Arqaam Capital, the leading financial institution in developing derivatives in the region, confirmed Vontobel’s investment into the firm and becoming one of Arqaam Capital’s latest shareholders. Vontobel is one of the top Swiss banks in the derivatives market in Europe quoting over 5,000 products listed on the major European Stock Markets Swiss Stock Exchange (SWX), Deutsche B?rse (SCOACH), Stuttgart Stock Exchange (EUWAX/ both Germany) and Borsa Italiana (SEDEX/ Italy). Its investment provides Arqaam Capital with access to the biggest wealth management market in Switzerland and the Swiss Exchange Market. The cooperation also allows for the joint development of derivatives products from the region which would be listed and marketed in the region and in the Swiss market in addition to other relevant international markets. Arqaam Capital aims to introduce derivatives products that offer regional and international investors with a platform to diversify their investment portfolios while managing their investment risks. Commenting on this development, Riad Meliti, the Chief Executive Officer at Arqaam Capital, said: “We are very excited about having Vontobel Group as one of our shareholders. Their track record and prominence in their respective market in the field of derivatives underlines the market’s growing confidence in our strategy and business plan. This synergy puts Arqaam Capital in an ideal position to continue leading the derivatives business in the region and introducing product diversity into the market.“ Arqaam Capital is one of the first regional financial institutions to issue, list and trade structured derivatives products on GCC underlying equities as a core business line, and is the only institution with a dedicated derivatives team situated in the GCC. In a statement by Roger Studer, Head of Investment Banking at Votobel Group, he commented: “The cooperation with Arqaam Capital provides the Vontobel Group with easier access to the Gulf region, as Arqaam Capital is a well known and respected partner for professional wealth and asset management.” Vontobel Group also announced earlier today establishing their fist GCC subsidiary based in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).