SAS Enterprise GRC named again as category leader by Chartis Research

Leading company noted for advanced analytics, comprehensive data management and continuous reporting

January 23, 2013

SAS®, the leading provider of business analytics software and services, continues to remain a category leader in the latest edition of Chartis Research's Enterprise GRC Solutions 2012 report. The company has once again been included in the leaders’ quadrant for its 'completeness of offering' and 'market-share potential.'

According to Chartis, a leading research and advisory services firm focused exclusively on the risk technology market, successful GRC vendors integrate flexible technology, ongoing innovation, scalable sales and marketing strategy, domain expertise and a 'one-stop shop' for qualitative and quantitative GRC metrics. The report states that true enterprise GRC solutions need 'a broad array of technical capabilities and an equally impressive range of support services' to 'facilitate the implementation and custom deployment of their GRC solutions.'

"SAS has the highest scores in terms of our criteria for 'completeness of offering' with particular strengths in operational risk management functionality for the financial services industry," said Peyman Mestchian, Managing Partner, Chartis. "SAS' high score is due to its advanced analytics, powerful data management and workflow capabilities and the ability to provide deep functionality for both financial and non-financial risk management and compliance. We were particularly impressed by examples of live projects for large complex financial institutions with sophisticated next generation technology solutions."

Chartis touts SAS Enterprise GRC's comprehensive and continuous monitoring of risk and compliance exposures as improving ‘governance and risk oversight for board and senior management.’ The report highlighted the competitive advantage for EGRC vendors with ‘technology capabilities for managing GRC across all three lines of defense; the first including transaction monitoring and front line risk scoring; the second risk and control self-assessment, case management and third composing of internal audit.’ Chartis complimented SAS for covering a ‘range of enterprise risk management needs including credit risk, market risk, asset liability management, operational risk/GRC, liquidity risk and financial crime.’

Chartis identified category leaders such as SAS as having ‘the necessary depth and breadth of functionality, technology and content, combined with the organizational characteristics to capture significant market share by volume and value.’ Leaders were noted for demonstrating best-in-class solutions with a clear strategy for sustainable, profitable growth paired with deep domain knowledge and extensive technology assets and capabilities.

Chartis described SAS Enterprise GRC as having an extensive, extensible and fully auditable data model and proprietary loss database. The report also highlighted the company's ready-to-use library of key risk indicators with configurable linkages and metadata and also the configurable analytics, workflows and reporting, which is composed of tables, trend plots, heat maps, dashboards and drillable visualizations.

"The greatest strength of SAS Enterprise GRC is how it adapts to meet specific customer needs without compromising a user's business requirements," said Clark Abrahams, SAS Product Marketing Manager for Enterprise GRC.

“Being named yet again as part of Chartis’ leaders’ quadrant for Enterprise GRC solutions reaffirms our position as a leading provider of advanced analytics for businesses across today’s rapidly changing global markets. We are looking at this as a fitting testament for our efforts to provide assistance to today’s organizations in their move towards optimizing business opportunities,” said Shukri Dabaghi, General Manager, SAS Middle East.

In October 2012, SAS Enterprise GRC was placed in the leaders’ quadrant of Gartner Inc.'s Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Governance, Risk and Compliance Platforms   1 report. Also in June 2012, SAS was named a category leader in Chartis Research's inaugural Basel 3 Technology Solutions 2012 report.

More than 800 Standard Chartered employees to drum up support for ‘Seeing is Believing’ at Dubai Marathon 2013

USD 50 million already raised by Standard Chartered’s global initiative that seeks to eliminate avoidable blindness

Dubai, UAE – 22 January, 2013 – Standard Chartered has announced that more than 800 of its staff in the UAE will be taking part as competitors and volunteers when the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon 2013 kicks off on Friday 25th January. The bank’s employees are taking part in the Dubai Marathon to raise awareness about ‘Seeing is Believing’ (SiB), Standard Chartered’s global initiative which aims to raise USD 100 million to eliminate avoidable blindness by 2020.

Standard Chartered has revealed that a total of USD 50 million has already been raised by the initiative, as the bank has pledged to match all donations dollar for dollar. The Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon 2013 expects another record number of runners competing in the 42.195km full marathon, 10km Road Race, 3km Fun Run and Leaders Cup.

