Bank's innovative e-banking concepts win praises as it takes centre stage at 2nd Middle East Banking Awards
Mr. Marwan Marouf Mahmoud, AGM, Information Technology, QNB, (in the Middle) with Mrs. Mary Robinson, Former President of the Republic of Ireland, Mr. Anwar Ibrahim, Former Deputy Prime Minster of Malaysia and Mr. Ali Mohamed Kamali, President of the Organizing Committee (Datamatix) Doha: Qatar National Bank (QNB), the country's top financial institution, has bagged the 2nd Middle East Banking and Finance Award for excellence in e-banking in Qatar, a prestigious recognition in the regional banking industry.
Excellence in e-banking, with focus on providing customer friendly services, was the theme of this year's award, established by the Middle East Awards Institute and organized by Datamatix, a leading information society knowledge provider.
Mr. Marwan Marouf Mahmoud, Assistant General Manager, Information Technology, QNB, received the award on behalf of QNB at a prestigious ceremony at the Al Bustan Rotana Hotel in Dubai on September 25th. The ceremony was attended by leading dignitaries from the regional banking industry, senior diplomats, and decision makers from the public sector and top financial institutions from the region.
QNB was selected for its superiority among Qatari banks through a selection process, which were evaluated by a top-notch judging panel set up by Datamatix.
Talking about the esteemed award, Mr. Ali Ahmed Al Kuwari General Manager, Information Technology and Operations at QNB said: "The Middle East Banking and Finance Award caps the very interesting growth phase at QNB. The bank has continually developed and improved its online banking services in line with the commitment to offering world-class banking services in Qatar. This stems from the need of the hour which is providing technology-enabled alternative banking channels that provide greater customer satisfaction and convenience. I would like to thank Datamatix for recognizing our business, technology and service excellence."
Mr. Marwan Marouf Mahmoud said: "The award epitomises our advanced Internet-based banking tool and is part of our philosophy to integrate the next-generation solutions to provide our customers with the information and services that they require. Apart from being the latest and the most technologically-advanced, the bank provides a secured platform for customers to effect their transactions."
Of late, QNB has aggressively driven its eServices, including XML eStatements and SMS alerts, which are one-of-its-kind services in the country. The bank's cash management solutions to the Corporates/Institutions like S@hl and eStatements have also given it the competitive edge over other banks in Qatar.
QNB's total number of registered users for internet banking has touched 24,000 customers, up from 17,000 in 2002. "The QNB upgrades are instantaneous and seamless across multiple operational platforms. To our customers, we offer world-class Internet modules to help them manage and organise their money with leading edge services."
Mr. Al Kuwari added: "As part of our S@hl corporate internet banking service, we offer our corporate clients a full cash management solution. Currently, there are 25 companies which use this service across various sectors, which reflects its adaptability to different modules."
QNB have always kept customer focus at the forefront of its design process which has helped the bank win clients to use web offerings besides augmenting its online customer base.
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About QNB
QNB was established in 1964 as the country's first Qatari-owned commercial bank. The ownership structure is split between the Government of Qatar (50%) and the private sector (50%). QNB has grown to become the largest bank in Qatar controlling assets representing approximately 50% of the total banking system. QNB has the largest distribution network in the country with 34 local branches and offices' two international branches in London and Paris and 73 ATM's. QNB provides a full range of commercial banking activities for individuals' corporate institutions and government entities and the Bank's scope of products' services and delivery channels across all disciplines is unrivalled.
QNB has the highest credit rating among Qatari banks from leading rating agencies including Moody's' Fitch and Capital Intelligence. QNB is among the top 10 regional banks by Shareholders' Equity' with a ranking of 7th among the largest GCC banks as per MEES survey in September 2004. Internationally' it is ranked as 77th among the Top 250 Emerging Market Banks as per Euromoney survey in August 2004. Additionally' QNB has been the recipient of the award "Best Bank in Qatar" from leading international financial publications including: The Banker' Euromoney and Global Finance. On 3rd June 2005' QNB received 'The Best Debt House' award from Euromoney magazine.
© Press Release 2005
