Emirates NBD, a leading bank in the region, today announced that it has been named the ‘Best SME Bank of the Year - 2019’ at the prestigious International Finance Magazine (IFM) Awards, in recognition of its pioneering efforts providing value-added products and innovative digital services to further the growth of young businesses in the UAE.

Commenting on the win, Hussam Al Hashimi, Head Business Banking and Priority Banking Emirates NBD, said: “As a leading local bank, Emirates NBD is committed to championing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that form the backbone of the UAE economy. Our customers are our biggest success story with one in five UAE SMEs now banking with Emirates NBD, demonstrating the success of our value proposition approach ‘Exploring Opportunities’, which continues to empower companies in leveraging opportunities for growth and expansion regardless of what stage of the business lifecycle they are in. This award is acknowledgement of the impact of our commitment to service backed by our extensive network and comprehensive suite of products and services, powered by digital innovation, to make customers’ lives simpler.”

Emirates NBD has created several initiatives as part of its commitment to further growth in the UAE SME sector. The bank convenes Multaqa that helps SME owners and entrepreneurs hear from industry experts and network, in addition to hosting Trade Days to inform and educate clients of its business banking tools.

Further, as the Official Banking Partner for Expo 2020 Dubai, Emirates NBD recently announced a customised business banking package for UAE-based SMEs and startups that features preferential pricing and privileges on transactions, working capital, trade finance, FX and commercial loans, cementing the bank’s commitment to support the future growth and development of companies registered to do business with Expo 2020 Dubai.

The recognition from the International Finance Magazine follows a series of accolades received by Emirates NBD in recent months. The bank has been ranked among the top 20 in the Forbes’ third annual list of the World’s Best Regarded Companies. It was also awarded ‘Best Digital Bank in the Middle East’, ‘Best Bank in the UAE’ and ‘Best Investment Bank in the UAE’ by Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2019. In addition, Emirates NBD was recently named the UAE’s most valuable banking brand, with a value of USD 4.13 billion, in The Banker’s annual brand valuation league table.