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03/07/2011 / SPECIAL REPORTS / UNITED KINGDOM / ACQUISITION FINANCE - COMMODITIES - DEBT & CREDIT MARKETS - EXPORT & TRADE FINANCE - FOREIGN EXCHANGE - NATURAL RESOURCES, INFRASTRUCTURE AND POWER - SHIPPING FINANCE
Crédit Agricole CIB, an active player in the United Kingdom
Crédit Agricole CIB has been present in London since 1870. Over the decades, the Bank has developed a deep knowledge of the UK market through long-standing relationships with corporates and financial institutions.
Arnaud Chupin, Senior Country Officer, presents a global view on this market and Crédit Agricole CIB's comprehensive offer.
Tim Hall, Global Head of Debt Capital Markets Origination, Fixed Income Markets, presents this business line and the cooperation with other teams.
Discover the international experience of John O'Neil, Global Head of Infrastructure, Structured Finance, from Sydney to London.
Arnaud Chupin: "Concentrating on our core sectors of expertise we accompany our clients at every stage of their development"
What are the specificities of the UK market today?The financial crisis has changed the banking landscape in the country as well as banks’ practices. As we speak the UK banking market is still in a consolidation and reconstruction mode. Nevertheless, with London being the European hub for most Corporate & Investment Banks, the London market remains a reliable and resilient source of liquidity for market players. The depth and reach of the UK market continues to expand as it currently sees financial institutions from Emerging Markets increasing their London operations.
How did Crédit Agricole CIB react to the crisis?
Our first priority during the crisis was to support our clients during turbulent times. In each situation we offered the most appropriate solutions to help them strengthen their balance sheets with products such as debt optimisation, forward start facilities, rights issues and bond issues. We also made the choice, as part of our 2008 refocus and development plan, to concentrate on our core sectors of expertise so that we could accompany our clients at every stage of their development. This development plan also translated into a further strengthening of our flow products distribution capabilities with asset managers and hedge funds.
What are Crédit Agricole CIB’s strengths in this market?
Over the past decade Crédit Agricole CIB in the United Kingdom has developed strong expertise and leading positions in structured finance activities such as Infrastructure and Power projects financing, Acquisition Finance, as well as pre-Export Financing, Shipping and Trade Finance.
Crédit Agricole CIB in London can capitalise on strong origination and syndication teams which contribute to Crédit Agricole CIB’s leading positions in the EMEAEurope, the Middle East and Africa syndicated loans and in the Euro bond markets. London is also the main centre for our Foreign Exchange product line and we provide our clients with solutions to hedge their foreign exchange exposure particularly for foreign exchange options and emerging market currencies. Crédit Agricole CIB in London also steers the development of its Commodities activities and recently set up a joint-venture with EDF Trading in the power, gas and coal markets.
As for our clients, we have built strong relationships with large British corporates. Our key areas of expertise are: energy, construction and infrastructure, mining, transportation and telecoms. In the financial institutions sector, we are steadily growing our origination and advisory activities with insurance companies and banks, with a particular focus on capital structure reflecting the new regulatory frameworks.
How did your clients welcome the rebranding?
In February 2010, Calyon became Crédit Agricole Corporate & Investment Bank. This new name was well-received by our clients in the United Kingdom. The rebranding reinforces our reputation in the market as it clearly associates us with Crédit Agricole Group’s financial strength.
Tim Hall, Global Head of Debt Capital Markets Origination: "Our partnership with client relationships teams is the key element for success"
