ICBC Dubai (DIFC) Branch: Best International Bank Bond Issuer EMEA 2017

An exceptionally well-diversified range of products and services has helped Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) maintain its competitive edge in the, sometimes choppy, markets of the Middle East, gaining resilience and adding to its already considerable weight. The bank’s presence in the region stretches back to 2008. In fact, ICBC was the first of the large Chinese banks to recognize the growing importance of the Middle East as a global hub for trade and financial services.

The largest of China’s Big Four banks, and indeed the largest bank in the world by total assets (approx. $3.6tn), ICBC has become a major player in the Middle East as the region’s business ties with China strengthened. Milestones include the 2015 issue of a $500m bond, listed and traded on Nasdaq Dubai. Thus, ICBC became the first Chinese bank to successfully launch a dollar-denominated bond in the Middle East. The bank has issued a number of similar bonds since.

Across four distinct business lines – corporate, treasury, trade and FI – ICBC Dubai (DIFC) Branch offers its clients direct and seamless access to the world’s principal market, backed up by the bank’s vast global network and its unequalled expertise in providing a full suite of premier financial services.

The CFI.co judging panel notes that ICBC Dubai (DIFC) Branch has embarked on a strong growth path whilst maintaining its privileged position within the bank’s structure as one of its most profitable units. The judges are delighted to offer ICBC Dubai (DIFC) Branch the 2017 Best International Bank Bond Issuer Award.