Joumanna Bercetche

Let's just talk through the series of initiatives that you've done in the region over the past 12 months, because from what I can see, you're really doubling down on your asset management business.

Earlier this year, you announced a partnership with PIF in asset management.

Last week, you announced that you were expanding wealth management in Saudi Arabia as well.

So, you know, what's the vision here?

What's the kind of growth that you're looking to achieve?

Do you see that investment coming in?

Yeah, and certainly many people are eyeing up the opportunities there.

You also opened up an office in Kuwait as well.

So talk us through the plans.

Sure.

So Goldman has offices now and pretty much all of the financial hubs of the region.

And I just wonder whether you think it is necessary or it helps to get access to these types of pools of capital you know to these long term commitments actually having a physical presence in the country.

Yeah, no, that's true.

That's a fair point.

But do you think it's also fair to say that, you know, in the old days and typically, you know, funds would come here to get capital and then offer investment returns.

And nowadays, sovereign wealth funds are saying it's not just enough to offer us investment returns.

Do you think alternative assets are going to pick up here?

Yeah.

OK, let's broaden this out a little bit.

Your earnings came through again.