2nd January, 2013, Manama, Bahrain: Bahraini retail and commercial banking institution, BMI Bank today announced the launch of an upgraded eBanking service for its retail customers. Available to BMI Bank customers including all of its credit card holders, the new version uses best-in-class technology and will now allow customers to register for the service online enabling them to both execute their retail banking transactions as well as receive information regarding their financial and non financial transactions at the click of a button, without the need to visit a branch. The new version also permits a customer-defined user name and password which can be reset by them eliminating considerable back-office management and cost, along with a One Time Password (OTP) valid for fifteen minutes or per session giving customers' added security. Customers can also chose a secure access image and caption to be confirmed during login with the help of a virtual login keypad. With the use of IBAN account numbers and online validation, users will now have the advantage of a sophisticated level of security.

Announcing the launch, Jamal Al-Hazeem, Chief Executive Officer of BMI Bank said:

"BMI Bank first introduced its online banking service to customers in 2007, and I am pleased to announce that the improved and upgraded version of the service which we are launching today offers a much wider range of services and enhanced features to our beloved customers. Over the years, we have been working towards leveraging technology as well as providing convenient and easily accessible banking services through a range of channels such as ATMs, the internet and through phone banking in an attempt to make banking convenient and further boost the customer experience.

With eBanking and the recently launched Phone Banking service, we are confident that our customers will have better control of their finances safely, quickly and conveniently. This new initiative is in line with our 'better, together' philosophy of keeping the customer's needs as the focal point of our business."

In addition to an improved listing of accounts statements and transactions and accurate handling of foreign currency, now customers can add beneficiaries and apply for fixed deposits online. While paying local bills online, customers can also benefit from bill enquiries at real-time. As part of the new service customers will also be able to review a brief history of all their eBanking transactions at a glance.

Furthermore, through the improved eBanking service, customers will soon be able to view all their BMI Bank credit card transactions in real time as opposed to the earlier delay of close to 2 days. The service is available 24/7 so banking can be done anywhere, anytime, with speed, security and convenience. To protect their accounts, users are advised to change their passwords often and avoid sharing it with anyone in addition to logging on to the eBanking service only from the Bank's website at www.bmibank.com.bh instead of accessing from any external link to avoid any form of duplicity. Customers should also avoid replying back to SMS's or emails requesting personal and confidential account information.

The Bank's online channels were recently honored with three prestigious international awards recognizing its commitment to customers in providing them with an online service that efficiently caters to the ever-changing banking needs of customers across the region. Customers looking to subscribe to the service are requested to register online at www.bmibank.com

About BMI Bank B.S.C. (c)
Bahraini retail and commercial banking institution, BMI Bank is a retail bank, registered in Bahrain and regulated by the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB). The Bank offers customers a complete range of innovative and unique financial products and services through its extended network of strategically located branches and ATMs. The Bank's multi-award winning online channels including its corporate website www.bmibank.com.bh were recently honored with three prestigious awards at the 3rd Pan Arab Banking Web Awards - 2012. In addition, the Bank also received a J.P. Morgan Chase - Straight Through Processing (STP) award for 2011 recognizing its superior quality and consistently high performance within the area of international money transmissions and diligent processing of payments. This has helped to consolidate the Bank's position as well as perception within the country as a key local retail Bank.

BMI Bank also operates an international branch in Qatar, an Offshore Bank in the Seychelles (a joint venture with Nouvobanq) and has a 21.33% shareholding in Gulf African Bank - Kenya. In addition, BMI Bank owns and operates the Diners Club cards franchise in Bahrain. BMI Bank's shareholders include some of the strongest and most respected financial institutions across the GCC, including BankMuscat (SAOG) the flagship financial institution in the Sultanate of Oman.  With assets worth over USD 18 billion, BankMuscat (SAOG) is the leading financial services provider in Oman with a strong presence in Corporate Banking, Retail Banking, Investment Banking, Treasury, Private Banking and Asset Management.

BMI Bank currently offers its customers a range of retail products and services including savings and current accounts, USD 1.69 million prize-winning Ayadi savings account, credit cards including Diners Club and La Carte, a co-branded credit card in partnership with Geant Hypermarket Bahrain, fixed deposits and the Salaf range of personal, auto and mortgage loans. The Bank recently signed a strategic and exclusive service agreement with CrediMax, the leading credit card acquirer in the Kingdom of Bahrain, to utilize their Point of Sales (POS) machines as well as payment gateways amongst its approved merchants to accept and authorize the Bank's credit card product - Diners Club cards within Bahrain by the end of the year thereby giving the brand 100% acceptance across the country.  

In addition to its secure credit card online repayment channel that enables customers of the Bank to pay their credit card bill online using any benefit enabled debit card, customers can also deposit real-time cash into their various accounts with the Bank using special cash and cheque deposit ATMs located at the self-service area within the Bank's branches without the need to be committed to the Bank's working hours.

In addition to Retail Banking the Bank also offers Private Banking, Wholesale Banking, Islamic Banking and Treasury services.

For further information, please contact:
Gordon Andrade
Head, Corporate Communications
BMI Bank - Bahrain
E-mail: gordon.andrade@bmibank.com
Cell: +973 39782225 

© Press Release 2013