Session examined banking relationships
Doha, Qatar: Enterprise Banking, Commercial Bank's dedicated unit for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) recently hosted its 5th SME workshop at the Commercial Bank Majlis in Doha Golf Club.
Enterprise Banking supports the growth and success of SMEs in Qatar by providing value added services and tailored solutions such as workshops on topics relevant to their specific business needs. Titled: "Developing and maintaining a successful relationship with your bank," the 5th SME workshop examined how customers and their bank can have a mutually beneficial relationship. Customer strategies to improve their banking relationship, such as the benefits of proper bookkeeping and greater transparency were emphasised.
The workshop was conducted by Graham Moores, Instructor at the College of the North Atlantic - Qatar (CNA-Q's) School of Business Studies, who has over 25 years experience in industry and teaching. Nadeem Khan, Head of Enterprise Credit at Commercial Bank also spoke on the credit review process, the Bank's reliance on a proper credit application and the Bank's scope of due diligence. Mr. Khan also addressed pitfalls that customers can avoid in order to receive a fast and favourable credit response.
Kenneth Clark, Head of Enterprise Banking, Commercial Bank said: "The theme of this workshop centres on banking relationships, as our aim is to help our customers receive fast and favourable credit responses. We can better serve our customers if we build relationships based on trust, confidence in the information supplied to us, compliance with the Bank's conditions and, a balanced expectation of what each party can deliver."
In welcoming the workshop participants, Gail Gosse, Dean, School of Business Studies, CNA-Q said: "CNA-Q School of Business is very proud of our partnership with Enterprise Banking, Commercial Bank. We have trained many of their staff in our business and banking programs. Today we are pleased to offer you, the fifth in a series of our workshops for Commercial Bank".
Graham Moores, Instructor, School of Business Studies, CNA-Q said: "More than ever, as companies become established and expand their businesses, their relationships with their bank are critical. Built upon a foundation of trust and confidence, the banking relationship is usually one for the long term. Taking time to better understands the dynamics of that relationship, and working hard to nurture it over time, is a key contributor to a company's overall success."
Commercial Bank's SME workshops provide a platform for Enterprise Banking customers to meet and discuss with their peers on various matters and generate new ideas to benefit their business. Commercial Bank is committed to comply with Qatar's National Vision 2030, which places emphasis on supporting the growth of SMEs as being the key constituent of the country's economic future and diversification.
For more information, please contact:
Qatari media
Mona Abdallah
Head of Corporate Communications
Commercial Bank
Tel: +974 4449 0169
Email: m.abdallah@cbq.qa
About Commercial Bank
Commercial Bank has total assets of QAR 104.5 billion as at 30 September 2013. As a full service commercial bank, the Bank offers a full range of corporate, retail and investment banking services as well as owning and operating exclusive Diners Club franchises in Qatar and Oman. The Bank's countrywide network includes 30 full service branches and 151 ATMs.
Profitable every year since incorporation in 1975, continual investment in technology and human capital, together with a strong capital base, provides a solid foundation for continued growth. A successful diversification strategy has expanded Commercial Bank's GCC footprint through strategic partnerships with associated banks, the National Bank of Oman (NBO) in Oman and United Arab Bank (UAB) in the UAE. NBO, the second largest bank in Oman with total assets of OMR 3.0 billion as at 30 September 2013, has 66 branches in Oman and 1 branch each in Egypt and in Abu Dhabi. UAB is headquartered in Sharjah, with total assets of AED 20.4 billion as at 30 September 2013, and operates 23 branches across the emirates in the UAE.Building on the successful execution of the Bank's expansion strategy to date, in July 2013 Commercial Bank announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Alternatifbank (ABank) in Turkey.
Commercial Bank enjoys strong credit ratings of (A) from Fitch, (A1) from Moody's and (A-) from Standard & Poor's. The Bank is listed on the Qatar Exchange and was the first Qatari bank to list its Global Depository Receipts (GDRs) as well as bonds on the London Stock Exchange. Additionally, Commercial Bank's Swiss Franc bond issuance in December 2010, listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, was the first public bond issuance by a Qatari bank in Switzerland.
The Bank is dedicated to supporting Qatar's community and social infrastructure through Corporate Social Responsibility programmes and sponsorship of various events. Title sponsorship of the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters and the Grand Prix of Qatar Moto GP reflects the Bank's promotion of excellence in sports and its keen interest in enhancing Qatar's international sporting reputation. To reinforce Qatar's flourishing cultural environment, Commercial Bank is the strategic partner of the Katara Cultural Village. This collaboration symbolises the Bank's commitment to supporting cultural activities in Qatar and making the country a regional arts and cultural hub.
About ABank
ABank was established in 1991. Commercial Bank became a majority shareholder in ABank in 2013 following the acquisition of 70.84% of ABank's shares from AnadoluGroup.Anadolu Group remains a significant shareholder holding 25% of shares in Abank.
ABank is a mid-size Turkish bank that predominately serves medium-sized companies through a country-wide network of 73 branches in 27 cities (as of 30 September 2013). ABank provides commercial/corporate banking services and products, with a special focus on the growing segment of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises. The Bank's main product ranges cover trade finance instruments, working capital finance, cash management, and portfolio management. The Bank has also recently made a strategic decision to re-enter Retail Banking, targeting "mass affluent segment" in terms of customer profile with tailor made products.
At the end of September 2013, ABank had total assets of TL 9.4 billion ($ 4.6 billion), total loans stood at TL 5.9billion, customer deposits of TL 4.2 billion and shareholders' equity of TL 610 million.
wwweng.abank.com.tr/
© Press Release 2014
