BARWA BANK WINS FOUR AWARDS AT INTERNATIONAL FINANCE MAGAZINE FINANCIAL AWARDS FOR QATAR 2013
Barwa Bank, Qatar's fastest growing Shari’ah compliant banking service provider, has been named the winner of International Finance Magazine (IFM) Financial Awards for Qatar 2013 for “Best Islamic Bank”, “Fastest Growing Bank”, “Best Sukuk Arranger” and “Best Financial Website Design”.
The IFM Awards recognise and honour individuals and organisations in the international finance industry that make a significant difference and provide the highest standards of innovation and performance. Winning these four prestigious awards is a major accomplishment for Barwa Bank which has grown significantly in both size and stature since it was established in 2008.
Steve Troop commented, “We are honoured to be acknowledged by IFM Financial Awards for Qatar 2013: they are a reflection of our commitment to growth and to building an innovative and customer focused Shari’ah compliant bank that can lead the way in this growing sector. We have already been acknowledged as the Fastest Growing Bank in Qatar by Banker Middle East and Arabian Business and having a similar award from IFM is further confirmation of our outstanding progress. We have had a lot to celebrate this year and intend to maintain our momentum as we go forward.”
Barwa Bank’s expansion includes growing to encompass six branches in Qatar, as well as integrating three other companies - First Investor, First Finance and First Leasing - in less than four years of operation. The bank has been able to demonstrate its remarkable presence in the market while competing with other leading banks that have been established for much longer, becoming a strong player in the Islamic Capital Markets with a succession of high profile arranger positions, an achievement recognised by the “Best Sukuk Arranger” accolade. Receiving “Best Islamic Bank” is further confirmation of Barwa Bank’s mission, demonstrating that Islamic finance is both a credible and sound alternative to conventional banking, can be innovative and can deliver an excellent customer service experience.
Barwa Bank’s innovative approach has enabled it to create and communicate a unique brand image which saw it receive “Best Financial Website Design” from IFM. Understanding today’s busy lifestyle and the need to keep things simple and streamlined, Barwa Bank’s website offers flexible, fast and tailored financial services to its customers.
“We believe that the future of banking lies in mobile and online banking, and we fully intend to deliver in these key areas in order to meet customer needs through innovative service delivery. Channels offer an opportunity to differentiate and we’ve put a lot of time into building, developing and continually upgrading our website and provision of internet banking. Barwa Bank serves many different kinds of customers – we understand that while some like to visit our branch others would prefer to manage their requirements online. We want to do the best job we can and are pleased that IFM has recognised our website. These awards demonstrate that with hard work, ambition and good service a young bank can become a leader in a short period of time” concluded Mr Troop.
