Abu Dhabi, UAE — First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), the largest bank in the UAE, and DBS, Southeast Asia’s largest bank, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster sustainable business and investment growth, while enhancing innovation across the Middle East and Asia. The collaboration will leverage the strengths of both institutions to expand offerings in international clearing services, trade financing, and corporate financing, creating broader access to key financial instruments for clients across these dynamic regions.
The partnership aims to enhance engagement in clearing services along critical international business corridors and bolster trade financing activities. Additionally, FAB and DBS will jointly explore corporate financing opportunities, combining their global market expertise to unlock value for their clients. This alliance will enable both banks to provide a wider range of solutions, addressing the evolving needs of businesses and investors.
Statements from Key Executives Highlight Strategic Significance
“FAB’s stature as a premier financial powerhouse in the Middle East, coupled with DBS’s position as the leading bank in Southeast Asia, creates a potent platform for collaboration,” said Martin Tricaud, FAB’s Group Head of Investment Banking. “Together, we can connect clients to opportunities across these dynamic regions by sharing expertise and market knowledge, ultimately driving mutual growth.”
Sanjay Sethi, Head of Global Transaction Banking at FAB, underscored the long-standing ties between the Middle East and Asia, noting, “Trade links between our regions date back centuries, and with the current exponential growth in business and investment, this MoU will help us deliver top-tier transaction banking services to clients operating along this essential trade corridor.”
Simon Ong, Group Head of Financial Institutions & Government-Linked Corporations at DBS, added, “Our partnership with FAB reflects DBS’s commitment to bolstering the growth of key regional players. This alliance will unlock new opportunities and add value by enabling us to serve clients seamlessly in our respective markets.”
Sriram Muthukrishnan, Group Head of Product Management, Global Transaction Services at DBS, also highlighted the transformative impact of the partnership. “This MoU positions us to capitalize on emerging opportunities, creating significant value for our clients. The dedication of our teams in realizing this partnership has been exceptional, and we are excited to drive its positive impact.”
The MoU signing ceremony was attended by Hana Al Rostamani, Group CEO of FAB, and Su Shan Tan, Deputy CEO and Group Head of Institutional Banking Group at DBS, further solidifying the commitment of both banks to advancing regional trade and investment.
About FAB and DBS
FAB is the largest bank in the UAE, known for its strong regional presence and investment banking expertise, while DBS is Southeast Asia’s largest bank, recognized for its innovative financial solutions. Through this partnership, both banks aim to support clients navigating the critical trade and investment corridor between the Middle East and Asia, strengthening economic ties and fostering sustainable growth.
