FGB secures runner-up position in the ‘Best Trade Finance Bank in MENA’ category of GTR’s ‘Leaders in Trade 2014’ Awards

FGB, one of the leading banks in the UAE, has secured runner-up position in the ‘Best Trade Finance Bank in the Middle East & North Africa’ category of the Global Trade Review’s 2014 ‘Leaders in Trade Awards’. FGB scooped the title despite facing stiff competition from a host of banks operating across the MENA region, and is the top local bank for this category.

The Global Trade Review (GTR) magazine, one of the leading publications in international banking, bestows these annual awards to banks in the various regions, based on their readers’ votes in different categories. GTR magazine conducts the poll exclusively, without being involved with or influenced by any banks. 

Simon Penney, Head of Wholesale and International Banking at FGB, said: “We’re very pleased to have been recognised by customers for our commitment to be the leading trade finance bank in the Middle East and Africa. Being the top local bank in this category reflects the incredible progress that we have made to date and we are continuing to invest in people and technology, to provide a world-class experience to our customers”. 

He continued: “FGB has a vision to become a leading, “FirstChoice” trade finance bank for our customers. To achieve this vision, FGB has recently implemented a strategy which is focused on providing excellence in customer service and on supporting the global requirements of our clients by either opening international offices in key locations or via partner bank arrangements in regions where FGB customers do business. Another core focus of our strategy is to build a talented team of professionals who provide a consultative approach in meeting our customer’s needs. This strategy is already bearing fruit, which has been demonstrated through ratings of over 95% in internal customer service surveys.” 

Manoj Menon, Head of Global Transaction Services & Financial Institutions, added: “Our journey and vision to become the “FirstChoice” bank for our customers and a leading transaction bank in the markets we operate in has just begun and we will continue to enhance our offerings to reach this goal. Our dedication to customer service and the way that we tailor our products to meet client needs has helped us to deliver service excellence and solutions that our customers want”. 

Every year, GTR invites all companies that read the magazine, attend their events, and engage in cross-border trade activities to partake in the voting. Voters are asked to choose which financial institutions they view as the best for each category. However, all corporations and financial institutions can vote in the ‘Leaders in Trade’ awards.