Abu Dhabi - MENA Herald: NBAD Securities, a subsidiary of National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD), closed the year 2015 as the Number 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 was also able to execute 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 that reflects all the hard work the team have put in over the past three years! While the market overall has shrunk, we have been able to keep our market share.”
Three years ago, NBAD Securities had undertaken 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 vs 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 times when markets become volatile and risks are higher, 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 one of the top 50 safest banks in the world. We continue to gain the trust of all types of clients, and are always 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 on clients’ investment needs.
Concerning the market, Mr. Yasin said: “The year 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 will use this challenging environment to further strengthen its offering, with interesting diversified products to cover wider regional markets, and benefit from regional opportunities as they come in this year. While other brokerage companies may falter during tough times, we will ensure that we are closer to our clients in order to minimize potential negative effects on their investments. NBADS will continue to be a strong reliable partner.”