Kaupthing to Launch Middle East Office


Kaupthing Bank is preparing to commence activities in the Middle
East. Operations will be based in the Gulf and Kaupthing Bank is
currently in discussions with regulatory authorities in the region to
obtain neccessary licences.

The Bank will initially focus on investment banking and wealth
management in this region.

Kaupthing has appointed Umar Ali as Managing Director of operations
in the Middle East. Mr Ali has 15 years experience in international
finance and was previously employed at HSBC Bank and NatWest Markets
where he had extensive experience of the region.  Kaupthing expects
to employ approximately 10-15 people in the area during the first
year.