DOHA: The International Bank of Qatar (ibq) marks this month its 56th anniversary, commemorating five decades of steadfast commitment to providing the country and its community with excellence in service and innovation in banking and finance. The milestone strongly underlines the bank’s remarkable track record earmarked with year-on-year growth, unparalleled leadership and a superb line-up of financial solutions.
Started as the Ottoman Bank in 1956 and serving Qatar ever since, ibq is one of the oldest banks in the country which played a significant role in building the fundamentals of the industry.
Today, ibq operates a growing network of nine branches and service centres and 35 ATMs in strategic locations throughout Qatar alongside its international network through the National Bank of Kuwait (NBK), which offers clients access to greater resources and a wide range of global services. Owing to its world-class services and customised solutions, ibq was recognised with major industry accolades that further attest to the bank’s image as the Bank of Choice.
Jabra Ghandour, Managing Director of ibq, said: “We’re extremely proud to celebrate this illustrious milestone and to be part of Qatar’s most established banking institutions. Since inception, ibq has significantly contributed to the Qatari economy by providing continued financial stability through its robust and unparalleled performance and annual results. ibq has also been ideally placed to finance key projects in Qatar and extending support and advice to the both international and local business entities here in the country.”
The award-winning bank has become a preferred partner for many offering an all-encompassing range of premium, smart, tailor-made and convenient banking and financial solutions, all managed and delivered by a pool of the highest standing professionals.
“Our partnership with NBK allowed us to further expand our offerings to our clients with exposure to a host of international, first-class services. We will continue to build on our existing, long-standing legacy to firmly cement our image as a leading financial institution not only in Qatar but also in the wider Mena region”, added Jabra.
In June 2009, ibq was recognised as “the fastest moving bank” in the Middle East and North Africa region and the 26th fastest mover globally in The Banker magazine’s Top 1,000 World Bank survey 2009.
The bank’s commitment to customer relationships and best practice is reflected in the numerous awards won by the bank, including “Best Private Banking Services in Qatar” award for 2012 by Euromoney Magazine, “Best Credit Card in Qatar Award from the Banker ME Magazine, “Best Retail Bank in Qatar 2011” from Arabian Business and “Best Customer Service in the Middle East” award for four consecutive years 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 from Banker Middle East Magazine. The Peninsula
