First Gulf Bank plans bond issue, to establish China office

ABU DHABI: First Gulf Bank, the second largest lender by market capitalisation in the UAE, plans to make a benchmark foreign currency bond issue in the next 12 months, chief executive Andre Sayegh said on Monday.

“There will be a bond issuance in the coming 12 months. It is for balance sheet management,” Sayegh told reporters.

He also said the bank expected to post double-digit loan growth in the next 12 months. “Loan growth is picking up and some major projects are coming up.” Sayegh said FGB aimed to open a representative office in China in the coming 12 months. The office is expected eventually to be upgraded to a branch, he added.