Dubai-based Mashreq, one the UAE's largest banks by market value, said it has taken legal action to protect its interests because of problems with Saudi clients, but that amounts involved were "not significant".
"We appreciate that all defaults are of concern. However, the amounts involved are not significant as evidenced by the strength and trading position of the bank as reported in our Q1 results," John Iossifidis, Mashreq's head of international banking, said in a statement. He did not name the clients. "We expect and are confident of a satisfactory resolution in due course," he added.
UAE Central Bank Governor Sultan Nasser al-Suweidi said on Monday that banks in the Gulf Arab state had exposure to troubled Saudi conglomerates Saad Group and Ahmad Hamad Al Gosaibi Group & Brothers (AHAB). AHAB said on Tuesday it was about to start talks with creditors, after a newspaper reported it and Saad Group were seeking to restructure $10 billion in debt.
"Mashreq is aware of a number of problems faced by Saudi-based clients and has taken legal action to protect its interests when appropriate and is actively working with such clients, their advisors, regulators and other banks in an effort to resolve the matters," Iossifidis said.