TH!NK

Global trade would not exist without a reliable and efficient way to make payments. As technology advances relentlessly, banks like MCB must continue investing in their payment solutions to provide a seamless experience to their clients.

In this latest episode of MCB Talk, Sanjeev Hazareesing, MCB’s Head of Global Transaction Banking, lifts a veil on the mysterious world of money movement.

MCB is putting its money where its mouth is by offering businesses cheaper money to help their ecological transition, their adaptation to the impacts of climate change or otherwise create more resilience and sustainability in their business models. 

In this latest episode of MCB Talk, Aldo Sydonie and Narvika Seetahul from MCB’s Corporate and Institutional Banking (CIB) reveal how sustained conversations with their clients have led to the co-creation of at least two sustainable finance products. 

Tune in to the latest episode of MCB Talk to find out how you can also benefit from the preferential rates of MCB’s first in-house Sustainability Loan.

While de-risking is causing banks around the world to turn away potential clients from Africa because their home countries are deemed high risk, MCB has no such concerns, say Guy Ah Hang, MCB Private Banking International manager and Vanessa Lai Min, Investment Product and Services manager. 

In this latest episode of MCB Talk, they argue that the bank’s unparalleled understanding of the African continent, its expertise and solid foundations, together with the strengths of the MIFC, make MCB a no-brainer for High-Net-Worth Individuals in Africa and beyond.

Learn more about why MCB Private Banking International is the right choice for you.

In this episode of MCB Talk, Ashvin Deena, the head of Global and International Corporates, explains how the bank is addressing challenges faced by its clients in Africa. Hard currency shortages, inflation, depreciation of African currencies, and high interest rates significantly impact businesses on the continent.

Learn more about MBC’s role in Africa here.

Independent Trade Finance expert Rebecca Harding says it is, adding that Africa must define its needs. She explains that while elsewhere trade harms SDGs, in Africa, it can be a force for good if it creates jobs and supports communities. 

In this latest episode of MCB Talk, Rebecca Harding and MCB’s Arnaud Levasseur discuss how the USD 120 billion Trade Finance gap in Africa can be an opportunity for banks such as MCB to do business while supporting the sustainable development of the continent.

As MCB bags its very first Sustainability-Linked loan, Anbar Jowaheer, MCB’s Head of FI and Syndication, and Vanessa de Speville, MCB’s Head of Sustainability, Reputation and Engagement, discuss why these types of syndicated loans matter and where banks are in this gigantic mission of greening their operations.

Last year, 84% of MCB’s profits came from outside Mauritius. Philippe Touati, MCB’s new head of Corporate and Institutional Banking, talks to us about the increasing share of international business in MCB’s business model and what this says about MCB’s ambitions in the region and beyond.

The recent strong job numbers and undoubtedly discouraging inflation data are tempting the Fed to hold rates at current level for longer. Market conditions manifest a delay in the rate cut narrative.The present market indications suggest a 1% reduction by June, signaling a gradual return to normalcy.

We anticipate the USD to uphold its prevailing status in the forthcoming months. In the near term, it's vital to keep an eye on the dollar index at 105; exceeding this threshold would spur momentum, potentially reaching levels observed in September 2023 at around 107 and possibly nearing 110.

Featured in this podcast:

Gavin Kannee - Senior FX Trader
Jolene Li Sing How - FX Trader
Terry Lalljee - Trainee Beyond Graduate

Podcast 2: Climate and Finance 

As MCB GM sets out to market ESG-themed investment products, we ask Sustainability Manager Stephane Lebon and Product Structurer Oodaye Joggesser about the seemingly contradictory nature of both subjects - climate and finance.  

Oodaye says a priority for MCB Financial Markets is to direct their clients to where the money is flowing and that in the coming years, there will be massive investment in water infrastructure, water utilities, and water treatment, among other sectors. 

Stephane, for his part, argues that Sustainable Finance – when financial flows are directed to sustainable activities- will, in due course, become mainstream finance as priorities shift to face the oncoming climate crisis.  

Both guests agree that the water-themed exposure currently being marketed by MCB GM is a win-win proposition with 100% capital protection by MCB, a solid backtesting result that supports its financial viability coupled with doing good by investing in the world’s need for clean water. 

If you’d like to know more about this specific exposure or other investment products, contact [email protected]

“Do you have any foreign currency risks in your business? If you do, how can we help you minimise the risks? Do you need to hedge your interest rates?” These, says Parik Tulsidas, head of MCB’s Financial Markets, are just a few of the questions his team asks clients. It’s crucial to ask the right questions, he says, so that the right solutions can be crafted.

Find out more about MCB Financial Markets and what makes them tick in our podcast MCB Talk.