Commenting on the active participation of Bank’s employees at this year’s Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon, Jonathan Morris, CEO, Standard Chartered UAE said:

“Over the years the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon has become an ideal communal activity that brings together people from all walks of life to run for a cause or a purpose. The active participation of our staff who are either running or volunteering at the Marathon is driven by our innate belief in our ability to eradicate avoidable blindness worldwide. Our continuing support for and participation at the marathon reinforce our genuine commitment to further strengthen our relationships with the UAE community.”

A ‘Seeing is Believing’ tent will be put up during the Marathon as part of the awareness campaign and to raise funds. The booth will be manned by Standard Chartered employees who will provide visitors with information about the programme and sell SiB merchandise.

Through Seeing is Believing, Standard Chartered has helped restore the sight of more than 2.5 million people globally. For 2012, the Bank was able to secure permission to raise funds for ‘Seeing is Believing’ from the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and the Red Crescent. Over USD 250,000 was raised in the UAE through various initiatives organised by the ‘Seeing is Believing’ committee in 2012.

Standard Chartered has been the title sponsor for the Dubai marathon since 2005. The bank is the title sponsor of nine marathons across four continents.

Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon has been recognised as among the top five marathons organised globally and the 2012 edition was certified by the IAAF as the Best Marathon in Asia, with nearly 19,000 runners from 90 countries participating.

Dubai Business Women Council launches newly improved website

Strong online presence supports DBWC’s ongoing thrust to connect with other like-minded organizations worldwide

January 21, 2013

Dubai Business Women Council (DBWC) has recently unveiled its new website (http://www.dbwc.ae) during a launch ceremony held at the Dubai Chamber, attended by DBWC Board of Directors and members. The website complements the ongoing global expansion of DBWC wherein international members are now being accepted through strategic partnerships with foreign-based organizations.

DBWC has also introduced new perks and tools in its newly improved website, including social networking integration (Facebook, and Twitter) and the ability to connect with members in the UAE and in other countries through its online forum, as explained during a presentation conducted by DBWC’s web developer Hani Masgidi, Managing Director of Info Media Consultancy. DBWC also discussed its recently signed partnerships with the London-based Arab International Women's Forum (AIWF), Vital Voices in the USA and MENA Business Women Network in Bahrain, The Way women Work in the USA which are part of the Council’s long-term expansion plans.

Raja Al Gurg, President, Dubai Business Women Council, said: “The website reflects the enthusiasm of Dubai Business Women Council to embrace modern tools and technologies in our continuing thrust to be of greater service to Arab women and the society in general. Moreover, DBWC’s strong online presence supports the strategic alliances we have established with like-minded organizations in other countries, which effectively expands the breadth of our core offerings and the resources that are available to our members. The DBWC website provides a much more convenient and direct access to our key services and ultimately supports our mission of empowering women to be more productive and participative members of the society.”

Founded in 2002, DBWC motivates women to be productive members of the society, while encouraging role models to rise up from the ranks and inspire other women around the world, especially in the Arab region, to discover their true potential. DBWC organises the high-profile monthly event ‘Network Majlis’ to provide information about the latest knowledge, skills and best practices for women entrepreneurs and leaders (www.dbwc.ae).

Masri: Decision of the Court of Appeals Does Not Address the Merits of the New York Cases

In a press release issued today, Mr. Sabih Masri, Chairman of Arab Bank, stated that the recent ruling issued by the Second Circuit Court of Appeals in New York does not affect the course of the trial proceedings in the Linde case as the decision does not relate to the merits of the case.  Rather, it addresses certain limited procedural issues regarding decisions made by the Eastern District Court of New York.  

Mr. Masri further stated that the decisions that were the basis of the Bank’s appeal related to the Bank’s refusal to disclose certain accountholder information requested by the plaintiffs who alleged that these accounts were connected to individuals or organizations engaged in terrorist activities.  The Bank refused to disclose the documents in accordance with the banking laws in effect in Jordan, Palestine and Lebanon.

The Chairman pointed out that the Court of Appeals’ decision to dismiss the Bank’s petition was based on jurisdictional reasons; that is, it declined to review the order of the District Court at this stage since the parties are still engaged in pre-trial proceedings.  The Court of Appeals noted that the Bank would maintain its right to appeal the District Court’s decision upon the conclusion of trial, if it chooses to do so.

He further confirmed that since its establishment, Arab Bank has been and continues to be committed to abide by all applicable laws and regulations and international banking requirements, including those requiring the maintenance of the confidentiality of its customers’ accounts.

