2021 , Exciting Year and a launchpad for a new phase of our lives

As we approach the end of another year, Let’s remind ourselves of what happened ?

As we approach the end of 2021, we still face the usual questions about Boubyan Bank; what have we achieved? Where are we headed in the future? And do we still have the potential to make further achievements?

To answer the first question, we need to highlight what we have offered to our customers and our society; this will be covered in today’s message. However, answering the other two questions depends on our plans and strategies which will focus on more investments in digital services while expanding outside Kuwait and seizing available opportunities.

** 2021... Yet Another Remarkable Year for Boubyan Bank

Thanks to Almighty Allah, 2021 has marked various achievements despite the uncertainty caused by the outbreak of Covid-19 and shifting between lockdowns and reopening, then temporary lockdowns followed by reopening in line with the mass vaccination campaigns in Kuwait which led to the herd immunity we wanted to reach.?

This year, we received many international awards, the most prominent of which was the World’s Best Islamic Bank in Kuwait from Global Finance, which named our bank the Best Islamic Digital in Kuwait and the Best Islamic Digital Bank in the Middle East as well.

Moreover, in Boubyan Bank we are very proud that Mr. Adel Abdul Wahab Al-Majed, Vice-Chairman & Group Chief Executive Officer of Boubyan Bank, received the “Outstanding Contribution to Islamic Finance” award in recognition of his efforts in this vital economic sector over the past years, especially since taking up the leadership of Boubyan Bank back in 2009.

As mentioned by Mr. Al-Majed, this was not merely a personal award as much as it was a recognition for the team he worked with and Boubyan Bank’s human resources who are the main driver behind all the successes and achievements.

In his word during the ceremony held by the institution to recognize Al-Majed with this award, Mr. Joseph Giarraputo, President of Global Finance stated: “Al-Majed moved to Boubyan Bank, one of the Islamic banks during the period where Islamic financial services witnessed accelerating growth and tough competition in the region. He took the helm at the bank which was suffering many problems and facing many challenges back in 2009, thus presenting him and his team with a very tough challenge, namely, the need for quick restructure and the necessity to keep the bank united and strong.”

** NOMO BANK?

Last July, we announced the launch of our new brand, NOMO BANK, by the Bank of London and the Middle East, a subsidiary of Boubyan Bank. The bank was fully operational back in October as the world’s first Islamic digital bank from London which can offer its services to Boubyan Bank’s customers and non-customers.

The new Nomo’s digital-first banking experience lets users apply for a UK-based bank account in minutes using their smart phones, thereby giving them the chance to enjoy unique banking experience in Kuwait and worldwide.

Anyone may wonder why he would ever open an account with a bank outside Kuwait.

Simply put, the answer can be summarized in the following benefits: -

-??????Open an account in minutes using your smart phone, and manage it around the clock, anytime and anywhere.

-??????Free cash withdrawal fees in U.K. (nominal ATM withdrawal fees may apply).

-??????GBP (￡) and USD ($) current accounts.

-??????A GBP Mastercard debit card.

-??????Free bank transfers in UK in addition to competitive rates for international transfers.

-??????Fixed-term deposits in GBP and USD.

-??????Supporting both Arabic and English.

-??????No fees during the first 3 months following the opening of the account.

-??????Apple Pay services to be introduced soon.

** Some more New Branches

In 2021, Boubyan Bank inaugurated a unique branch in Kuwait; the new 360 Mall branch is considered the first of its kind in Kuwait and follows the schedule of shopping malls and centers in terms of opening and closing times (extending to 12 hours per day throughout the week without any breaks), thus offering an exceptional new banking experience to the Kuwaiti market and its customers.

In November, we launched our branch in The Assima Mall to be closer to our customers and to add another branch to our network of branches in shopping malls which have turned into a modern model for branches of banks.

Branch banking is normally changing in Kuwait and the world as it steers beyond conventional business and moves towards areas that are primarily based on customers’ demands and needs.

The inauguration of the new branch is aligned with Boubyan Bank’s strategy to invest in digital channels side by side with geographic presence and expansion so that the bank may be closer as it transacts closely with customers since the technological and digital development may not substitute for offering directing services to customers through all types of our branches.

** Return to Normal Life

Following the announcement of returning to normal life by the health authorities in September, while maintaining necessary precautions to protect the public health, Boubyan announced the organization of the biggest Padel tournament, which is gaining grounds around the world and in Kuwait, and then the bank organized the first walking marathon.

Social media platforms were busy with comments on those two events, and comments highlighted that such activities were a proof that life was back to normal and that made Boubyan Bank synonymous with normalcy; this is the goal we seek from organizing various events.

The past few month, namely, September and October, witnessed an unusual activity at Boubyan Bank which coincided with the approach towards normal life following total or partial lockdowns that continued for over 20 months and had their impacts on various economic sectors.

** Our Human Resources

Human Resources are the key to every success in Boubyan, and that’s why we launched Fikra Competition, allowing creative employees to unleash their innovations as a team and to present ideas that could make a success story.

Moreover, last August we inked a strategic partnership agreement with Duke University from the U.S.A to launch a training program aiming to prepare leaders internally at Boubyan Bank and to reinforce their leadership skills in order to keep up with the ongoing developments and challenges which highlight the importance of digital services.?