Exotix, a frontier and emerging markets investment firm, has appointed Rahul Shah as Head of Equities Financials Research.

He will be based in Exotix’s Dubai office from June.

In this role, Shah will help to further develop and enhance Exotix’s research across the frontier and emerging markets, working with the firm’s existing team of banks analysts. 

Commenting on his appointment, Shah said: “I am extremely happy to be joining Exotix's pre-eminent emerging and frontier markets platform, and I look forward to working with my new colleagues to help serve the needs of our clients across the financial services sector”.

Shah is a seasoned financials analyst with two decades’ experience covering financial companies in developed, emerging and frontier markets, most recently as Head of Research for MENA at Credit Suisse. 

Shah previously held senior roles at Deutsche Bank, JP Morgan and Bear Stearns. 

He has ranked highly in external surveys and is well regarded by senior executives of the companies he has covered, which include ADCB, Al Rajhi, Audi, BBVA, BNP Paribas, Burgan, CIB, Credit Agricole, Doha, EFG Hermes, Emirates NBD, GTB, Muscat, NBG, NBK, NCB, QNB, Piraeus, Riyad, Samba, Santander, Unicredit and Zenith. He holds a master’s degree in finance from the London Business School, and is a CFA charter holder and chartered accountant.

Hasnain Malik, Exotix Head of Equities Research, said: “We are excited to have Rahul join us at this time. He is a great addition to our business, helping particularly to deepen our coverage in the Middle East, North Africa and Asia. He also brings with him a robust network of investors who have followed his work for years.” 

Duncan Wales, Exotix CEO, added: “Rahul is a first-rate addition to our strong research team and will support Hasnain Malik’s drive to expand the services we provide to clients. The appointment of Rahul is a testament to Exotix’s commitment to investing in our markets and its ambition to lead in all aspects of our business.”

Exotix analysts span frontier and emerging markets in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Latin America, covering over 160 companies, more than any other frontier markets firm. 

Exotix was named Best Research & Data Provider by Africa Global Funds, and Best Africa Ex-SA Equities Research by the Financial Mail for 2016.