Mashreq introduces "Integrity & Ethics" certification program in partnership with the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment

Dubai - UAE, 30th June 2015: Reflecting its unwavering efforts to ensure the implementation of high standards in all its propositions and delivery to its customers, Mashreq launched the UAE banking sector's first certification program in Sales "Integrity & Ethics". The Retail Banking Business of Mashreq has initiated the programme and is conducted by Mashreq Learning Systems (MLS) in association with the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI). The training program is aimed to reach 2,500 staff members from the 1st, of June. The first stage will involve personalized training of 450 front-line Retail Banking staff initially facilitated by CISI's Director of Global Business Development, Kevin Moore. MLS trainers will train the remaining Retail Banking staff.

"This partnership with CISI complements our existing internal training seminars and further expands and enhances our abilities to ensure that high levels of professional services are observed in our deliveries to customers. We continue to invest in the strongest asset of Mashreq - our people - and further increase their levels of learning to be able to serve the customers even better", said R.Yuvakumar, Head of Mashreq Learning Systems.

For approximately 120 minutes, the session will feature innovative and interactive elements that focus on the challenges posed by business dilemmas, giving participants the unique opportunity to appreciate a range of scenarios drawn from real-life industry situations. The staff will then be given the opportunity to attempt the CISI online certification exam and will be awarded with certification upon successful completion.

Farhad Irani, Head of Retail Banking Group, Mashreq commented, "The core of any business is the strength of its team and their ability to deliver world class service. At Mashreq, we are proud to have high caliber of individuals that truly reflect on the organization's vision to make it possible for customers' day in and day out. Being a 3 times winner of the prestigious award Best Regional Retail Bank Award is a testament of our commitment to continue offering the best customer service and innovative banking offerings."  

Matthew Cowan, Regional Director Middle East at the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment said, "This training program is an important employee development initiative to ensure Mashreq has a well-trained, diverse and motivated workforce that is equipped to successfully face any challenge in the business. Continued professional development is key to ensuring a constantly upskilled workforce and we are pleased to see regional banks such as Mashreq going the extra mile to achieve this".

Demonstrating the importance of trust and integrity in daily business operations, the session will provide various approaches to several scenarios.

About Mashreq
Since its inception in 1967, Mashreq has differentiated itself through innovative financial solutions. As the oldest bank in the UAE, Mashreq has more firsts than any other bank and a proven track record in innovation. With an extensive branch network across the UAE, Mashreq is also present in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Egypt and 26 overseas offices in 12 countries spread across Europe, USA, Asia and Africa providing a comprehensive range of international financial services. Locally and regionally, Mashreq has established itself as a market leader by delivering award-winning customer experiences and innovative thinking across its financial products and services. Key recent initiatives include the UAE's first Tap'n'Go contactless technology, Cardless Cash, Snapp Mobile Banking, Selfie credit card, and eforms amongst others. The bank's Islamic Window Mashreq Al Islamic takes a highly technological approach to banking, allowing customers to experience Sharia'h Compliant financial banking solutions online.

In 2014, the bank celebrated a historic year as it posted 33% in Net Profit and won more than 45 local, regional and international awards, including Best Local Bank in the UAE, Best Local and Regional Retail Bank, Best Islamic Window, Best Corporate, Best Consumer Internet Bank Qatar, SME Bank of the Year, Super Brands, Best Regional Investment Bank and Best UAE Loan House from prominent awards organizers.

Each banking division offers its own unique specialisms and expertise to set industry standards, whilst working collaboratively to achieve excellence for all Mashreq customers and partners.   

Corporate Banking Group's mission is to drive relationship banking through customer centricity, ensuring that it is the primary bank of corporate clients, and the efforts continued in the quarter. Corporate Banking Group delivered world class Investment Banking Services to the clients, especially in the fields of Corporate Finance, Real Estate, Investment Services, Cash& Trade Management Solutions. Recently the business group booked two key transactions for TECOM INVESTMENTS LLC and Port & Freezone World FZE (PFZW) and closed a 4-month Short term Bridge facility for USD 86 MM for Abraaj Holdings.

Retail Banking Group has been at the forefront of innovation with various financial solutions such as Instant Banking, the first ATM Card, Travelers cheque amongst others.  The retail business focuses on leading the UAE banking industry through world class service and comprehensive financial products for Personal Banking, Islamic Banking, Private Banking, Business Banking, Affluent Banking, and Payments. It continues to launch groundbreaking contactless technologies and launching the region's first fully automated branch initiative 'imashreq'.

International Banking Group's network of Branches and Rep Offices spans twelve countries across US, Europe, Asia and the Far East. The bank leverages this footprint by supporting franchise client needs internationally and international client needs in our franchise. International Banking Group (IBG) provides commercial banking services to customers outside the UAE. The Financial Institutions Division, which is a part of IBG, provides full range of correspondent banking services including payments, trade finance and capital markets products to financial institutions in select markets."

Treasury And Capital Markets Group is a leading provider of value added and innovative treasury services and products.  Operating round the clock our experienced dealers provide continuous coverage of global markets to clients.  The traditional areas of foreign exchange, interest rates, fixed income, commodities, global futures, UAE (local) and international equities, are supplemented by customized structured multi-currency hedging, yield enhancing strategies, equity derivatives and specialized asset management services.

As a leading financial institution, Mashreq is committed to supporting every community it serves. In the UAE, the bank pays particular attention to recruiting, training, and developing UAE National employees. Mashreq is the only financial institution to receive the Gallup Great Workplace Award for two consecutive years in 2014 and 2015 and is a four times receiver of the CSR Label by Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry in recognition of its global standards in social responsibility.

About the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI)
The CISI's mission is to help members attain, maintain and develop their knowledge and skills and to promote the highest standards of ethics and integrity in the securities and investment industry.

Based in the City of London, the CISI is a global organisation with representative offices in financial centres such as Dublin, Singapore, Dubai, Mumbai and Colombo.  We work in close cooperation with regulators, firms and other professional bodies worldwide. 

With its 40,000 worldwide membership, the CISI is the professional body which sets examinations and offers qualifications for those working, or looking to establish a career in, the wealth management and capital markets industry.

© Press Release 2015