We have a knowledge department which
understands that we need to ojfer our clients
sector intelligence; we produce products that are
specifically aimed at the F&A sector, and we
are now concentrating on ojfering seamless
service to toptier clients that transcends borders
REGION SPECIAL GLOBAL SECTOR STRATEGY
Frans van Bijsterveld
Frans van Bijsterveld, Head of F&A Europe:
and products marks the position of a true F&A bank. And what's
the evidence for this? We have a knowledge department which
understands that we need to offer our clients sector intelligence; we
produce products that are specifically aimed at the F&A sector;
and we are now concentrating on offering seamless service to top-tier
clients that transcends borders," according to van Bijsterveld. Pieters
explains that although regional players dominate the dairy sector
(with only around 8 percent of the market traded intercontinentally)
Europe is an important player within this field. "International trade
pricing is an important factor on local pricing levels," she says. "And
with changes to the European Union's quota system coming into
force in 2015, we see many companies now looking into increasing
their exports and their activities in those areas that have a higher
demand, such as the Far East." It's at this level that Rabobank is at its
best, integrating its cross-border abilities with its sector knowledge,
she explains. 'This brings opportunities for us. China is one of the main
target markets, for example, and companies are looking at takeovers
in these locations, so M&A activities increase, which is good for us.
And where there's M&A activity, companies also need financing, so
again we can benefit." However, Pieters believes that competing
internationally, and convincing clients that Rabobank is truly a global
F&A bank, involves having a mix of staff on hand globally, so that
knowledge is available where it's most needed. "We are now really
following the clients, and this means we have to make optimum use
of our international network. We need to be able to access colleagues
around the world, so that clients realise that our knowledge and
dedication is truly international."
ISSUE 24
RI WORLD
