By Ampamya Ronah

Emirates NBD, Dubai’s largest bank, is ramping up its Asian footprint to capture the growing two-way capital flows between the Middle East and fast-expanding Asian economies. The lender recently obtained an investment banking license in Singapore and a merchant banking permit in India last month, strengthening its foothold in these strategic hubs.

Focus areas include loan syndications, debt capital markets and equity offerings, with particular emphasis on Asian firms seeking Middle Eastern funding.

Hitesh Asarpota, CEO of Emirates NBD Capital, noted in an interview that many Asian companies are expanding into the Middle East and require financing support. He highlighted strong and increasing demand from Asian issuers to access Middle East liquidity via loans and bonds.

The push follows heightened activity: the bank arranged two Singapore bond deals for Asian clients this year, while syndicated loans from Middle Eastern borrowers in Asia-Pacific hit a record $14.2 billion in 2025 a 175% jump from the previous year underscoring the accelerating financial integration driving the strategy.