Doha, Qatar -20 January 2015

The First Investor (TFI), the investment banking division of the Barwa Bank Group has been recognised at the Banker Middle East Product Awards 2014 for "Best Investment Fund".

A special hand-over ceremony was held at TFI headquarters on Sunday, January 18 Mr. Yousef Al Obaidan, Acting CEO of The First Investor received the accolade from Banker Middle East for the TFI GCC Equity Opportunities Fund, a Shari'ah-compliant equity fund focused on GCC Equities which TFI launched in November 2012 and has so far achieved double-digit returns.

The awards were established by CPI Financial, publishers of Banker Middle East, in 2005 to recognise banking products and services that are either exceptionally innovative or have generated excellent financial results and growth in market share. The awards are based on a peer-vote process.

TFI said in a statement: "We are delighted to win Best Investment Fund for the GCC Equity Fund. This product has been very promising and as so far has achieved great returns while still attracting a large number of investors.  Over the past few years, our Asset Management team consistently out-performed all agreed benchmarks for its discretionary portfolios and significantly out-performed its peer group."

The First Investor's asset management activity is Shari'ah-compliant and focuses upon the management of regional public and discretionary investment portfolios to achieve long-term growth of capital and income through listed securities. The First Investor also offers thematic structured products as well as Sukuk portfolio management services.

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For more information on Barwa Bank
Diane Alphonse: (+974) 4448 8348
Head of Marketing, Communications & PR
Barwa Bank
GREY doha
Sara Damaj: (+974) 77913922
Senior Account Executive

About The First Investor (TFI)
TFI is a leading Shariah investment company in Qatar and is regulated by the Qatar Central Bank.  A wholly owned subsidiary of Barwa Bank, TFI is emerging as one of the most respected investment banking firms within the region, combining Qatari leadership with both international and local expertise to provide dedicated services in Investment Banking, Asset Management and Real Estate Investment.  Through its strong international network of relationships and deep technical expertise, TFI provides a global approach in helping clients formulate, deliver and manage effective corporate strategies.  Visit www.tfi.com.qa for more information.

About Barwa Bank
Barwa Bank is a Shari'ah-compliant bank in the State of Qatar, established in Doha and licensed and regulated by the Qatar Central Bank.  Barwa Bank provides a full range of Shari'ah-compliant banking services including retail, corporate and commercial banking, private banking, real estate finance, structured finance, investments and asset management.

© Press Release 2015