CBM Wins a Prestigious International Banker Banking Award for Its Contributions to Fostering Mongolia’s Commercial Community

London, UK -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/11/2015 -- International Banker held its annual Banking Awards acknowledging top Asia and Australasia banking institutions and individuals. Capital Bank Mongolia received an award for Commercial Bank of the Year Mongolia 2015.

International Banker offers a global view of banking and finance. Each year through the Banking Awards, it recognises the leading banking institutions (and individuals), which have set the bar for industry excellence. The 2015 Banking Awards acknowledge the organisations within the banking and financial industry in Asia and Australasia that drive global economic commerce, create capital and opportunities for economic growth within their regions, set the benchmarks for technological advancement and customer service while maintaining high levels of regulatory compliance and corporate governance. The standout institutions working within retail, commercial, investment and private banking are recognised with these awards. In addition, special awards are given to outstanding CEOs in each region.

Honoured with an award to acknowledge and celebrate its innovation and leadership in the area of commercial banking, Capital Bank Mongolia has achieved a prominent position on the 2015 International Banker Asia and Australasia Banking Awards list.

The Commercial Bank of the Year Mongolia 2015 award has been awarded to Capital Bank Mongolia based on its 25 years of consistent service to the business community of Mongolia, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which make up approximately 80 percent of the country's companies. This commercial lender, the first in Mongolia to be 100 percent owned by Mongolians, is growing exponentially in its numbers of loan portfolios and branches, even in the midst of mixed national economic conditions. CBM oversees a vast network of technologically efficient branches throughout the country. Branch expansion has been at the centre of CBM's plans, and in terms of branch count, CBM is among the top three banks in Mongolia.

CBM has set an example to other commercial bankers through its innovative approaches to supporting SMEs, overseeing more than 25 projects dedicated to SME financing, some of which are joint efforts with the Mongolian government or some of the world's top financial institutions. The bank organizes an open forum that focuses on nurturing domestic producers to contribute to economic development and providing financial education to new business operators. In recognition of CBM's contribution to the economy, Mongolia's Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry chose CBM, from a multitude of commercial lenders, to be its partner in launching the SME Development Fund, which aims to "support SMEs, increase workplaces and to expand production" throughout the country.

In line with its support to national businesses, CBM has taken an active corporate social responsibility role, with a particular emphasis on the promotion of eco-friendly projects. The bank co-founded, for example, the Organic Mongolia program, a fund designed to support Mongolians engaged in the production of organic products but unable to meet collateral requirements for bank loans.

CBM has demonstrated a keen appetite for international business, having formed key strategic partnerships with many of the world's leading financial institutions. For example CBM opened Nostro accounts for dollar, euro, sterling, ruble and yen payments, and is implementing Constar, a money-transfer service, to deliver banking services to overseas customers and provide access to Mongolia's financial markets.

Capital Bank Mongolia has adapted to the latest developments in technology, linking its rural branches through high-speed, fibre-optic Internet connections, while establishing call centres to integrate its communication system. An electronic accounting system facilitates the automation of several key processes, and Bancassurance software provides insurance brokerage through its branches.

For more information please visit –
http://internationalbanker.com/banking/capital-bank-mongolia-continues-to-blaze-new-trails-in-the-midst-of-economic-instability/

About International Banker
International Banker is the flagship brand of Finance Publishing. Finance Publishing is one of the world's leading sources of authoritative analysis on finance, international banking and world affairs. It delivers information with excellence through a wide range of accessible formats, from websites, newsletters and magazines, to conferences.

For more information, please visit http://internationalbanker.com/

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

FTB Is the Winner of Two Distinguished International Banker Awards: Commercial Bank of the Year Cambodia 2015 and Best Innovation in Retail Banking Cambodia 2015

London, UK -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/10/2015 -- International Banker held its annual Banking Awards acknowledging top Asia and Australasia banking institutions and individuals. Foreign Trade Bank of Cambodia received awards in two categories: Commercial Bank of the Year Cambodia 2015 and Best Innovation in Retail Banking Cambodia 2015.

International Banker offers a global view of banking and finance. Each year through the Banking Awards, it recognizes the leading banking institutions (and individuals), which have set the bar for industry excellence. The 2015 Banking Awards acknowledge the organizations within the banking and financial industry in Asia and Australasia that drive global economic commerce, create capital and opportunities for economic growth within their regions, set the benchmarks for technological advancement and customer service while maintaining high levels of regulatory compliance and corporate governance. The standout institutions working within retail, commercial, investment and private banking are recognized with these awards. In addition, special awards are given to outstanding CEOs in each region.