Mr. Masri added that last November a similar case filed against Arab Bank was dismissed on summary judgment.  That case was brought by plaintiff Mati Gill who was represented by some of the same group of lawyers representing plaintiffs in the Linde cases.  The Gill case claimed similar wrong doings by the Bank and was based on similar evidence.  The Honorable Judge Jack Weinstein of the Eastern District Court of  New York ruled in favor of the Bank by granting summary judgment based on the evidence developed in the case as well as applicable laws.  Judge Weinstein’s ruling is now final and binding.

المصري: رد الاستئناف لا يتعلق بجوهر قضايا نيويورك ولا يؤثر على مجريات التقاضي

أكد رئيس مجلس ادارة البنك العربي السيد صبيح المصري في بيان له اليوم، حول قرار محكمة الاستئناف للدائرة الثانية في مدينة نيويورك في الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية الصادر يوم الجمعة الماضية، والتي نظرت ببعض الأمور الإجرائية المحدودة في قضايا (لندي) المقامة أمام محكمة المقاطعة الشرقية في نيويورك، على ان رد الاستئناف لا يتعلق بجوهر هذه القضايا، وإنما يتعلق بحيثية إجرائية كان محامو البنك العربي قد تقدموا بطلب لاستئنافها قبل النظر في الدعوى، وان هذا القرار لا يؤثر على مجريات التقاضي امام المحكمة التي تنظر في قضايا (لندي).  

كما أشار السيد المصري الى انه في شهر تشرين الثاني الماضي وفي آخر قضية اقيمت ضد البنك من قبل المدعي ماتي جيل ويمثلوه مجموعة من محامي المدعين في قضايا (لندي) المماثلة في الادلة والبينات، قد حكمت محكمة أخرى تابعة لنفس الدائرة الثانية في مدينة نيويورك يترأسها القاضي جاك واينستاين بعد نظرها في مجمل المستندات والأدلة لصالح البنك العربي وأصبح قرارها قطعياً.

وأضاف المصري بأن محامو البنك العربي قد تقدموا بطلب لاستئناف القرار الصادر عن محكمة المقاطعة الشرقية في قضايا (لندي)، بعد أن رفض البنك رفع السرية المصرفية عن الحسابات وتقديم المستندات المتعلقة بها والتي طالب المدعون بها زاعمين بأنها ذات علاقة بأفراد ومنظمات إرهابية، وذلك التزاماً من البنك بأحكام القوانين المصرفية النافذة في الأردن وفلسطين ولبنان.

وأوضح رئيس مجلس ادارة البنك العربي بان رد محكمة الاستئناف تضمن بأنها غير مختصة في النظر في الطلب الذي تقدم به البنك العربي قبل البت في أساس وموضوع الدعوى، وبان المحكمة قد رفضت النظر في طلب استئناف البنك في هذا الوقت الذي يستعد الأطراف فيه للبدء في جلسات التقاضي أمام محكمة المقاطعة الشرقية لمدينة نيويورك، وان المحكمة اشارت الى احقية البنك في استئناف هذا القرار الإجرائي مستقبلاً عند البت في موضوع الدعوى وضمن محاكمة عادلة.

كما وأكد على ان البنك العربي منذ تأسيسه كان ولا يزال ملتزماً بالقوانين والأنظمة التي تحكم أعماله والتي تلزمه بالمحافظة على سرية حسابات عملائه، وذلك ضمن اطار القوانين النافذة وتطبيقاً للمعايير المصرفية الدولية بما فيها الالتزام بالمتطلبات الرقابية.

Red Sea Housing records the highest Net Profit in the past 3 years, amounting SAR 120.42 million for 2012

And distributes SAR 60 million as Cash Dividends to shareholders for 2012

January 20, 2013

Red Sea Housing Services has announced its interim financial results for the period ending September 30, 2012, marking an increase of 201% in the company’s Net Income for the fourth quarter of 2012, reaching SAR 32.87 million compared to SAR 10.89 million in the corresponding period of 2011. According to company officials, the major rise in Net Income compared to 2011 is mainly attributed to the strong increase in Revenues, which were up by 5.42%, and the huge 183.91% growth in Gross Profit, and 205.99% in Operating Profit, which was a result of the noticeable increase in rental revenues and reduction of installation cost in camps.

