Dr Alex Otti, Group Managing Director and CEO, Diamond Bank PLC

Nigeria’s Diamond Bank has weathered the recent financial crisis well, returning to profitability this year and occupying a strong position in the market. Dr Alex Otti outlines its principled stand to empower people and grow small businesses, without sacrificing its leading role in the country’s large energy sector.

Elena Chong, Vicepresident, Credicorp Bank

Panama’s new investment-grade rating, combined with its strong banking sector, lends belief to projections that the country will continue to be a key performer in Latin America. Elena Chong describes how Panama’s banking system withstood the financial crisis, the government’s infrastructure plans for growth, and explains how Credicorp Bank’s unique services positions it ahead of its competitors.

Abdulkareem Abu Al Nasr, CEO, National Commercial Bank

While most people still consider Saudi Arabia to be heavily reliant on oil, economic diversification has been one of the country’s strategic pillars since the 1980s. Today oil accounts for only 28 percent of GDP, in part thanks to the commitment of banks like NCB to supporting SMEs and local corporates. CEO Abdulkareem Abu Al Nasr discusses the current business environment and the bank’s commitment to sustainability.

Rohit Walia, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Alpen Capital

Strategic investors are lining up to back a wave of infrastructure projects across the GCC, and the IMF cites strong external balances and rising oil prices in what it terms a “positive short-to-medium term economic outlook” for the region. Rohit Walia discusses what differentiates Alpen Capital in this overbanked market, its focus on the GCC-India business corridor, and its involvement in one of the largest transactions the UAE has seen.

Abdulrahman Al Ansari, Group CEO, First Capital Switzerland

According to the IMF, emerging economies will grow at an annual average rate of six percent in the coming years, making the GCC of particular interest to international investors. Abdulrahman Al Ansari outlines the UAE’s incentives for new businesses, First Capital of Switzerland’s role in supporting the local economy, and its Sharia-compliant window, FCS Al Islami.

Eduardo Leeman, CEO, Falcon Private Bank

With GCC leaders planning to invest $800bn in major infrastructure projects in the next few years, the region presents fantastic opportunities for entrepreneurs – and for the wealth managers who can win their trust. Falcon Private Bank is well poised to capitalise on this business growth: with a Swiss base, Abu Dhabi ownership, and a 45 year history of client-focused private banking. Eduardo Leeman discusses the importance of the MENA region to Falcon’s growth strategy, and the competitive edge that will bring it success.