Jason Downer has been appointed head of trade finance at Arab Bank plc, London.

Downer’s background includes a range of trade finance roles at ANZ Bank, Credit Lyonnais and London Forfaiting Company where he developed strong relationships with exporters and banks around the world. He also has invaluable experience outside banking, most notably with Cable & Wireless plc where he was responsible for business development with mobile network operators across South Asia and the Middle East.

Mike Clark, head of corporate and institutional banking says: “I am very pleased to have Jason in the team. The appointment evidences Arab Bank plc’s strong commitment to trade finance, with aggressive plans for London branch to support UK and Nordic companies “trade throughout the Middle East and North Africa”.

Downer adds: “Arab Bank plc is the largest Arab banking network and offers a full range of trade finance services, including structured export finance. Having so many branches across the region gives us local knowledge and our customers a real strategic advantage. I look forward to working with them to ensure their success in these markets”.