During the twelve months of 2012, Red Sea Housing Services recorded a Net Income of SAR 120.42 million, which is the highest in the past 3 years, reflecting a growth rate of 54.60 % from SAR 77.89 million during the same period in 2011 due to the significant increase in Revenues reaching to SAR 864.84, which is the 2nd highest Revenue achieved in the company’s history. Earnings per Share for the twelve-month period reached SAR 3.01 compared to SAR 1.94 for the corresponding period in 2011. Another highlight in the report is the 57.23 % increase in Operating Income for the twelve months of 2012, growing from SAR 85.31 million during the same period in 2011 to SAR 134.14 million. While it recorded an increase of 205.99% in Operating Profit to SAR 37.27 million during the fourth quarter of 2012 compared to SAR 12.18 million same period of 2011, These strong results have positively contributed to the company’s Gross Profit, which grew by 49.38 % during last year of 2012 to hit SAR 221.37 million over SAR 148.19 million during the same period in 2011. Gross Profit of the fourth quarter of 2012 reached SAR 61.41 million compared to SAR 21.63 million in 2011, an increase of 183.91%. Accordingly, the Board of Directors of Red Sea Housing Services Company recommended the distribution of SAR 60 million as cash dividends for 2012, or SAR 1.5 per share, which represents 15 % of the company’s share capital.

"The decision of distributing dividends comes in line with the efforts of the Board of Directors in order to enhance shareholder returns.  This decision was originated subsequent to the strong financial results of Year 2012, which will be implemented immediately after completing and the necessary procedures and acquiring approvals from relevant official bodies. Dividends distribution will be given to registered shareholders during the upcoming general assembly, which will be announced in due course,”  said Mohammed Othman Mallawi, Investor Relations Manager, Red Sea Housing Services.

“The Year 2012 has seen remarkable financial results, which reflect our commitment to the growth strategy of Red Sea Housing Services to reinforce our presence across local markets and access new promising markets, which will enable us to help satisfy the housing needs of the country by leveraging the huge growth potential and strong investment prospects. We will remain steadfast in our efforts to expand our activities across local, regional and international housing markets. We are expecting to witness a qualitative leap and a recognised advantage of the various industrial projects that will commence during the current year, especially in the western region due to the government support for all industries especially the oil sector, the mining and industrial sectors as well.” concluded Mallawi.

Cerner to demonstrate advanced capabilities of

cutting-edge health IT solutions at Arab Health 2013

Aggressive investments drive health care expenditure to $80 billion annually in Middle East

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — January 20, 2013 - Cerner (Nasdaq: CERN) will demonstrate the key features of its latest IT health care solutions during its participation at Arab Health 2013, the 38th edition of the world’s longest-running health care exhibition and congress.  Arab Health will run from January 28-31, 2013, at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Cerner’s exclusive presentation at Arab Health 2013 complements the company’s expansion plans in the Middle East health care industry, which has been estimated to generate up to $80 billion in revenue each year.

Cutting-edge health care IT solutions that will be showcased by Cerner at Arab Health 2013 include:

• PowerChart Touch™, a mobile solution that enables physicians to perform workflows from mobile devices;
• Departmental solutions; including Registration, Scheduling, Laboratory, Pharmacy and Radiology;
• Electronic Health Record (EHR) software;
• Workforce management solutions, which enable clients to align their people and resources with their strategic plans;
• Women’s Health solutions that provide a complete maternity EHR;
• Oncology solutions, which improve information sharing across the care team by providing access to an EHR in both the ambulatory and acute care settings;
• Critical care device connectivity solutions, which help reduce manual processes associated with data entry and device management; and
• Emergency medicine solutions, which help emergency departments provide safe care efficiently.

“Health care has always been a key priority in the Middle East as expenditure in new health care facilities and technologies across the region has already been projected to grow at a fast pace. It is imperative to highlight the value and long-term benefits of advanced health care solutions and services, considering the critical importance of premium quality health care in the sustainable growth and development of every society,” said Greg White, Vice President and Managing Director, Cerner Middle East and Africa. “Arab Health is one of the most significant events in the region that stimulates in-depth and thorough discussions of the challenges and opportunities in the region’s health care sector.”

White added: “We are taking advantage of this opportunity to demonstrate Cerner’s commitment to provide state-of-the-art solutions and help generate optimum value from the health care investments of our clients around the world, particularly in the Arab region.”

The four-day Arab Health Congress attracts more than 81,000 health care professionals along with more than 3,500 exhibiting companies from around the world.

QNB Financial Results For The Year Ended December 31, 2012

QNB Group's Key Financial Indicators

• Net Profit reached QR8.3 billion, up by 11.1% from 2011

• Total Assets stood at QR367 billion, up by 21.5% from 2011

• Total Loans and Advances up by 28.9% to QR250 billion

• Total Customer Deposits up by 34.9% to QR270 billion

• Earnings Per Share reached QR11.9, compared to QR11.3 in 2011

• Total Shareholders' Equity increased to QR48.0 billion, up by 12.6% from 2011.

