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Dubai, UAE, 23 March 2011 – CPI Financial, publishers of Banker Middle East, today acknowledged some of the Middle East’s leading banking and financial products in more than 40 different categories at its annual Banker Middle East Product Awards held at Emirates Towers Hotel in Dubai. UAE Banks dominated the 381 nominations received across all categories and won 23 awards.
The annual Banker Middle East Product Awards, supported by Thomson Reuters and PIC Solutions, recognise banking products and services that are either exceptionally innovative or have generated excellent financial results and/or transference of market share. Institutions nominate themselves and their products, reflecting the range, diversity and geographical spread of institutions and services in the MENA region.
Dominic De Souza, Publisher of Banker Middle East, said, “Banks in the MENA region have made substantial progress in recovering from the effects of the financial crisis. Many have taken advantage of the challenge that was posed to raise their game and improve their products and services – that improvement is recognised by these awards.”
The Product Awards categories were revised and expanded for 2011 to take account of industry feedback, market developments and product evolution. These now include: Institutional & Investment (11 Categories – financial products and services targeting institutions and investors); Business Finance (11 Categories – services and financial products for corporate and SMEs); and Retail Finance (18 Categories – financial products and financial services for the consumer).
Over 30,000 votes were cast by registered readers of Banker Middle East and its sister publications, Islamic Business & Finance, WEALTH and Finance ME, together with registered users of the real-time financial news website, www.cpifinancial.net.
“The Banker Middle East Product Awards are designed to encourage, inspire, and reward distinction in the banking and finance industry, raising standards throughout the MENA banking sector,” said Robin Amlôt, Managing Editor of CPI Financial. “The staggering number of institutions involved shows the importance the industry ascribes to winning one of these coveted trophies.”
The full list of the winners:
Best Banking Promotion: Emirates NBD
Best Corporate Account: Emirates NBD
Best Customer Service: IBQ
Best Internet Banking Service: Doha Bank
Best Internet Banking Service: National Bank of Kuwait
Best New Business Product: Noor Islamic Bank
Best SME Account: ADCB
Best SME Card: ADIB
Best SME Finance Scheme: Gulf Finance Corporation
Best SME Start-up Scheme: Bank of Baroda
Best Trade Finance Offering: United Arab Bank
Best Exchange Service: UAE Exchange
Best Forex Broker: Alpari
Best Investment Advisory Service: Standard Chartered
Best Investment Product: National Bank of Abu Dhabi
Best Islamic Investment Product: KFH Bahrain
Best Mutual Fund: NCB Capital
Best New Institutional Product: Alpari
Best Online Trading Platform: Mubasher
Best Private Equity Fund: Global Investment House
Best Research House: Bank Audi
Best Structured Product Bank: Sarasin Alpen
Best Branch Design: Al Hilal Bank
Best Car Loan: BLOM Bank
Best CSR Programme: National Bank of Kuwait
Best Credit Card: RAKBANK
Best Current Account: Mashreq
Best Customer Loyalty Programme: SABB
Best Customer Service: Gulf Bank
Best Home Finance Product: Ajman Bank
Best Insurance Product: Noor Takaful
Best Islamic Covered Card: Boubyan Bank
Best Ladies’ Banking Service: ADIB
Best New Retail Finance Product: Barwa Bank
Best Personal Loan: BLOM Bank
Best Phone Banking Service: Gulf Bank
Best Premium Banking Service: National Bank of Kuwait
Best Private Banking Service: Credit Suisse
Best Retail Banking Promotion: Mashreq
Best Savings Account: Union National Bank
