QNB Chairman voted the most influential policymaker by peers in the Arab banking sector
H.E. Yousef Hussain Kamal Chairman of Qatar National Bank (QNB), was named the Arab Banker of the Year 2008 at the International Arab Banking Summit in London, hosted by the Union of Arab Banks.
The International Arab Banking Summit was held at The Waldorf Hilton in London on 25 & 26 June, with the aim of leading the financial services industry "Back to the Basics in Post-Crisis Strategies". The two-day summit is an international platform to discuss major issues in Arab and international economies as well as development in the financial sector innovation. Panel discussions focused on enhancing sound regulations and collaboration with international bodies.
The Union of Arab Banks Board of Directors nominates a key figure in the Arab financial sector industry as a recipient of the "Banker of the Year Award". Selection is based on a range of factors including contributions to the development of the financial sector.
H.E. Yousef Hussain Kamal's selection as Banker of the Year is especially significant considering the impact of the global economic crisis on the financial sector in 2008, during which Qatari financial institutions such as QNB demonstrated their ability to deliver sustained growth and carry on their strategic momentum in the international arena.
His Excellency has been instrumental in promoting regulations in the financial services industry. He has on many occasions reiterated a personal and professional dedication to ensuring regulatory excellence in the financial services sector and has committed to ensuring that financial services are conducted according to international best practices.
H.E. Yousef Hussain Kamal has been the Chairman of QNB for many years, during which the Bank delivered high achievements and consistent growth. The Bank achieved excellent first quarter results for 2009, which recorded an increase in net profit by 10.2% during the period to reach QR1,011 million, with an underlying increase in total assets to QR140.6 billion, an 8.2% increase since 31 March 2008.
QNB is the leading bank in Qatar and the largest by assets and market capitalization. The Bank has a broad group portfolio comprising conventional and Islamic banking services, as well as global expertise in private banking, asset management and capital markets trading.
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About QNB
Qatar National Bank (QNB), established in 1964 as the country's first Qatari-owned commercial bank, has an ownership structure split between the Qatar Investment Authority (50%) and the private sector (50%).
QNB has steadily grown to be among the largest banks in the region and is by far the leading financial institution in the country, with a market share approaching 40% of banking sector assets.
QNB offers a full range of Retail, Corporate, Investment, Treasury, Wealth Management, and Islamic Banking products and services for individuals, corporate institutions and government entities in Qatar as well as internationally.
QNB has the largest distribution network in Qatar, comprising 43 branches and offices (including 3 mobile branches), in addition to 11 Islamic branches and offices operated by QNB Al Islami, and more than 156 ATMs.
QNB was the first conventional bank in Qatar to offer Shari'a-compliant banking products and services through QNB Al Islami, established in 2005.
QNB's international presence is rapidly expanding to include new locations around the world to supplement the long established branches in London and Paris. Currently QNB has presence in 23 countries including branches in Yemen, Oman Kuwait & Singapore as well as Representative Offices in Iran & Libya. An Islamic branch was recently inaugurated in Sudan, offering a full range of Islamic banking services and products.
QNB has also extended its regional reach by acquiring shares in various financial institutions including 33.5% stake in the Jordan-based The Housing Bank for Trade and Finance (HBTF), 23.8% of the shares of Commercial Bank International (CBI) based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), 50% of the Tunisian-Qatari Bank and a 20% stake in the Doha-based Al Jazeera Islamic Company. QNB also signed an agreement to establish QNB-Syria jointly with other Syrian private and public sectors institutions with a 49% stake for QNB.
The Bank recently established a new investment company "QNB Capital" providing an array of investment banking services to corporate, government and institutional clients within Qatar and globally. These include one of the best corporate finance teams in the GCC region offering extensive transaction experience, in depth advisory services - including mergers and acquisitions, equity, debt and project advisory - as well as first-class research capabilities.
QNB has the highest credit rating among regional banks from leading rating agencies including Standard & Poor's, Moody's, Fitch, and Capital Intelligence. The Bank has also been the recipient of many awards from leading international specialized financial publications for its innovative products, services and remarkable performance.
QNB has an active community support program and sponsors various social, educational, and sporting events
For further information, please contact QNB's Public Relations Department at (974) 4252477, Fax (974) 4252589, email: PR@qnb.com.qa or visit QNB's website www.qnb.com.qa
© Press Release 2009