Proposed Dividends

Cash Dividends of 60% of the nominal value of the share

QNB Group, the leading financial institution in the Middle East and North Africa, announced that the Board of Directors, during its meeting on Sunday January 13, 2013, has approved the financial results for the year ended December 31, 2012.

The Group continued to record robust growth in profitability, with Net Profit for 2012 exceeding QR8.3 billion, up by 11.1% compared to 2011. These results, the highest ever achieved by the Group, demonstrated once again its resilience and revenue-generating capacity, as well as outstanding success in expanding the Group’s core business activities.

Based on the strong financial results for 2012 and consistent with QNB Group’s aim of maximizing returns to shareholders, the Board of Directors is recommending to the General Assembly the distribution of a cash dividend of 60% of the nominal share value (QR6.0 per share). The financial results for 2012 along with the profit distribution are subject to Qatar Central Bank (QCB) approval.

Key indicators of the 2012 financial results

• Robust balance sheet growth 

Total assets increased by 21.5% to reach QR367 billion, the highest ever achieved by the Bank. This was the result of a strong growth rate of 28.9% in loans and advances to reach QR250 billion. Meanwhile, customer deposits recorded a solid growth of 34.9% to QR270 billion, resulting in improved liquidity with the loans to deposits ratio reaching 92.6% at year-end 2012. During 2012, the Bank continued to focus on diversifying it sources of liquidity and extending the maturity profile of its funding.

• Outstanding assets quality

The Bank was able to maintain the ratio of non-performing loans to total loans at 1.3%, a level considered one of the lowest amongst banks in the Middle East and Africa, mirroring the quality of the Group’s loan book and due to the effective management of credit risk. The Group’s conservative policy in regard to provisioning continued with the coverage ratio reaching 115% in 2012.

• Increased revenues with improved efficiency

Total operating income including share of results of associates increased to QR11.5 billion, up by 12.8% compared to 2011, as QNB Group succeeded in achieving strong growth across the range of revenue sources. Net interest income increased by 17.3% to reach QR9.1 billion, driven by the impressive 21.5% growth in the balance sheet and the Group’s success in maintaining a strong net interest margin (NIM).

QNB Group continued to diversify its income sources, with net fees and commissions and net gain from foreign exchange reaching QR1,305 million and QR598 million respectively. 

The Group’s prudent cost control policy and strong revenue generating capability allowed it to maintain its efficiency ratio (cost to income ratio) at 16.8%, which is considered one of the best ratios among financial institutions in the region.

• Robust capitalisation

Total Equity increased by 12.6% to reach QR48.0 billion as at 31 December 2012. The capital adequacy ratio reached 21.0% at year-end 2012, far higher than the regulatory requirements of QCB and the Basil Committee. The Bank is keen to maintain a strong capitalisation in order to support future strategic plans.

QNB Group was able to record a strong return to shareholders, with the return on average shareholder’s equity reaching 20.5% in 2012, while earnings per share increased to QR11.9, compared with QR11.3 in 2011. 

• High credit ratings

QNB Group's leading role in the banking sector and the high quality of its assets, along with its capabilities to achieve sustained growth in all activities, were demonstrated clearly in its credit rating that was affirmed during 2012 by Capital Intelligence, Fitch, Moody’s and Standard & Poor's. QNB Group maintains one of the highest ratings in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region. The Group’s ratings were affirmed post the announcement to acquire National Société Générale Bank (NSGB), a reflection of the confidence in its strategy and the management of its expansion plans.

The Group’s high credit ratings and outstanding asset quality allowed it to be recognized as one the world’s 50 safest financial institutions by Global Finance.

• Significant expansion of international presence

During 2012, QNB Group completed a number of transactions to further solidify its presence in the MENA Region. The most significant transaction was the agreement with Société Générale to acquire its full stake of 77.17% in NSGB, the second largest private bank in Egypt. 

The Bank has also concluded the acquisition of a 49% stake in the Bank of Commerce and Development in Libya, the country’s leading private sector bank. The Group’s stake in a number of institutions was also increased. This included increasing ownership in the UAE-based Commercial Bank International (CBI) from 24% to 40% and the Iraq-based Mansour Bank from 23% to 51%.

With operations in 24 countries across Asia, Europe and Africa, the Group is in a strong position to reach its 2017 vision to become a Middle East and Africa Icon.

