Emirates NBD Singapore and BondbloX have announced a strategic partnership aimed at improving the experience for bond investors. The collaboration will be formalized during the upcoming Singapore FinTech Festival, reflecting growing financial ties between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Singapore.
Under this agreement, Emirates NBD Singapore will provide Lombard lending solutions to clients of BondbloX, a Singapore-based fintech firm known for operating the world’s first fractional bond exchange. This arrangement allows international bond investors using BondbloX’s platform to access liquidity without selling their investments, supporting more efficient management of investment portfolios.
Lombard lending is a form of credit secured by liquid assets, enabling investors to borrow funds while retaining ownership of their holdings. By offering this service through its partnership with Emirates NBD Singapore, BondbloX addresses a gap in its platform by providing financing options that were previously unavailable to its clients. The partnership also aims to keep transaction fees low for investors.
For Emirates NBD Singapore, this initiative presents an opportunity to expand its client base and increase its lending activities. It builds on the bank’s existing referral model, which introduces clients from the UAE and other international markets to its Singapore branch for wealth management services.
Vanessa Leung, CEO of Emirates NBD Singapore, stated: “Our collaboration with BondbloX is a great example of B2B partnerships that have the potential to create win-win situations. It enables clients to avail of credit facilities, enables BondbloX to plug a gap in its value proposition and helps us expand our reach. By offering Lombard lending to BondbloX clients, we are not only enhancing their investment capabilities but also growing our presence in key markets, particularly by serving the Middle Eastern client base. This partnership reinforces Singapore’s role as a crucial financial hub and highlights the increasing synergy between the UAE and Singapore.”
Both countries are recognized as important centers for multinational corporations and high-net-worth individuals seeking new opportunities. They play significant roles in global trade and capital flows.
Dr. Rahul Banerjee, CEO of BondbloX, said: “BondbloX Bond Exchange, regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, is dedicated to democratising access to bond markets. This collaboration with Emirates NBD Singapore allows us to further enhance our offering by providing our clients with much-needed leverage facilities, thereby making fractional bond investing even more attractive and flexible. It is a significant step forward in our mission to create a more inclusive and efficient bond market.”
