middle east

CICC is looking to strengthen ties between China and the Gulf region; meanwhile, a former MD at Standard Chartered, Kapil Jobanputra, has become managing partner of real asset firm Elaeo Partners.

There has been a flurry of activity connected with the Middle East in recent weeks, including visas, real estate and chemical assets.

The joint venture Al-Futtaim Willis has been in operation for five decades and is based in Dubai and Bahrain; after securing a reinsurance broking license in Saudi Arabia, WTW is continuing its expansion in the region.

FA recently caught up with Jo Miyake, head of banking, Asia and Middle East at HSBC Corporate and Institutional Banking, on capital allocation shifts, cross-border opportunities, sustainable financing and regulation.

The Middle East office for the Temasek-owned firm, which has $54bn assets under management, will add to offices in Singapore, India, China and Indonesia; Sadiq Hussain will lead its Middle East operations.

The BlackRock owned infrastructure investor is targeting the region as it is being driven by "strong economic growth".

Ian Johnston, chief executive, Dubai Financial Services Authority, is confident the growing flows between Asia and the Middle East will continue.

The undisclosed deal for DiabTec, struck with Jalphur, gives the firm a MENA manufacturing base, as Kelix Bio continues its acquisition spree.

Jo Miyake to become head of banking, Asia and the Middle East, under its new Corporate and Institutional Banking unit, while Selim Kervanci will become CEO of the Middle East.