File 031507
Email Chain: Saudi Arabia Financial Withdrawal Investigation (File 031507)
Email correspondence between New York Times financial reporter Landon Thomas Jr. and Jeffrey E. discussing Saudi Arabia's withdrawal of billions in investment funds and its impact on royal family finances, dated October 2016.
Summary
Landon Thomas Jr., a financial reporter at the New York Times, initiates a discussion with Jeffrey E. about a major NYT investigation into how low oil prices have affected the personal finances of Saudi Arabia's royal family. The conversation centers on reports that the Saudis have withdrawn approximately $200 billion from various investment funds, particularly from private equity funds and institutions like BlackRock. Thomas seeks insights and sources for the story, while Jeffrey E. provides analysis of where Saudi money is typically invested and constraints on withdrawals. The broader discussion touches on geopolitical implications, including social media's role in spreading discontent and the passage of the 9/11 Saudi bill's potential impact on US-Saudi relations.
From: Thomas Jr., LandonSent: 10/19/2016 2:28:11 PMTo: jeffrey E. [jeeyacation@gmail.com]Subject: Re: Saudi moneyImportance: HighOn Wed, Oct 19, 2016 at 10:26 AM, jeffrey E. <jeevacation@gmail.com> wrote:numberOn Wed, Oct 19, 2016 at 9:55 AM, Thomas Jr., Landon IMMIIM> wrote:I have spoken to a lot of ceos of fund outfits who say Saudis have been pulling billions of dollars inseparate account money -- not just from BR. And plus I cant believe they would have so much tiedup in lock ups.On Wed, Oct 19, 2016 at 9:48 AM, jeffrey E. <jeevacation@gmail.com> wrote:sorry, no good handle without diggingOn Wed, Oct 19, 2016 at 9:47 AM, Thomas Jr., Landon <______________________> wrote:what is your back of the envelope guess as to much saudi money tied up in such funds?On Wed, Oct 19, 2016 at 9:43 AM, jeffrey E. <jeevacation@gmail.com> wrote:most of the saudi money is tied up in pe funds. no withdrawals allowed. and im not seeing much in thesecondary market. . blackrock is more money market, more like custodian than investor.On Wed, Oct 19, 2016 at 9:41 AM, Thomas Jr., Landon < > wrote:Interesting. CEO of big finance form told me that Saudis (SAMA) have withdrawn $200 billionthat has been parked with usual suspects over past year or so. That number seem in line withwhat you know?On Tue, Oct 18, 2016 at 7:04 AM, jeffrey E. <jeevacation@gmail.com> wrote:words that you to refer to one thing, USA. the stock market / the Royal family, . are no longer veryuseful. In politics the USA meant the white house. now there is pentagon. cia, state, and congressin addition, each feels empowered to act more independantly. stock market even in tech, needs biotech, consuner tech. infrastrucrue tech. etc. same with Royal family, there are 20k members of atribe, called the royal family, the words are misleading. if your article is focused on bin salman, orthe very top. no one is wondering where they can find the local costco.. but they are aware that amessage needs to be sent to their population , regarding the next 20 years,social media, and the selfie crowds post the best of everything, their cutest pictures the amazingfood , the luxury resorts. the masses see these things and as the difference betweenexpectations and reality widen, the anger grows. trump has tapped in.with the passage of the 9 11 saudi bill, unlike the french revolution where it was the people of francethat revolted against their own aristocracty, with the internet and globalization of discontect it is nowthe americans that can revolt against the saudi leadership. it is the americans that are demandingwomen drive, not the saudisOn Mon, Oct 17, 2016 at 5:57 PM, Thomas Jr., Landon < > wrote:I have been called in to help on a big NYT investigation into how low oil prices have beeneffecting the personal finances of royal family in Saudi Arabia. Obviously they called in muchHOUSE OVERSIGHT 031507of their cash from the likes of BlackRock and others but I thought you might have some ideas.Maybe some people to talk to?I would think its more than cutting down on yachts and private planes or selling real estate inParis, Istanbul, London.Any thoughts?PS: does my story on Abraaj get me a meeting with Gates next time he is in town:)Landon Thomas, Jr.Financial ReporterNew York Timeshttp://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/t/landon jr thomas/index.htnnlplease noteThe information contained in this communication isconfidential, may be attorney-client privileged, mayconstitute inside information, and is intended only forthe use of the addressee. It is the property ofJEEUnauthorized use, disclosure or copying of thiscommunication or any part thereof is strictly prohibitedand may be unlawful. If you have received thiscommunication in error, please notify us immediately byreturn e-mail or by e-mail to jeevacation@gmail.com, anddestroy this communication and all copies thereof,including all attachments. copyright -all rights reservedLandon Thomas, Jr.Financial ReporterNew York Timeshttp://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/t/landon jr thomas/index.htnnlHOUSE OVERSIGHT 031508please noteThe information contained in this communication isconfidential, may be attorney-client privileged, mayconstitute inside information, and is intended only forthe use of the addressee. It is the property ofJEEUnauthorized use, disclosure or copying of thiscommunication or any part thereof is strictly prohibitedand may be unlawful. If you have received thiscommunication in error, please notify us immediately byreturn e-mail or by e-mail to jeevacation@gmail.com, anddestroy this communication and all copies thereof,including all attachments. copyright -all rights reservedLandon Thomas, Jr.Financial ReporterNew York Timeshttp://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/t/landon jr thomas/index.htmlplease noteThe information contained in this communication isconfidential, may be attorney-client privileged, mayconstitute inside information, and is intended only forthe use of the addressee. It is the property ofJEEUnauthorized use, disclosure or copying of thiscommunication or any part thereof is strictly prohibitedand may be unlawful. If you have received thiscommunication in error, please notify us immediately byreturn e-mail or by e-mail to jeevacation@gmail.com, anddestroy this communication and all copies thereof,including all attachments. copyright -all rights reservedLandon Thomas, Jr.HOUSE OVERSIGHT 031509Financial ReporterNew York Timeshttp://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/t/landon jr thomas/index.htmlplease noteThe information contained in this communication isconfidential, may be attorney-client privileged, mayconstitute inside information, and is intended only forthe use of the addressee. It is the property ofJEEUnauthorized use, disclosure or copying of thiscommunication or any part thereof is strictly prohibitedand may be unlawful. If you have received thiscommunication in error, please notify us immediately byreturn e-mail or by e-mail to jeevacation@gmail.com, anddestroy this communication and all copies thereof,including all attachments. copyright -all rights reservedLandon Thomas, Jr.Financial ReporterNew York Timeshttp://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/t/landon jr thomas/index.htmlHOUSE OVERSIGHT 031510