Edward Bell has been appointed at MUFG, leaving Emirates NDB to lead the Japanese giant's Middle East and North Africa research coverage from Dubai.

The bank says Bell will provide macroeconomic insights and analysis for clients and the bank, including energy markets with a focus on crude oil and natural gas, and geography keyed to both the Middle East and Turkey.

With Emirates NBD, Bell covered macroeconomics, markets and commodities, as well as rates and FX, for the private bank for more than 11 years. Prior thereto he worked at the Economist Intelligence Unit in Hong Kong and London as a commodities and Middle East country analyst, and is a Turkish specialist by education.

At MUFG he will report to Wael Al Sharif, Head of Global Corporate and Investment Banking (GCIB) for MENA, and functionally to Derek Halpenny, Head of Research, Global Markets EMEA & International Securities, for global research responsibilities.

“Edward's extensive experience covering Middle East macroeconomics, markets and commodities will be a valuable addition to our research capabilities," said Al Sharif. "His expertise across the Middle East and Turkey, together with his deep understanding of energy markets, will further strengthen the insights we provide to clients as they navigate an increasingly complex global macroeconomic environment."

Bell noted the increasingly global impacts of the region's energy markets as a hook for the new role, adding "I look forward to providing [MUFG] clients with timely insights into these evolving dynamics."