Honored with double awards to acknowledge and celebrate its innovation and leadership in the areas of commercial and retail banking in Cambodia, Foreign Trade Bank of Cambodia has achieved a prominent position on the 2015 International Banker Asia and Australasia Banking Awards list.

The first award, for Commercial Bank of the Year Cambodia, has been awarded to Foreign Trade Bank of Cambodia based on its achievements in meeting its goal of being "the preferred commercial bank in Cambodia". In operation for 36 years, the bank has transitioned from being fully state-owned to becoming a government-private joint stock bank, with only a small percentage now under state ownership. The bank has recently experienced double digit growth in assets, loans and net profits, even though Cambodia's national economy has experienced some setbacks, by concentrating on maximizing customer confidence, its level of service, and its range and quality of products. FTB's new and well-established branches in key areas of the country give small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) greater access to finance and in the process help to develop local business. Its network across the country was further strengthened through its strategic partnership with WING (Cambodia) Ltd, the first mobile-payment services provider in Cambodia. FTB has addressed concerns regarding high loan-to-deposit ratios in Cambodia's banking system by maintaining a conservative approach to risk management, ensuring its asset quality has remained high while non-performing loans stay at manageable levels.

Another area in which FTB has consistently led is corporate social responsibility (CSR). The bank supports important initiatives designed to assist some of the most disadvantaged in Cambodian society, such as those served by the Cambodian Red Cross.

The second award, Best Innovation in Retail Banking Cambodia 2015, recognizes FTB's dedication to ensuring that the latest and most innovative financial products are provided to its customers, before becoming available through its competitors. To stay well-informed of the development of these products, FTB has formed rewarding partnerships with several dynamic technology companies.

The bank's focus on providing innovative products will help ensure that FTB remains an industry leader upon further economic integration of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries. As one of the 10 regional members, Cambodia can expect to witness a steady influx of foreign banks, and Cambodian banks such as FTB will face increasing competition from foreign entities. However, its award-winning level of innovation and its dedication to providing first-class customer service render FTB well-positioned to thrive in this competitive environment and maintain a healthy share of the market.

For more information please visit
http://internationalbanker.com/banking/foreign-trade-bank-of-cambodia-riding-the-wave-of-strong-economic-growth/

About International Banker
International Banker is the flagship brand of Finance Publishing. Finance Publishing is one of the world's leading sources of authoritative analysis on finance, international banking and world affairs. It delivers information with excellence through a wide range of accessible formats, from websites, newsletters and magazines, to conferences.

For more information, please visit http://internationalbanker.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Eskan Bank of Bahrain Win Award for Innovation in Retail Banking, Acknowledging Their Tireless Work That has Benefited the Country’s Housing Market.

London, UK -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/18/2015 -- International Banker held its annual awards acknowledging top Middle Eastern and African banking institutions and individuals. Eskan Bank received the Best Innovation in Retail Banking Bahrain 2015 award.

International Banker offers a global view of banking and finance. Each year through the Banking Awards, it recognises the leading banking institutions (and individuals), which have set the bar for industry excellence.

Honored with an important award to acknowledge and celebrate its innovation and leadership in the area of retail banking, Eskan Bank has achieved a prominent position on the 2015 International Banker Middle Eastern and African Banking Awards list.

The Best Innovation in Retail Banking Bahrain 2015 award was awarded to Eskan Bank based on its outstanding contribution to developing housing finance options for the citizens of Bahrain. Established in 1979 and fully owned by the government, the bank provides financing to low-to-medium-income citizens, enabling them to acquire, through purchase or construction, primary residences. The bank's contribution to Bahrain's prosperity and stability is achieved by enabling citizens to purchase homes and by involving private-sector financial and real estate development providers in constructing new dwellings. The bank has helped foster a stable economic and social platform, with wide-ranging positive ripple effects to the wider economy. Eskan Bank stands out as the undisputed housing bank of Bahrain, the leading residential-mortgage provider, with a Ministry of Housing mandate that encompasses the beneficiaries of the MOH's social-housing services, approximately 80 percent of the employed Bahraini population.

