The Crédit Agricole Group is bolstering support for French SMEs and ETIs navigating the economic fallout of escalating tensions in the Middle East, according to a statement released this week. The move comes as businesses grapple with increased geopolitical risk and potential disruptions to supply chains and international operations.
The International Desk for the Middle East within Crédit Agricole CIB is actively assisting companies with existing or planned projects in the United Arab Emirates, offering both banking and non-banking advisory services, as confirmed in an update from August 2025. This support is particularly focused on facilitating implantation and international operations.
The UAE, serving as a regional hub for Crédit Agricole CIB, is one of several countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region where the bank maintains a presence. Other key locations include Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, with additional support provided through Crédit Agricole Egypt and Crédit du Maroc for operations in those countries. Indirect access to Lebanon is also available via CA Indosuez Switzerland (Lebanon) SAL.
Crédit Agricole CIB provides a comprehensive suite of financial and banking solutions tailored to multinational corporations, local businesses, governments, sovereign wealth funds, financial institutions, asset managers, private equity funds, and family offices. These services encompass capital markets products, structured finance, Islamic finance, investment banking, treasury solutions, strategic equity investments, and mergers & acquisitions advisory, alongside acquisition financing.
The bank’s commitment to the region extends back 50 years, marked by a celebration of its long-standing presence in the UAE. The event, held recently, brought together representatives from Amundi, Indosuez Wealth Management, and Crédit Agricole CIB, highlighting the group’s unified approach to supporting clients in the region. Jérôme Grivet, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Crédit Agricole S.A., and Nicolas Niemtchinow, the French Ambassador to the UAE, were present at the celebration.
Mike Camus, the Responsible International Desk for the Middle East, is available to assist French SMEs and ETIs seeking to expand into the region, according to a LinkedIn post from the Pôle d’Accompagnement International du Groupe Crédit Agricole. The post emphasizes the UAE as an accelerator of opportunities for these businesses.
The UAE’s economy continues to experience strong growth, driven by diversification and a surge in foreign investment, particularly in tourism, and finance. The country’s population currently stands at approximately 10.986 million, with major cities including Dubai (2.919 million), Abu Dhabi (1.202 million), and Al Ain (496,200).
As of today, March 21, 2026, Crédit Agricole CIB has not issued any further statements regarding specific adjustments to its risk assessments or lending policies in the MENA region in response to the ongoing conflicts.
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