Barclays Corporate has hired Kersi Patel as its new head of trade and working capital in the Middle East.

Patel is based in Dubai and joined the bank in December last year.

Previously Patel worked at HSBC as regional head of trade and supply chain for the Mena region. He left the bank in early 2011.

Baihas Baghdadi, Barclays head of trade and working capital for Europe and Middle East explains to GTR: “The UAE and wider GCC region continues to offer substantial growth prospects for our multinational and local corporate clients. Kersi’s appointment reaffirms Barclays commitment to the region and will enhance our trade capability.”

Patel tells GTR: “I am fortunate to have received Barclays’ invitation to lead their talented trade and working capital team in the region. Barclays has the key building blocks needed to be a market leader in this business, including a diverse and loyal customer base. Working closely with my team and with partners across the organisation, my objective is that Barclays be rated amongst the best for trade by our customers in the UAE.”

Barclays is targeting trade finance and working capital as an area of growth for the bank. In April last year, Tan Kah Chye moved to the bank to join as the new head of trade and working capital.

Since Tan’s hire, the bank has been actively recruiting in London and globally.