Emirates NBD, a leading bank in the region, today announced that it has been named The Banker’s ‘Bank of the Year – UAE 2016’. The awards, considered among the most prestigious by the global banking community, recognise Emirates NBD’s strong financials and pioneering approach to the digitalisation of banking.

In awarding the top UAE title to Emirates NBD, The Banker said, "Emirates NBD’s commitment to customer service excellence, efficiency, geographic expansion and digital innovation all ensured that it scooped this year’s country award for the UAE. The bank’s return on equity stood at a healthy 21.5 percent in 2015 while its cost-to-income ratio was an enviable 31 percent. These strong results were underscored by Emirates NBD’s commitment to product and service innovation for new and existing customers."

Commenting on the win, Hesham Al Qassim, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Emirates NBD, said, "To be named ‘Bank of the Year’ for the second year in a row by a prestigious institution such as The Banker is indeed an honour. Emirates NBD has maintained healthy and positive financial results in the face of challenging economic conditions, with steady growth in market share. In terms of digital innovation, we have completely transformed in the past year to become a multichannel, integrated financial services institution that provides our customers with a superior, hassle-free and new age customer experience."