• Successful diversification of funding sources 

During 2012, two issuances under the Bank’s Euro Medium Term Note Programme (EMTN Programme) were successfully launched each at US$1.0 billion, with very attractive rates. As part of ongoing efforts to diversify the investor base, the London Certificates of Deposit (CD) programme was effectively launched during the year. The Bank has successfully closed a US$1.8 billion three year term loan facility at competitive rates.

• Innovative products and services 

During 2012, several new products and services were introduced that were positively received by customers. Among the enhanced mobile banking options launched was the award-winning Tap & Pay payments program, which enables clients to turn their mobile phones into credit cards.  

Also, in line with the expanding the range of investment offerings, the Bank launched the QNB Debt Fund and the Brazil, Russia, India, China, and Qatar (BRICQ) Fund, allowing access to emerging markets.

• Staff development remains a key priority

The Bank continues to place high emphasis on recruiting Qatari nationals and provide them with dedicated training programs to further enhance their capabilities. During the year, over 250 Qatari staff were recruited resulting in the Bank having a Qatarisation ratio that exceeds 50%, the highest among financial institutions in Qatar.

Currently, nearly 8,800 staff are employed by QNB Group, its subsidiaries and associate companies having a branch network comprising almost 400 branches and offices, with an ATM network that exceeds 800 machines. Upon the completion of the regulatory approvals to acquire NSGB, the number of staff will increase to almost 13,000 with the branch network at more than 560 supported by 1,150 ATM machines.

Inspirational running duo Henry Wanyoike and Joseph Kibunja back at the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon 2013

Record-breaking runners impressed with UAE running community’s enthusiastic response to ‘Seeing is Believing’ initiative

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 13 January 2013 – Standard Chartered announced today the return of the legendary road race duo Henry Wanyoike and Joseph Kibunja, who will be running in the 10km event at the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon 2013 taking place on Friday 25th January. Visually impaired Henry, the world record holder of the 5,000m and 10,000m events at the Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 Paralympics, and his long-time running partner and childhood friend Joseph are taking part as Goodwill Ambassadors for ‘Seeing is Believing’ (SiB), Standard Chartered Bank’s global programme to raise USD 100 million to eliminate avoidable blindness by 2020.

Henry runs in races while being connected by a tether on the wrist to Joseph, who guides him, without breaking stride, through the obstacles, turns or when to accelerate along the route.

Commenting on the return of the widely admired running duo, Jonathan Morris, CEO, Standard Chartered UAE, said:

“Henry and Joseph served as a great inspiration to a multitude of participants at last year’s Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon and we hope to build on this intimate connection to draw greater awareness about the Bank’s ‘Seeing is Believing’ initiative. Their presence adds a new dimension to the marathon, inspiring participants to run for a noble reason and purpose. Following the excellent response they received during their community engagement activities last year, I am sure that their fans and the rest of the UAE community are looking forward to meeting them again this year.”

As ‘Seeing is Believing’ ambassadors, the duo will be visiting schools across Dubai to create awareness about the programme and inspire other people with their experiences. Henry and Joseph will also conduct running clinics for students who will be taking part at the Dubai Marathon. They will also be visiting the Rashid Paediatric Therapy Centre to inspire children with special needs.

Henry Wanyoike said: “The Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon has always been a special event for us because of the enthusiasm of the local running community to be part of our advocacy. We are therefore very excited to be back in Dubai to share our stories and experiences with the growing number of supporters of the ‘Seeing is Believing’ programme and to ultimately enjoy the fellowship with other running enthusiasts from the UAE and all over the world.”

Standard Chartered is putting up a ‘Seeing is Believing’ tent at the Marathon Village to create awareness about the initiative and raise funds. The booth will be manned by Standard Chartered employees who will provide visitors with information about the programme and sell SiB merchandise. In 2012, over USD 250,000 was raised in the UAE through various initiatives organised by the ‘Seeing is Believing’ committee.

Standard Chartered has been the title sponsor for the Dubai marathon since 2005. The Bank is the title sponsor of nine marathons across four continents. The marathons characterise the five values of the Bank: Courageous, Responsive, International, Creative, Trustworthy; and further positions Standard Chartered in the market as being ‘Here for good’.

Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon has been recognised as among the top five marathons organised globally and the 2012 edition was certified by the IAAF as the Best Marathon in Asia, with nearly 19,000 runners from 90 countries participating. This year the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon expects another record number of participants taking part in the three categories of the event, the 42.195km full marathon, 10km Road Race, 3km Fun Run and Leaders Cup.

