Intesa Sanpaolo Expands Middle East Presence with €60 Billion in Deals

Intesa Sanpaolo is increasing its influence in the Middle East, with its IMI Corporate & Investment Banking division engaging in financial operations exceeding €60 billion since 2023, focusing on structured finance, bond issuance, and advisory services.

Strategic Focus on Middle East Growth

Intesa Sanpaolo, through its IMI Corporate & Investment Banking (CIB) division, is solidifying its presence in the Middle East, having facilitated financial transactions worth over €60 billion since 2023. These activities are strategically aligned with significant public investments and the region's ongoing energy transition programs.

Mauro Micillo leads IMI CIB, which has collaborated with other international institutions to provide over €30 billion in financing as a Mandated Lead Arranger. The division has also served as a Bookrunner in bond issuances totaling approximately €30 billion. These efforts are complemented by advisory services and risk management tools for interest rates.

"The United Arab Emirates, and more broadly the Middle East, represent a strategic pillar of our international growth path," said Mauro Micillo, chief of the IMI Corporate & Investment Banking Division. "We are committed to supporting the region's energy and industrial transformation, mobilizing capital and expertise to accelerate the development of innovative and sustainable projects. Our international network and the ability to structure complex transactions allow us to be a long-term partner for institutions, sovereign wealth funds and large Gulf corporates."

Involvement in Key Regional Projects

The bank's operations in the Gulf region include a collaboration with the UAE’s Ministry of Economy and Tourism for the development of the Green Innovation District. This project is integral to the country's energy transition and industrial innovation plans. Intesa Sanpaolo is actively involved in structuring and financing various energy and infrastructure projects in the region.

These initiatives are in line with the UAE's Vision 2031, a governmental plan focused on economic diversification and the development of sectors related to sustainability and innovation. Intesa Sanpaolo acts as a financial partner for public institutions, sovereign wealth funds, and major industrial groups.

UAE's Vision 2031

The UAE's Vision 2031 plan focuses on diversifying the economy and developing sectors related to sustainability and innovation. Intesa Sanpaolo is a key financial partner in achieving these goals.

Financial Contributions

IMI CIB has played a significant role in financing and capital market activities within the Middle East. The division's involvement includes:

• Financing for over €30 billion as Mandated Lead Arranger
• Bookrunner in bond issuances for approximately €30 billion
• Advisory services and risk management tools

Here's a breakdown of IMI CIB's financial activities:

Strategic Alignment and Future Outlook

Intesa Sanpaolo's engagement in the Middle East is a key component of its international strategy, with a focus on infrastructure, energy, and industrial projects.

The group, under the leadership of CEO Carlo Messina, emphasized that its presence in the Middle East is part of the bank's international strategy, focusing on infrastructure, energy and industrial projects.

CEO's Perspective

Carlo Messina's leadership underscores the strategic importance of the Middle East to Intesa Sanpaolo's international growth strategy.

The collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism is focused on developing the Green Innovation District, aligning with the country's energy transition and industrial innovation plans.

Detailed Financial Engagements

Intesa Sanpaolo's IMI CIB division has been actively involved in several financial engagements, including:

Areas of Activity

The bank's activities are divided into these areas:

• Structured financing
• Issuance of bonds
• Advisory services

Role as Financial Interlocutor

Intesa Sanpaolo serves as a key financial interlocutor for public institutions, sovereign wealth funds, and large industrial groups in the Gulf region. This role is crucial for facilitating investments and supporting economic development in line with Vision 2031.

Key roles include:

• Financial Interlocutor
• Supporting economic development
• Facilitating investments

Vision 2031 Goals

Intesa Sanpaolo is helping the UAE achieve its Vision 2031 goals through financial partnerships and project support.

The Middle East is a strategic area of focus for Intesa Sanpaolo's international expansion, with ongoing investments in infrastructure, energy, and industry projects.

Sector Focus

Intesa Sanpaolo focuses on the following sectors:

• Infrastructural projects
• Energy projects
• Industrial projects

These projects are vital for the region's sustainable development and economic diversification.

Summary of Intesa Sanpaolo's Middle East Engagements

Intesa Sanpaolo's strategic focus on the Middle East is evident through its substantial financial engagements and collaborative projects, supporting the region's transition towards sustainable and innovative economic growth.