22nd September 2022 – British Arab Commercial Bank (BACB), the trade finance bank for specialist markets, has named experienced banker Damian Austin as its new Head of Trade Finance.
The appointment marks a return to BACB for Damian, who previously worked at the Bank in the early stages of his career. With over 25 years’ experience across international trade finance markets, most recently serving as European Head of Global Transaction Banking at Bank ABC, his expertise will bolster BACB’s leadership team. He previously also held senior positions at HSBC and Barclays, where he built and led the Global Trade Syndications team.
Together with sector-specific knowledge of trade and supply chain finance, Damian also has a proven track record in originating, structuring, and syndicating transactions across a variety of specialist markets.
Reporting to Deputy CEO and Chief Banking Officer Paul Jennings, Damian’s responsibilities as Head of Trade Finance will encompass the bank’s corporate origination, distribution and coverage areas, overseeing the safe and sustainable growth of BACB’s core business, to ensure the continued delivery of tailored solutions for clients trading with specialist markets.
“I am delighted to be returning to BACB,” commented Damian on his new role. “Specialist banks such as BACB are instrumental in supporting the trade flows that are so vital for the markets in which we operate. I look forward to joining the team as the Bank moves towards its next stage of growth.”
Paul Jennings added, “Damian’s expertise will be a strong addition to our trade finance practice, which remains at the heart of our corporate strategy. He is a natural fit – his wealth of knowledge and experience is complemented by the strong relationships that he already possesses with clients in our core markets.”
Based in London and regulated in the UK, BACB prides itself on a proven track record of excellence. The Bank’s strong relationship-banking approach and deep product and region expertise make it the partner of choice in financing trade flows to and from Africa and the Middle East.
