressing refinancing risks across the region: What are the key factors?
● Developing regional stock exchanges: What further steps are needed to retain investor confidence?
● What funding options does Qatar have to back the infrastructure projects needed ahead of the 2022 World Cup?