Mashreq opens new Head Office in Doha
14 May 2009
Plans to become the MENA's leading regional bank in three years
Doha May 14, 2009: Mashreq Qatar entered a new era of customer service with the opening of its new Country Head Office in Doha. John Iossifidis, Head of International Banking hosted the opening of the new head office in Amwal Tower in Doha’s West Bay. Present at the inauguration of the offices were Country Head Howard Kitson and Gary Mond, Head of Retail Banking Qatar. A special guest, Khalifa Al-Hetmi, Chief Executive of Qatar Navigation, was also present at the office opening.
Iossifidis’ role is to guide Mashreq’s growth in the region and the international markets, with Qatar figuring prominently in the Bank’s ambitions. “Mashreq’s network of Correspondent Banking branches and representative offices span the globe,” Iossifidis said. “From Hong Kong to Egypt to the United States, Mashreq is available on a global level to provide its customers with easy access when in need.”
“Qatar is a very important market in the Middle East; it is therefore very important to our plans. With the third largest gas reserves in the world, significant infrastructure spending, increasing demand for real estate and a growing population, it is presents an attractive banking market. Our vision is to become MENA's own leading regional bank. In this regard, we want to continue to expand in promising emerging GCC markets such as Qatar, said John.
“From a corporate banking perspective, our broad representation, which is matched only by few, will be supported by regional transaction banking and risk management solutions tailored to individual client needs. From a retail banking perspective, our promise is built on banking with convenience, accessibility and service, Mashreq is a relationship driven bank, providing inventive, yet easy to communicate solutions to assist client achieve their financial goals” continued Iossifidis
Howard Kitson said with its new Head Office, Mashreq will continue to provide its corporate customer base with innovative funding, trade finance, contract finance, and treasury products to Qatari and International companies. “With the opening of our new office, Mashreq is in a better position to serve its corporate customer base,” Kitson said.
Mashreq has the capability to cater to a wide range of financial needs, “As Mashreq is one of largest and most innovative banks in the region, we are confident that we will continue to provide every day banking solutions, no matter were we operate,” Kitson added. The opening of a new head office Qatar paves the ground to expand Mashreq’s status in Qatar
Mashreq is involved in key local Qatar financial developments, including many infrastructure and realestate projects; most recently providing distribution services for Vodafone Qatar’s Initial Public Offering. The strong and experienced team at Mashreq focus on connecting the right solutions to its clients – an integrated plan that draws upon smart risk taking and innovative financial solutions is the key to enhance on new business areas.
Mashreq is headquartered in Dubai, and as an Arab regional bank, it is committed to further develop its presence in the Gulf. It maintains its stance to be the leading international bank in the Middle East and Africa region.