Further strengthening its preeminent position in the asset management and investment banking industry, Kuwait Financial Center Markaz introduced three coveted honors to its developing trophy cabinet in 2019. The companys top notch performance and dedication to excellence were acknowledged by Global Finance magazine as well as at Global Investor MENA Awards 2019 and MENA Fund Manager Awards.

Commenting on the indigenous recognitions, Mr. Manaf A. Alhajeri, Markaz Chief Executive Officer, said: It brings us great pride at Markaz to have our efforts recognized with more than 50 prestigious awards over the years, which we think about a testament to the belief and self assurance we proceed to reap from investment and finance professionals in the region. These awards additionally replicate Markazs leading role in the asset management and banking industry, and reaffirms our clear perception of our clients wishes and how to tackle them successfully and efficiently. We absolutely agree with our success is owed to research-based investment policy we have adopted, which takes into account elements such as local, regional and international market modifications and trends, prior to making any investment decision. That, coupled with our dedication to achieving the high-quality outcomes for our customers will proceed to fuel us moving forward.

Setting a new record, Markaz was named the Best Investment Bank in Kuwait for the eighth time in 9 years by the annual survey of Global Finance magazine on the Worlds Best Investment Banks. The prestigious rating is considered as a trusted standard of excellence for the international financial community. An esteemed judging panel comprising the magazines editors and industry specialists considered a sequence of criteria, which includes market share, number and size of deals, advisory and financial service, structuring capabilities, distribution network, efforts to tackle market conditions, innovation, pricing, after-market performance of underwriting and market reputation, for the rating of the top performers among banks and different providers of monetary services.

Commenting on the ranking, Mr. Ali H. Khalil, Chief Operating Officer, Markaz, said: Setting new industry benchmarks in service excellence and turning in greatest performance, Markaz has firmly mounted its leadership role in Kuwaits investment banking area and yet another approval from Global Finance similarly strengthened our reputation, domestically and globally. We have continued to deliver regular boom in 2019 in spite of challenging international market conditions and this fulfillment underlines our strength and resilience underpinned by our strong market presence, massive client base, and robust investment product offering. On the back of an optimistic economic outlook for the region in 2020, we are looking ahead to another year of boom and success.

At the Global Investor MENA Awards 2019 ceremony held in November in Dubai, Markaz took home the Kuwait Asset Manager of the Year category. The distinctly expected awards rejoice remarkable achievements of organizations specializing in asset management, custody, fund administration and wealth management throughout the region.

In addition, Markaz Fund for Investment and Development "MIDAF" was identified with "Best Equity Fund in Kuwait for the year 2019" at the "MENA Fund Manager" Awards held in January in Dubai. These prestigious awards celebrate fund and asset management institutions in the MENA region that have outperformed their peers over the previous year.

Speaking on the award, Ms. Amani I. Al-Omani, Executive Vice President, MENA Equities, Markaz, stated: At Markaz, we have constantly remained eager on handing over aggressive returns for investors via combining our prudent investment policies, unmatched industry expertise, and various products and services. The Kuwait Asset Manager of the Year award at the Global Investor MENA Awards acknowledges Markazs multiple asset classes, the steady performance of its investment products, and the stability between prudent threat management and attaining the great feasible returns for our customers.

Al-Omani added: Building on the stellar industry recognition and client believe Markaz has built over more than four decades, our MIDAF product has placed itself as one of the most captivating equity solutions in the region. A crew of skilled experts determined to maximize value for our clients is the driving force at the back of the success of the Fund. We stay dedicated to proceed offering progressive investment solutions that will meet and exceed the expectation of our customers.

Markaz has a lengthy record of gathering industry awards and recognition. The company received the Most Innovative Financial Institution in Middle East, Best Local Investment Bank in Kuwait and Best Asset Manager categories at EMEA Finances Middle East Banking Awards 2018.