Abu Dhabi (June 13, 2012) - The National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD), the Number One Bank in the UAE, has launched a systematic investment plan which allows investors to better plan their future financial needs by investing into a variety of diversified funds spread across multiple geographies and industries as well as offers them an exclusive access to specialist asset managers.

NBAD's Smart Investment Plan (SIP) allows investors to select from among the many investment funds the Bank offers. Investors can make regular contributions from as low as US$250 per fund with a minimum of US$500 per month. SIP investors can also enjoy the flexibility to switch between the funds at anytime.

"In volatile markets the temptation is to do nothing. History tells us that this is usually a mistake. By setting up a regular savings plan you instantly have a disciplined way of buying every month. It is the ability to buy when markets are low as well as when they are riding high that is the real reason behind the success of regular savings plans," says Alan Durrant, the Group Chief Investment Officer and General Manager of Asset Management Group at NBAD. "The Smart Investment Plan is a unique product which will complement the boutique of products we already offer."

SIP investors would choose funds from options of Global Equities Fund, US Equities Fund, India Equities Fund, Emerging Markets Fund, Global Debt Fund or Cautious Income fund, NBAD Balanced Allocation Fund, NBAD Conservative Allocation Fund and NBAD Growth Allocation Fund. If an investor is unsure of the choice they can pick a fully managed fund, such as Growth, Balanced or Cautious. This will allow the investor to benefit from a well diversified and professionally managed portfolio covering regional and international equities, bonds and alternative investments.

"The Smart Investment plan is the ideal choice for astute investors who want to better plan their future financial needs while enjoying investment flexibility, exclusive banking features and lifestyle benefits," says Saif Al Shehhi, the Senior General Manager of the Domestic Banking Division of NBAD.

SIP is an ideal investment vehicle designed to meet and exceed investors' aspiration, whether investing for a dream home, for children's future education, wedding, retirement, or the luxury dream vacation.

SIP benefits investors by encouraging savings habit, the power of compounding, cost averaging, flexibility and options to choose from a number of well-managed and proven funds.

Smart Investment Plan is being offered throughout NBAD branches where a team of investment specialist can explain to customers the products benefits and features.

NBAD's award-winning Asset Management Group, one of the region's largest asset managers, manages seven regional funds, nine offshore funds and numerous portfolios for a range of institutional investors and high net worth individuals.

NBAD's Asset management Group was named the UAE Asset Manager of the Year in MENA Fund Manager Performance Awards this year. Moreover, its UAE Distribution Fund (Mizaat) was named the Best Regional Investment Fund in the prestigious Banker Middle East Products Award 2012, which also awarded the Asset Management Group the Best Investment Product award in 2011.

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About NBAD
The National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD), The Number One Bank in UAE, was incorporated in 1968 and is listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), under stock code (NBAD).

Ranked as one of the top 50 safest banks in the world, NBAD currently operates across 13 countries on four continents.

NBAD has a network of 123 branches and more than 550 ATMs to provide banking services to customers all over the UAE.

Besides brick & mortar branches, NBAD provides 24 hour internet banking access through NbadOnline and NbadDirect, the SMS-based payment service (Arrow) as well as account access and personalised customer support through its 24-hour Call Centre.

NBAD's overseas network stretches from Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain in the G.C.C.; Egypt, Libya, and Sudan in Africa; UK, France, and Switzerland in Europe; Hong Kong and Jordan in Asia to Washington, D.C. in the U.S.A. Overall, NBAD has nearly 50 branches and 60 ATMs outside the UAE. NBAD provides its customers with a wide variety of financial services targeting all segments of the consumer and corporate markets.

NBAD is rated senior long term/short term A+/A-1 by Standard and Poor's, Aa3/P1 by Moodys and AA-/F1+ by Fitch giving it one of the strongest combined rating of any Middle Eastern financial institution.

NBAD Investment Management (DIFC) Limited is regulated by the DFSA. 

For further enquiries, please contact:
Ehab Khairi
Media & PR Manager
National Bank of Abu Dhabi
Tel: +97126111190
Email: ehab.khairi@nbad.com
Web: www.nbad.com

© Press Release 2012