Al Ramz ends growth year marked by new licenses, strategic alliances

New Islamic Margin Trading Service, authority to provide brokerage services outside UAE among major achievements

January 6, 2013

Al Ramz Securities, one of UAE’s leading brokerage houses, enjoyed another banner year in 2012 punctuated by new services, major recognitions and key partnerships.

Achievements & recognitions

Al Ramz kicked off the year with the Emirates Securities and Commodities Authority (ESCA)’s January approval of its application to provide brokerage services outside UAE. During the second half of the year, Al Ramz events and achievements accelerated where in July Al Ramz was the recipient of NASDAQ Dubai’s inaugural Retail Broker of the Month Award for handling 75 per cent of the exchange’s members and again in August for acquiring 57%.  In September Al Ramz obtained the Margin Trading license and was among the first few companies that were granted this license. In November Al Ramz marked another major milestone by introducing the UAE’s first-ever Islamic Margin Trading Service.  the continuous growth and newly introduced services has contributed extensively to the company performance resulting  in topping trade in the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) for the year 2012 and retaining the top ranking slots in Abu Dhabi.

Several commendations were given to Al Ramz for its exemplary work in the securities field as well over the past months. ESCA honoured the company for being among the industry pioneers that deployed, implemented and tested the eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) system for the UAE’s securities sector. In addition, the company was honored by DFM as an outstanding contributor to the latter’s Summer Training Program.

Partnerships & Deals

The year 2012 saw Al Ramz maintain its thrust towards key partnerships and deals. In May, it signed an agreement with Al Jazira Capital in Saudi Arabia to provide Al Ramz clients with access to ‘Tadawul’ – the Saudi Stock Exchange – as part of strategic expansion initiatives into the regional markets. To broaden its securities coverage and expertise to meet evolving client and market needs, Al Ramz also forged a Research and Market Analysis alliance with Gulfmena Investments Ltd., a specialist asset management company operating in the Dubai International Financial Centre regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority. Another strategic partnership was a deal with Dlala Brokerage and Investment Holding Company, the first non-banking financial institution in Qatar to be listed on the Qatar Exchange, to facilitate the execution of the transactions of Al Ramz clients in the local market.

Market outlook

One of the primary strengths of Al Ramz as an industry leader is its ability to produce comprehensive market reviews that provide valuable guidance to market players. In February its special report on the Dubai Financial Market General Index was a precursor to later assessments that there was indeed a rally breaking a two-year market downturn in Dubai, although the results emphasized continued vigilance.

Two sector reports were covered, Banking and Telecom, from which our top picks were among the best performers in 2012. Furthermore, and in an endeavour to accommodate different client needs and investment objectives, we focused on preparing thematic reports that focused on distinguishing between income-generating stocks and value stocks. In that respect, we proudly confirm that many of those selected picks have come to limelight and their values are being gradually unfolded.   Established in 1998, Al Ramz Securities is a top-performing member of the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and Nasdaq Dubai. Al Ramz provides retail and institutional services via branches in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Al Ain.

"الماسة كابيتال" تبرز أهمية منطقة الشرق الأوسط في عمليات التمويل التجاري في تقريرها الصادر لعام 2012

التقرير يشير إلى أهمية القطاع المصرفيالعالمي وعلى رأسه البنك العربي كأحد أعمدة التمويل التجاري في العالم وفي المنطقة العربية

القاهرة– مصر، 02-01-2013

اعتمدت شركة "الماسة كبيتال" – الشركة الاستشارية المتخصصة في إدارة الاستثمارات الضخمة - على تقارير منظمة التجارة العالمية؛ لإجراء دراسة مستفيضة عن التوظيف الأمثل لإمكانات قطاع التمويل التجاري على الصعيدين الإقليمي الاقتصادي في العالم بشكل عام، وفي منطقة الشرق الأوسط وإفريقيا بشكل خاص.

ويعتمد التمويل التجاري بشكل رئيسي على أربعة جوانب رئيسة تشمل: تسهيلات الدفع، التمويل، الحدّ من المخاطر وتوفير المعلومات المتعلقة بالحالة العامة للمدفوعات أو عمليات الشحن، لذا تشير الدراسة إلى أن قطاع التمويل التجاري يوفّر العديد من الفرص الاستثمارية المجزية والمتنامية، حيث أشارت شركة الاستشارات العالمية "أوليفر وايمان" إلى أن قيمة أسواق التمويل التجاري العالمية ستصل إلى (38) مليار دولار أمريكي - من حيث الإيرادات- وذلك بحلول عام 2015.

