ABA’s international trade finance subsidiary, BAFT, yesterday launched a new Middle East and North Africa regional council to focus on the needs of banks in the region. The council held its inaugural meeting yesterday in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and will be co-chaired by Maurice Iskandar of Banque Libano-Francaise, Beirut, and Faisal Lalani of Emirates NBD, Dubai.
“BAFT and the MENA Council members look forward to working together on critical issues facing the region’s banking industry,” said BAFT President and CEO Tod Burwell. “Together, we can create a stronger, safer and more innovative environment for MENA banks to operate.”
The council’s objectives and priorities will include regulatory awareness and harmonization, as well as the representation of Middle Eastern and North African banks in global topics, particularly de-risking and compliance.