Gulf Bank has clinched the award for the ‘Best Retail Bank in Kuwait’ at the 2007 Asian Banker Excellence in Retail Financial Services awards programme.

The award, which is one of Asia’s most prestigious banking industry awards programme, is held in high esteem by the financial services sector.

The Gulf Bank was honoured at a gala awards function in Shanghai yesterday (June 8).

“Gulf Bank is honoured yet again to be recognised as the best retail bank in Kuwait,” said Gulf Bank CMD Bassam Y. Alghanim.

“The Asian Banker award follows Gulf Bank’s unprecedented third consecutive award for ‘Best Retail Bank in the Middle East’ by Banker Middle East and ‘Best Bank in Kuwait’ by Global Finance magazine. I am proud to say that Gulf Bank is truly the region’s most awarded retail bank,” Alghanim said.

'The Asian Banker awards are based on a detailed evaluation of all submissions based on a wide-ranging performance assessment conducted by a distinguished panel of international referees,” said Gulf Bank general manager (retail) Nazem Al Qenae.

 “This is a reward for the quality of our retail operation, our products and our strong business processes. It is an outstanding achievement for the staff and management team of Gulf Bank,” he observed.

According to Alghanim, Gulf Bank is one of the fastest growing retail banks in the region.

'With seven consecutive years of record growth and profitability, its success has been built on a single-minded commitment to customer service.'

'Gulf Bank is a market leader in product and service innovation and is rapidly building a reputation as Kuwait’s preferred local bank,' he added.

Research indicates that retail customers appreciate Gulf Bank’s superior customer service, financial security and sound advice.

It was the first bank in Kuwait to introduce a personalised ATM service, and the first to offer co-branded American Express Credit Cards.

Its network has grown to 38 distinctively branded branches across Kuwait and, as part of the banking relationship, customers receive a wide variety of benefits including unique prize draws, SMS alerts and retail store discounts.

Alghanim said Gulf Bank is also rated highly by customers for the friendliness and knowledgeability of its staff.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our customers for their loyal support,” Alghanim said.

“We certainly appreciate being honoured in the top regional and international awards but the one award that matters most is our customers’ satisfaction. Gulf Bank will continue to deliver an award-winning service that meets and exceeds the needs of our customers,” he added. TradeArabia News Service