وقد أظهرت الدراسة بالاستناد إلى ما ورد في مجلة "جلوبال فاينانس" تصنيفاً مميّزاً للبنك العربي كأحد أعمدة التمويل التجاري في العالم بشكل عام ومنطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال إفريقيا بشكل خاص، حيث صُنف البنك العربي وفقاً للمجلة كأحد أهم المصارف العالمية التي تمنح التمويل التجاري لعام 2012 إلى جانب كل من "سيتي بنك" في الأمريكيتين، "بي إن بي باربيا" في أوروبا، "يونيكريديت" في أوروبا الوسطى والشرقية، "إس إي بي" في إسكندنافيا، "إتش إ سبي سي" في آسيا، و"ستاندرد بنك" في افريقيا

وحول مساهمة القطاع المصرفي في تنشيط قطاع التمويل التجاري، تحدّث السيد "شايليش داش" - المؤسس والرئيس التنفيذي للشركة قائلاً:" "إنّ الانتعاش الكبير الحاصل في قطاع التمويل التجاري يعزى إلى الاهتمام الكبير به من قبل المؤسسات المالية المختلفة، الأمر الذي يعدّ أساساً قوياً ترتكز عليه الأسواق المختلفة في مواجهات التحدّيات العديدة التي تعترض طريقها، حيث تسعى تلك الأسواق إلى تعزيز مكانتها المالية عبر القروض التي تتلقاها من القطاع المصرفي؛ لأجل تحقيق التقدّم الذي تطمح به، لذا يمكننا اعتبار القطاع المصرفي أحد أهم وأبرز المحرّكات الرئيسة لتحريك التمويل التجاري عالمياً وإقليمياً بنسبة (90%) وفق النتيجة التي خلُصت إليها الدراسة". 

ومن المتوقع أن يحقق القطاع التجاري في منطقة الشرق الأوسط وإفريقيا حسب إحصائيات بنك "إتش إس بي سي" المصرفية نمواً نسبته (131%) وذلك في الفترة ما بين (2012 – 2026) ، متجاوزاً بذلك معدّل نمو التجارة العالمية التي من المتوقع ارتفاعها بنسبة (86%) خلال الفترة ذاتها، ومن المتوقع أن يبرز كلّ من: عُمان، ليبيا وقطر إلى الواجهة كشركاء تجاريين رئيسيين في المنطقة، فيما ستكون مالطا، بولندا والبرازيل شركاء أساسيين في الأسواق الدولية، وذلك يعزى إلى ازدهار قطاع المنتجات الهيدروكربونية، فضلاً عن مبادرات بلدان المنطقة لتنويع اقتصاداتها بمعزل عن تلك المواد، وهو اتجاه قد يسهم بدفع عجلة النمو في عدة قطاعات بما فيها البضائع مثل: الحديد الخام، الرصاص، الأرز والقمح - التي تحوّل المنطقة بشكل متزايد إلى محور تجاري عالمي - والبنى التحتية مثل: المنتجات الفولاذية والحديدية اللازمة في العمران، الأسمدة؛ إضافة إلى المنتجات الإلكترونية مثل الدارات المتكاملة.

ومن ناحية أخرى، يمكن أن يحدّ تطبيق القواعد التنظيمية الصارمة لاتفاقية "بازل 3" من قدرات التمويل التجاري؛ بالرغم أن بنوك الخليج والشرق الأوسط وشمال إفريقيا - المعروفة عموماً بأنها محافظة وممولة بشكل جيد - تتمتع بمكانة أفضل من البنوك الدولية للانتقال إلى البيئة التنظيمية الجديدة في الوقت المناسب؛ لأنّ القواعد الجديدة تتطلب من البنوك المحافظة على مستويات أعلى من احتياطي رأس المال عند إبرام الصفقات المالية التجارية.

ويذكر أن مؤشر الثقة التجاري الصادر عن بنك "إتش إس بي سي" - وهو استطلاع نصف سنوي يشمل عدداً من المصدرين والموردين في (20) دولة –توقف عند المستوى (113) في شهر يونيو 2012، وذلك يشير إلى وجهة نظر إيجابية؛ حيث أشار نحو (71%) من المشاركين في الاستطلاع إلى اعتقادهم بأنّ التجارة تتوجه إمّا نحو الاستقرار، أو النموّ خلال الأشهر الستة المقبلة.