Jordan Islamic Bank keeps market share while creating growth for society

Andrey Shalimov, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board, Vozrozhdenie Bank

The Russian banking sector in its present form is just 20 years old and, with much of it controlled by European banks, it has felt the strain since the 2008 crisis. Analysts are expecting a decrease in its capital this year and a worsening quality of consumer loans. Andrey Shalimov discusses how Vozrozhdenie Bank has attained a stronghold in the sector through a commitment to good corporate governance and positioning itself as a community bank.

Derya Gürerk, CEO, Türkiye Finans Katılım Bankası

Participation banking assets have grown twice as fast as Turkey’s overall banking sector during the last 10 years and now represent five percent of the industry. Derya Gürerk of Türkiye Finans believes this growth is sustainable if the required capital is brought in. He discusses the bank’s excellent performance last year, including a 25 percent increase in productivity and 22 percent increase in profits, its investment in infrastructure and developing entrepreneurial skills, and its recently issued Sukuks.

Artem Konstandyan, President, Promsvyazbank

Many Russian businesses were taken by surprise by the financial crisis and the country’s interconnection with the global economy. However, as Promsvyazbank’s Artem Konstandyan points out, Russia has weathered the crisis well and has huge potential for growth, with just 24 percent of the population estimated to have bank accounts, a rising per capita income, and increasing demand for financial products. He describes PSB’s plans to expand its retail services alongside its historic strengths.

Elena Chong, Vicepresident, Credicorp Bank

Panama’s new investment-grade rating, combined with its strong banking sector, lends belief to projections that the country will continue to be a key performer in Latin America. Elena Chong describes how Panama’s banking system withstood the financial crisis, the government’s infrastructure plans for growth, and explains how Credicorp Bank’s unique services positions it ahead of its competitors.

Abdulkareem Abu Al Nasr, CEO, National Commercial Bank

While most people still consider Saudi Arabia to be heavily reliant on oil, economic diversification has been one of the country’s strategic pillars since the 1980s. Today oil accounts for only 28 percent of GDP, in part thanks to the commitment of banks like NCB to supporting SMEs and local corporates. CEO Abdulkareem Abu Al Nasr discusses the current business environment and the bank’s commitment to sustainability.

Pierre Imhof, CEO, Baiduri Bank

Four-time World Finance Banking Award winner Baiduri Bank is a major player in both commercial and retail banking in Brunei. Investing in technology has long been a strategy for the bank, and it has been paying off: Pierre Imhof discusses how the value-added services now being offered to corporate clients have secured their loyalty, and explains how the bank’s watchword ‘Local knowledge; global expertise’ has supported the bank’s enduring success.

Jeff Holland, Partner, Brown Brothers Harriman

Considerable regulatory and cost pressures have forced private banks to adopt new business models and distinguish clearly between their client segments. Brown Brothers Harriman has identified one emerging trend caused by this perfect storm: ‘multi-convergence’, where universal banks, private banks and asset managers are consolidating their businesses. Jeff Holland explains the changing landscape.

Moataz Al Rafie, CEO, Ahli Bank Qatar

Qatar is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, and is pursuing reforms to improve the entrepreneurial environment and diversify its economy beyond oil and gas. Supporting this business growth are commercial banks like Ahli Bank; CEO Moataz Al Rafie explains how the company is leveraging the latest technology to provide top services to its clients.

Paul Patterson, Head of Global Trust, RBC Wealth Management

In recent years, the Channel Islands have implemented higher standards of regulation. Combined with their natural strengths of political stability, tax neutrality and a large pool of wealth management talent, they have become recognised as high-standard financial centres. Paul Patterson outlines how RBC Wealth Management’s Canadian heritage, strong capital base, and uniquely integrated delivery put it ahead of its competitors in private banking, and describes some of the future opportunities that will arise from operating in the Channel Islands.