Dubai, January 17th 2013 - BNY Mellon, the global leader in investment management and investment services, is pleased to confirm that Giambattista Atzeni has been elected as the 2013 Chairman of the Gulf Bond & Sukuk Association's Steering Committee.

Giambattista Atzeni, Vice-President, Corporate Trust MENA and Turkey for BNY Mellon, succeeds Andrew Dell, Head of Central and Eastern Europe Middle East Africa Debt Capital Markets and CEO Africa for HSBC.

Giambattista Atzeni said: "BNY Mellon has a strong track record of supporting leadership initiatives which enhance players' access to the markets. A deep and liquid bond and sukuk market is essential to the economic development, financial stability and diversification of the regional economy in the Arabian Gulf. Acting as focal point for the fixed income market in the region, the GBSA works together with governments, regulators and market players on addressing and resolving the critical issues that are impacting our markets at both the national and cross-border levels."

Michael Grifferty, President of the GBSA, said: "We are delighted that Giambattista will be leading the organization to an even higher level in 2013."

The Gulf Bond and Sukuk Association (GBSA) is the regional trade association representing the Arabian Gulf bond and sukuk market. The GBSA harnesses the commitment of its members to promote a wide and deep market on the basis of international best practices as adapted to the region, governed by the highest ethical and professional standards.

BNY Mellon is the corporate brand of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation. BNY Mellon has been conducting business in the Middle East and Africa for nearly 100 years. The company was granted a branch licence in 2008 by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). The Dubai office acts as a regional management and line of business hub supporting representative offices in Abu Dhabi, Beirut, Cairo, Istanbul and Johannesburg. BNY Mellon works with a wide range of financial institutions, governments and other clients throughout the region, offering issuer services and correspondent banking services, as well as custody and asset management services.

Re-disseminated by The Asian Banker