The bank's top priority is to deliver homes that are enjoyable to live in, economically maintained and attractively priced. Eskan Bank is an essential participant in realizing the national goal of providing a home to every family. Working side by side the Ministry of Housing, which allocates social-housing funding to eligible citizens, Eskan Bank supports the Ministry's efforts to reduce the nation's affordable housing waiting list. The bank has demonstrated its dedication to fulfilling its social-responsibility role by developing subsidized housing solutions, fostering cohesive communities and improving the quality of life of thousands. Over the last 36 years, the bank has provided more than BD 700 million to more than 50,000 families in mortgage financing. The bank's team of skilled professionals nurtures long-term relationships with clients, acquiring in-depth insight and understanding into individual circumstances, then providing the maximum number of applicable housing-related choices.

The bank is constantly looking for innovative approaches to fulfill its housing mandate. The Social Housing Financing Scheme is a joint effort with the Ministry of Housing and the government of Bahrain that allows private-sector developers to sell their affordable housing units to social-housing customers through MOH-subsidized mortgages from participating retail banks. Other initiatives include Tomooh, offering apartment buyback options, and pari-passu mortgages, enabling financial institutions to lend to consumers with affordable terms based on house title deed pledges.

Eskan Bank is committed to its participation in a five-year strategy, initiated in 2012, that aims to achieve the housing agenda of Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030. As part of this project, the bank plans to build 2,500 housing units by 2016 on its own land and through joint ventures with the private sector.

Although its concentration is in housing financing and development, Eskan Bank has extended its scope, providing services and products such as investment and retail banking, Sharia-compliant financing, treasury and capital-management services.

Eskan Bank recently restated its core values, which include integrity, respect, ownership and innovation, with a particular emphasis on "respect". The bank's motto and guiding principle is: "Developing synergies to create sustainable communities." International Banker celebrates the bank's achievements in realizing its goals with this award.

To view an interview with Dr. Khalid Abdulla, General Manager of Eskan Bank, visit
http://internationalbanker.com/banking/interview-with-dr-khalid-abdulla-general-manager-of-eskan-bank-bahrain/

For more information on Eskan Bank please visit
http://internationalbanker.com/banking/eskan-bank-as-the-provider-of-choice-for-affordable-housing-in-the-kingdom-of-bahrain/

About International Banker
International Banker is the flagship brand of Finance Publishing. Finance Publishing is one of the world's leading sources of authoritative analysis on finance, international banking and world affairs. It delivers information with excellence through a wide range of accessible formats, from websites, newsletters and magazines, to conferences.

For more information, please visit http://internationalbanker.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Zambia National Commercial Bank (Zanaco) Wins Awards for Providing Exemplary Customer Service and for Superior Commercial Banking Offering

London, UK -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/17/2015 -- International Banker held its annual awards acknowledging top Middle Eastern and African banking institutions and individuals. Zambia National Commercial Bank Plc (Zanaco) received awards in two categories: Best Customer Service Provider Africa and Best Commercial Bank Zambia 2015.

International Banker offers a global view of banking and finance. Each year through the Banking Awards, it recognises the leading banking institutions (and individuals), which have set the bar for industry excellence.

Honoured with double awards to acknowledge and celebrate its innovation and leadership in the areas of customer service in Africa and commercial banking in Zambia, Zanaco has achieved a prominent position on the 2015 International Banker Middle Eastern and African Banking Awards list.

The first award, for Best Customer Service Provider Africa, has been awarded to Zanaco based on its commitment to serving Zambia's existing and future customers—on its vision of "banking the unbanked", comprising approximately 66 percent of the population. The Zambian government established Zanaco in 1969 to stimulate national development and provide economic empowerment. The bank has grown to become the nation's leading bank. Out of 19 banks with capital of more than 580,000 billion, Zanaco has grown at a cumulative annual rate of 30 percent over the last seven years, cementing its "Top 3" position. Applying expert knowledge of local markets through its wide-spanning network of branches, Zanaco boasts the largest customer base of any bank nationwide, providing access to effective banking services to the mainstream public and especially to the historically underserviced rural households. The bank is known as the "People's Bank" and "Citizens' Owned", with more than 5,000 Zambians as shareholders and more than 850,000 as customers. Its success and popularity is due in large measure to its stated commitment to customer service. Zanaco uses customer orientation as its focus in service and product provision. As part of its ongoing efforts to improve in customer service, the bank conducts staff training targeted at developing the ability to identify the best products and services for given client needs. Zanaco identifies failings in customer-service delivery and implements strategies to correct these areas. The bank also invested sizeably during 2014 in its core banking system to improve the quality of customer-service delivery. In response to customer feedback, the bank extended working hours to allow more time, convenience and accessibility, and older ATMs were replaced. Zanaco provides innovative technological solutions; in particular the bank is actively developing its online banking operations. While striving to increase the number of automated processes to enhance service efficiency, Zanaco continues face-to-face interactions through its network of branches.

