Doha, 16 May 2012

Qatar National Bank (QNB) Group, the largest financial institution in the State of Qatar and the Gulf region, is the recipient of the 'Best Trade Finance Bank in Qatar and MLA (Mandated Lead Arranger)' Award from the Global Trade Review (GTR) for its participation in the Barzan Gas Project. The respective winners were announced at the GTR Leaders in Trade Charity Awards dinner which was recently held in London, United Kingdom.

This award further highlights that QNB Group has played an active role in the Barzan Gas Project by participating in the project's syndicated financing completed last year, at the time making it the world's largest project financial deal. The Group had chosen to come on board for this project because of the opportunities that it presented in terms of demonstrating the Bank's market leadership and strengthening it as a corporate financial advisor. With the Barzan Gas Project being positioned as being one of Qatar's most innovative engineering projects, and QNB Group always pioneering its own innovative banking projects and ideas, it is a partnership that demonstrates the rise of Qatar.

The Barzan Gas Project is a catalyst for the future development of Qatar marking a powerful step forward in Qatar's overall industrial and human development, and is in line with the country's National Vision 2030.  The aim is for the gas from the project to be used to supply Qatar's growing domestic energy demand.

QNB Group continues to position itself as the leading financial institution in Qatar. The Bank has captured a leading share of business activities during the past twelve month from both the public and private sector, further increasing its dominant market.

QNB Group operates in 24 countries around the world through its network, subsidiaries and associate companies employing about 7,000 staff operating from 335 branches and offices that are supported by an ATM network that exceeds 650 machines.

Based on the Group's continuous strong performance and the expanding international presence, the Bank is currently ranked as the most valuable brand in the MENA region, with a world ranking of 114 from189 in 2011. It is also ranked as the largest bank in the Gulf region

GTR is the worlds' leading international trade finance magazine being read by and featuring key market banks, credit insurers, traders and other well respected industry organisations. As well as covering the global trade finance export markets, GTR provides timely and in-depth news, leads and analysis on the global emerging markets trade finance, export finance and risk markets.

- Ends-

About QNB Group
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 Group has steadily grown to be among the largest banks in the Middle East and North Africa Region and is by far the leading financial institution in the country with a market share exceeding 45% of banking sector assets.

QNB Group has witnessed rapid international expansion in the past few years and operates in 24 countries around the world through its network, subsidiaries and associate companies employing about 7,000 staff from 334 branch and offices that are supported by an ATM network that exceeds 600 machines.

The Group has also extended its regional reach by acquiring stakes in various financial institutions including 35% stake in the Jordan-based, The Housing Bank for Trade and Finance (HBTF), 24% in Commercial Bank International (CBI) based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), 50% of the Tunisian-Qatari Bank, 51% in the Iraqi-based Mansour Bank, 49% in the Libyan Bank of Commerce and Development and 20% stake in Al Jazeera Finance Company in Doha. QNB Group also retains 51% stake in QNB-Syria, a private stock company established jointly with other Syrian private and public sector institutions which started operations mid November 2009 and operates today more than 15 branches in the Syrian Republic.

QNB Capital, a subsidiary of QNB Group, was established in 2008 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 Financial Services (QNB FS) commenced trading on the Qatar Exchange in May 2011 and is the first independently regulated, licensed brokerage unit launched by a bank in Qatar.  QNB FS brokerage offers a multi-market, multi-currency trading platform with access to several GCC markets including Qatar, UAE, and Oman.  It also provides a trading solution for buying and selling securities on the US and European markets.  QNB FS' technology platform is enhanced by its in-house research team who provide fundamental research and analysis, sector reviews, and daily commentary on QE listed equities.  Its advisory and brokerage teams are structured to service institutional investors, mutual funds, high-net worth individuals, retail and corporate clients locally, regionally, and globally. 

QNB Group is among the highest rated regional banks from leading credit 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.

QNB Group 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) 44252477
Fax (+974) 44252589
email: PR@qnb.com.qa or visit
QNB's website www.qnb.com.qa

© Press Release 2012