Al Khaliji executives, key speakers at the Qatar Investor Relations seminar

Al Khalij Commercial Bank (al khaliji) Q.S.C announced its sponsorship to the Qatar Investor Relations Seminar held in Doha on 23 May 2011. The conference was hosted by the Middle East Investor Relations Society, in partnership with the Qatar Exchange. al khaliji executives, Mr. Christiaan de Beer, Group Chief Financial Officer and Dr. Charbel Cordahi, Head of Investor Relations reflected on the Qatar equity story and the investor relations landscape during panel discussions.

The event was attended by executives and experts promoting capital markets and international standards of Investor Relations. Panellist speakers communicated the views of analysts, investors, and fund managers and reflected on why they value IR. Investor Relations professionals from Qatar and the GCC provided insights into their roles and described how their activities add value to issuers, asset and fund managers, and the region capital markets.

Commenting on al khaliji sponsorship, Robin McCall, acting Chief Executive Officer, said, “Over the past 20 years, Investor Relations gained unprecedented attention due to growing globalization of the economy, successive financial crises, cross border investments and the emergence of new players and new regulations. IR is now the eyes and ears of companies in the market: it delivers valuable insight into market sentiment, increases shareholder value, and facilitates the supply of investment capital. We congratulate the Middle East Investor Relations Society for their good work and thank the Qatar Exchange for their continuous support”.

Charbel Cordahi, al khaliji Head of Investor Relations, addressed the importance of having a dedicated IR department. Dr Cordahi said: “A dedicated Investor Relations team in any organization plays a vital role in enhancing demand for a company’s shares and lower its cost of capital. At the same time, the Investor Relations team plays a role in increasing the trading volume in a company’s shares and increase the liquidity of the company’s securities. IR initiatives also improve analysts’ and specialist financial media’s following and have a positive influence on intangible assets and on the willingness of investors to invest in the company.”

al khaliji Investor Relations department has been highly successful in implementing a performing IR program, setting a strong framework, and strengthening the financial and investor communication processes and channels. “Our success would not have been possible if it had not been for the essential support of Qatar Exchange, for which I am personally grateful for” said Dr. Cordahi.

Al Khaliji always seek to be part of thought leadership conferences and seminars that highlight and reflect on key issues in the industry.