The second award, Best Commercial Bank Zambia 2015, acknowledges Zanaco's unique approach to commercial banking. The bank prides itself on being a bank for all levels of society, serving the banking needs of businesses of all types. Based on its approach combining premier customer service, technological innovation and first-rate human-capital application, the bank has become a dominant player in the banking market when it comes to serving the needs of small-and-medium enterprises and small- and large-scale farmers. The bank works with the Government of the Republic of Zambia and corporate organizations to help unbanked communities across Zambia. By assisting businesses with banking needs, Zanaco empowers customers to be active players in the economy. The sectors identified to contribute most significantly to GDP growth are well supported by Zanaco—including construction, agriculture, SME and retail. Investor confidence and activity in Zanaco has reflected its strong financial performance.

As the economy of Zambia continues to strengthen, Zanaco will play a vital role, and for all of its many contributions, the bank has earned these awards.

For further information please visit -
http://internationalbanker.com/banking/zanaco-providing-exemplary-service-to-current-customers-whilst-also-targeting-the-unbanked/

About International Banker
International Banker is the flagship brand of Finance Publishing. Finance Publishing is one of the world's leading sources of authoritative analysis on finance, international banking and world affairs. It delivers information with excellence through a wide range of accessible formats, from websites, newsletters and magazines, to conferences.

For more information, please visit http://internationalbanker.com/

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Innovative Bank Wins Double Honours

London, UK -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/27/2015 -- International Banker held its annual awards acknowledging top Middle Eastern and African banking institutions and individuals. Gulf Bank received awards in two categories: Best Commercial Bank and Best Innovation in Retail Banking Kuwait 2015.

International Banker offers a global view of banking and finance. Each year through the Banking Awards, it recognises the leading banking institutions (and individuals), which have set the bar for industry excellence. Honored with dual awards to acknowledge and celebrate its innovation and leadership in the areas of both commercial and retail banking, Gulf Bank has achieved a prominent position on the 2015 International Banker Middle Eastern and African Banking Awards list.

The first award, for Best Commercial Bank, has been awarded to Gulf Bank based on its premier standing within the commercial-banking sector, offering corporate- and institutional-banking services that include treasury, corporate advisory, foreign exchange and other cash-management solutions. Incorporated in 1960, Gulf Bank has grown to be one of the leading banking institutions in Kuwait. The bank is recognised for its high-calibre services and products that are delivered through its network of 59 branches across Kuwait. With a focus on systematic and consistent growth, the bank has been extending its channel network and scope of services. As part of the bank's ongoing commitment to supporting local economic development, Gulf Bank is participating in the National Fund's SME Debt Program—a program launched by the Kuwait National Fund for SMEs Development (National Fund) to provide support to small-and-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Gulf Bank's involvement reflects its strategy of promoting Kuwait's business community. It also reaffirms the bank's dedication to encouraging new ideas and developing a new generation of entrepreneurs.

The second International Banker award for Gulf Bank is Best Innovation in Retail Banking Kuwait 2015. In addition to its commercial division, Gulf Bank covers a wide range of retail-banking services focused on providing customers with solutions to meet specific needs, implementing a strategy based on offering first-class service combined with flexible bank products, sophisticated online services and a wide, convenient network across Kuwait. The bank reported growth of its asset portfolio at a rate that is significantly faster than the overall market, increasing by 23 percent through 2014, while the market grew by 6 percent. Gulf Bank is committed to keeping pace by providing innovative technological solutions to serve the needs of its clients. In particular, Gulf Bank will invest significantly in four key areas over the next three years: digital channels for retail and corporate customers, middleware integration, workflow, and data architecture and analytics. The bank's strategy is to combine the use of these new technologies to provide customers with innovative products and services that meet their needs. Gulf Bank has a clear vision to create a "Digital Bank" through this extensive phase of investment that will result in end-to-end automation of its core customer-facing processes. The goal of this will be to significantly improve customer experience, reduce people costs in the back office, remove ineffective manual controls and strengthen the bank's brand. The bank has a strong and skilled labour force that it takes care to train and manage so that it is equipped to serve customer needs most effectively. This includes placing a priority on developing its IT infrastructure and the skill of its workforce.

