Doha, Qatar, 27 May 2015

At the Corporate Counsel Middle East Awards 2015, Allen Y. Merhej, Executive Director and Head of Legal at The First Investor, the investment banking arm of Barwa Bank Group , was recognized as  the "Highly Commended'' General Counsel of The Year. Held at Dubai's Raffles Hotel on May 14, the fourth edition of the awards ceremony was jointly hosted by Legal Week, organizers of The British Legal Awards, and the Association of Corporate Counsel- Middle East (ACCME), an international organization that serves more than 35,000 members in 85 countries and the largest membership group for in-house legal counsel in the Middle East. It is the only event rewarding legal excellence, innovation and achievements in the Middle East, opening participation for in-house legal teams and law firms operating across the region.

This year, a record of 25 multinational and regional companies made the shortlists, including the biggest legal firms, investment companies, financial institutions, oil and gas companies', real estate development conglomerates and insurance groups operating in the region. Allen was initially shortlisted along with other six worthy contenders in the General Counsel of The Year sub-category, which falls under the larger In-House Awards category; the latter also includes Legal Department of the Year, In-house Innovation and Legal Counsel of the Year.

In a statement, Khalid Yousef Al-Subeai, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Barwa Bank Group said:

"We're proud that the efforts of our key members are materialising in not only high-profile wins for our group but, also, in equally important recognition for their individual endeavours".

Mr. Yousef AL-Obaidan, CEO of The First Investor, added:

"Since he joined The First Investor in 2010, Allen has demonstrated a highly proactive and focused approach to challenges and opportunities. This is a well-deserved accolade for his leadership of the legal team."

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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