-Hermes Securities executed over 14% of all transactions on the Cairo Stock Exchange (CSE), outgrowing its nearest competitor by over 70%. The firm keeps a dedicated trading desk for fixed income products. Given the currently lop-sided nature of the Egyptian securities market--with few bond issues outside the government--fixed income securities represent an area of huge potential growth. HSB caters to high net-worth individuals and private clients, locally and regionally, through an expanding network of sales outlets in Cairo and other major Egyptian cities. FBG focuses on providing sales services exclusively to financial institutions, both international and local. In terms of both operations and capital, FBG is able to meet the requirements of all major international institutions, and its sales team and back office are among the most efficient and reliable in Egypt. Consequently, Reuters News Service's annual "Global Emerging Markets Report" named EFG-Hermes the best firm covering Egypt for 1998. The Securities Brokerage division includes a research department that is internationally recognized as the best in Egypt. A team of 15 analysts produces a varied array of products, such as country reports covering Egypt and (starting in 1998) Jordan, industry sectoral reports, and regularly updated coverage of over 50 actively traded companies on the CSE. Aiming to address regional needs, the research department greatly increased its output of Arabic-language publications in 1998. During 1998, both brokerage arms were strengthened by large investments in state-of-the-art information technology. Along with efficiency in decision making, reliable communication with clients, precise reporting and secure execution and settlement, the ongoing upgrading of capabilities has allowed EFG-Hermes Securities to consistently provide its clients with the best brokerage service in Egypt.The brokerage division's extensive distribution network has also proven ...