Gulf Bank invests resources in corporate-social-responsibility endeavours and has worked towards helping Kuwaiti citizens, providing numerous staff volunteers to work with local initiatives. The bank is particularly active in projects that promote community development, especially youth programs.

More information about Gulf Bank can be found here -
http://internationalbanker.com/banking/gulf-bank-of-kuwait-moves-ahead-of-its-competitors/

About International Banker
International Banker is the flagship brand of Finance Publishing. Finance Publishing is one of the world's leading sources of authoritative analysis on finance, international banking and world affairs. It delivers information with excellence through a wide range of accessible formats, from websites, newsletters and magazines, to conferences.

For more information, please visit http://internationalbanker.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

International Banker held its annual awards acknowledging top banking institutions worldwide. Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam JSC (BIDV) received an award for Commercial Bank of the Year, Vietnam.

London, UK -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/15/2014 -- The International Banker's annual awards recognize banking excellence globally. Honoured with an award to acknowledge and celebrate innovation and leadership in commercial banking products and services in Vietnam – BIDV's work has been recognised on this year's list.

The bank offers an extensive range of solutions spanning a wide range of commercial finance services – including securities trading and brokerage, loan syndication and advisory - with a view to providing cutting edge, convenient banking products to its customers. BIDV provides insurance products designed to meet customer needs and furthermore provides a host of stock management services – including brokerage services, investment and investment consultancy and an ability to quickly facilitate and execute orders to meet client demands. The bank furthermore offers a substantial and specialised service in the area of financial investments - including financial leasing and capital contribution services aimed at directing interested investment companies to specific suitable projects requiring funding.

In particular BIDV plays a central role in coordinating the major corporate investment projects of Vietnam - such as the stock leasing of the major aviation company VALC and the development of the major highway with the company BLC. These projects have succeeded with the assistance of the BIDV investment banking department's skills, services and expertise. With more than 18,000 experienced, qualified and trained officers, employees and financial consultants BIDV focusses on bringing customers the best possible services and solutions whilst maintaining trust and reliability throughout. BIDV has a wide spanning network with 127 branches, 602 transaction offices and thousands of ATMs across 63 provinces and cities nationwide. BIDV customers are wide ranging – from major corporations to small enterprises, financial institutions and individual retail customers.

The development of the SME sector has been a vital part of the Vietnam economy's growth through 2013 and is predicted to perform likewise in 2014. In this area BIDV offers a number of products and services tailored to the needs of various enterprises and differentiating BIDV significantly from a number of its banking industry competitors. The bank offers a comprehensive range of services and a wide variety of products to serve enterprises of varying size and scope. Further to this BIDV has announced plans to build towards supplying an increasing amount of specific products and services for the SME segment over the coming several years.

In January 2007, the government announced that it would sell a minority stake in BIDV and the bank has officially been transformed into a Joint Stock Commercial Bank since May 2012. This transformation came with a number of corporate governance reform requirements and the bank has successfully incorporated these changes into their operational structure and strategic vision for the future. BIDV has put forward and implemented numerous targets and related measures aimed at helping the bank become a leading commercial bank in all business areas whilst operating under full compliance with international standards and practices. An example of these strategic targets includes the fulfilment of the operational mechanism of a public JSC bank – the bank has carried out a continuation of fully implementing the restructuring of all required activities, including organizational structure, regulatory framework, human resource management and administrative reform as stipulated by evolving corporate governance regulations and requirements.

For more information on BIDV http://internationalbanker.com/banking/bidv-thriving-vietnams-economic-growth/

About International Banker
International Banker is a fully owned and operated subsidiary of Finance Publishing. Finance Publishing is one of the world's leading sources of authoritative analysis on finance, international banking and world affairs. They deliver information with excellence through a wide range of accessible formats, from newsletters, magazines & conferences.

Contacts
Bank for Investment & Development of Vietnam (BIDV)
For media inquiries:
Tel: +84.4.22205256
Fax: +84.4.22225316
http://www.bidv.com.vn

International Banker
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7887 2533
http://internationalbanker.com/

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm