A glittering awards ceremony is set to take place on 16 May 2006 for the prestigious annual Banker Middle East Industry Awards 2006, which recognise excellence in the region’s banking services industry.
The awards, presented by leading financial publication, Banker Middle East, are a celebration of the progress and achievements of banking institutions operating throughout the Middle East region.
This year’s awards ceremony is being held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel & Spa in Bahrain, under the patronage of Bahrain Financial Harbour and the Economic Development Board (EDB) of Bahrain, with the support of the Bahrain Monetary Agency (BMA).
The Event sponsor is Infiniti, while the Communications Partner is Financial Dynamics.
A total of 16 awards will be presented during a high-profile awards ceremony, which is expected to attract nearly 600 leading figures representing financial institutions and regulators from across the Middle East region.
“The Awards, developed and instituted by CPI Financial, a leading publishing house in the region and its flagship financial magazine, Banker Middle East, recognise excellence across the range of banking and finance pursuits,” said Mr. Paul McNamara, Managing Editor of Banker Middle East.
“The Awards evening, which is attended by top management executives, including chairmen, chief executive officers and managing directors, is now widely acknowledged as the only event that no serious banker in the region can afford to miss.”
The patronage extended to the Awards ceremony by the financial authorities in each jurisdiction, where the event is held, also demonstrates the credible stature the Awards have achieved in commemorating the achievements of financial institutions in the Middle East.
Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive of the Economic Development Board (EDB): “We made a strategic decision to support the 7th Banker Middle East Awards. This event is important in serving the industry, inspiring, encouraging and rewarding excellence in the banking and finance sector in the region.
“We are delighted that CPI Financial and Banker Middle East chose to host this prestigious event in Bahrain. With a contribution of approximately 25% to the GDP, the financial sector is one of the EDB’s primary target sectors. We are working very closely with the Bahrain Monetary Agency to further promote and develop the financial sector. We will be dedicated to maintaining and strengthening Bahrain’s current standing in the region as the financial capital of the Middle East.”
Dr. Huda Al Maskati, Executive Director, Corporate Services, at the Bahrain Monetary Agency said: “The BMA is pleased to support Banker Middle East in holding this event for the first time in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Bahrain's vibrant financial sector, serving the needs of the region, makes the Kingdom a natural venue for an event of this nature.”
The Awards ceremony has, until now, always been held in Dubai, the home base of CPI Financial and Banker Middle East magazine.
“However, since their inception in 2002, the Awards have gained a broad and dedicated following amongst banking professionals throughout the Middle East region. It is now our intention to hold the Awards ceremony in the region’s prominent financial centres, to reinforce the regional nature and stature of the Awards. The 2007 Awards ceremony is likely to take place in Doha, Qatar,” said Mr. McNamara.
The upcoming event in Bahrain will see awards being presented in the following categories:
1. Best Bank
2. Best Retail Bank
3. Best Private Bank
4. Best Commercial Bank
5. Best Investment Bank
6. Best Islamic Bank
7. New Product Innovation Award
8. Best Foreign Bank
9. Best Asset Management House
10. Best Private Equity House
11. Best Project Finance House
12. Best Islamic Finance House
13. Best Advertising/Marketing Campaign
14. Best Bank Customer Service/Contact Centre
15. Best Use of Technology
16. Lifetime Achievement Award
“The awards for Best Asset Management House and Best Project Finance House are two new categories added to the 2006 Awards, which are the most comprehensive ever in terms of recognizing excellence in products and services extended by banks, as well as technological advancements in delivering their services,” said Mr. Nigel Rodrigues, Chief Operating Officer of CPI Financial.
Mr. Monal Zeidan, Senior Manager, Marketing & Corporate Communications Departments, at Infiniti, said: “Infiniti has been noted for its unique progressive approach to luxury and as such has evolved to become the fastest growing luxury brand in the Middle East. The Banker Middle East Awards are in recognition of the top performers in the industry and as a top performer in the luxury car segment we go hand in hand with the Awards.”
For more information on how to attend the Awards ceremony, please contact Georgina Astor on 00 971 4 391 3722 or visit the Banker Middle East website on www.bankerme.com
