Emirates NBD, a leading financial institution in the region, on February 18, 2020 announced that it has been named the Best SME Bank of the Year - 2019 at the prestigious International Finance Magazine (IFM) Awards, in recognition of its pioneering efforts providing value-added products and innovative digital services to further the boom of young businesses in the UAE.

Commenting on the win, Hussam Al Hashimi, Head Business Banking and Priority Banking Emirates NBD, said: As a leading local bank, Emirates NBD is dedicated to championing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that form the backbone of the UAE economy. Our clients are our massive success story with one in five UAE SMEs now banking with Emirates NBD, demonstrating the success of our value proposition strategy Exploring Opportunities, which continues to empower companies in leveraging opportunities for expansion and growth regardless of what stage of the business lifecycle they are in. This award is acknowledgement of the influence of our dedication to service backed by our huge network and comprehensive suite of products and services, powered by digital innovation, to make customers lives simpler.

Emirates NBD has created numerous initiatives as part of its dedication to further boom in the UAE SME sector. The financial institution convenes Multaqa that helps SME owners and entrepreneurs hear from industry professionals and network, in addition to hosting Trade Days to inform and train customers of its business banking tools.

Further, as the Official Banking Partner for Expo 2020 Dubai, Emirates NBD currently declared a customised business banking package for UAE-based SMEs and startups that aspects preferential pricing and privileges on transactions, working capital, trade finance, FX and commercial loans, cementing the banks dedication to aid the future boom and improvement of companies registered to do business with Expo 2020 Dubai.

The recognition from the International Finance Magazine follows a series of accolades received by Emirates NBD in recent months. The bank has been ranked among the top 20 in the Forbes third annual list of the Worlds Best Regarded Companies. It was also awarded Best Digital Bank in the Middle East, Best Bank in the UAE and Best Investment Bank in the UAE by Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2019. In addition, Emirates NBD was currently named the UAEs most valuable banking brand, with a value of USD 4.13 billion, in The Bankers annual brand valuation league table.