H.E. Yousef Hussain Kamal Chairman of Qatar National Bank (QNB), was named the Arab Banker of the Year 2008 at the International Arab Banking Summit in London, hosted by the Union of Arab Banks.
The International Arab Banking Summit was held at The Waldorf Hilton in London on 25 & 26 June, with the aim of leading the financial services industry "Back to the Basics in Post-Crisis Strategies". The two-day summit is an international platform to discuss major issues in Arab and international economies as well as development in the financial sector innovation. Panel discussions focused on enhancing sound regulations and collaboration with international bodies.
The Union of Arab Banks Board of Directors nominates a key figure in the Arab financial sector industry as a recipient of the “Banker of the Year Award”. Selection is based on a range of factors including contributions to the development of the financial sector.
H.E. Yousef Hussain Kamal's selection as Banker of the Year is especially significant considering the impact of the global economic crisis on the financial sector in 2008, during which Qatari financial institutions such as QNB demonstrated their ability to deliver sustained growth and carry on their strategic momentum in the international arena.
His Excellency has been instrumental in promoting regulations in the financial services industry. He has on many occasions reiterated a personal and professional dedication to ensuring regulatory excellence in the financial services sector and has committed to ensuring that financial services are conducted according to international best practices.
H.E. Yousef Hussain Kamal has been the Chairman of QNB for many years, during which the Bank delivered high achievements and consistent growth. The Bank achieved excellent first quarter results for 2009, which recorded an increase in net profit by 10.2% during the period to reach QR1,011 million, with an underlying increase in total assets to QR140.6 billion, an 8.2% increase since 31 March 2008.
QNB is the leading bank in Qatar and the largest by assets and market capitalization. The Bank has a broad group portfolio comprising conventional and Islamic banking services, as well as global expertise in private banking, asset management and capital markets trading.