Ahli Bank Q.S.C. (Ahlibank) is a Qatari-owned financial institution that serves individual consumers, small businesses and corporate customers with a range of Corporate Banking, Retail & Private Banking, International Banking, Treasury & Investments and Brokerage Services. Ahlibank aims to deliver unmatched convenience and personal, simple banking experiences that highlight its tagline, “With You”.

Founded in 1983, Ahlibank has grown its client base rapidly, and boasts an integrated network of 14 branches and 75 ATMS in Qatar. Global Banking & Finance Review interviewed Derek Kwok, Head of Treasury & Investments at Ahlibank. spoke to us about the banks’ success over the last three decades.

1. How has Ahlibank stayed true to traditional values and qualities over 35 years?
   Ahlibank is a 100% Qatari owned bank and takes great pride in Qatar and remains committed to its vision – to be at the heart of the community.

   Qatari heritage has always been the source of guidance to the Bank. With strong symbols of Qatar at the centre of the brand evolution, Ahlibank has grown and changed to become the local, modern and secure Bank it’s known to be today.Always adopting a customer-centric approach Ahlibank offers modern, safe and secure banking with a full range of products and services to individual and corporate customers.

   

   Ahlibank’s re-designed branches improving the customer experience and ongoing commitment to being an accessible bank at the heart of Qatar’s community

2. How is Ahlibank keeping itself at the heart of the Qatar community?
   For over 35 Years Ahlibank has been at the heart of the community – supporting the vision of the country’s leaders, fostering economic growth and upholding commitments to customers.

   Being an integral component of the Qatari society, the Bank is cognisant of its corporate social responsibility towards the Qatari community.The Bank has been active in contributing towards wellbeing and welfare of the community in general, preserving natural resources and the environment.

   Ahlibank will remain focused on CSR and continue to support initiatives and ensure that the Bank’s role in community development will become more crucial.

   

   Ahlibank’s modern technology including interactive touch screens designed to enhance the customer experience

3. What are the top priorities for the Treasury & Investments Department going forward?
   Cash flow management and the diversification of the Bank’s liquidity strategy remain a major focus for the department, with a goal to deliver outstanding service to our clients & stakeholders.

   The success of the Treasury and Investments Department in delivering upon its mandate will help the Bank continue to produce strong financial results, while creating new opportunities aimed at achieving our long-term aspirations.

   

   Derek Kwok, Head of Treasury & Investments at Ahlibank

4. How has Ahlibank differentiated its Treasury services from its peers?
   The department’s progressive and collaborative business strategy has created numerous quantitative and qualitative achievements, with Corporate, Retail & Private Banking leveraging these to broaden their active customer base through our continued efforts to expand the products and solutions available, thereby creating bespoke instruments to match our client’s needs.

   The Treasury and Investments Department remains focused on achieving these goals, and will continue to collaborate with all internal business units to deliver an expanded product offering to our clients and increased financial performance for our shareholders. 

5. How is Ahlibank embracing change?
   While it is important to hold true to traditional values, the Bank also embraces change in its many forms. By adapting to change,the Bank has grown its client base and taken the business forward. Ahlibank is on a journey to deliver modern banking at the heart of Qatar’s community by investing in technology and streamlining products range and processes to enrich the Omni-Channel experience. All to bring tomorrow’s banking to Qatar today.

6. How does Ahlibank give customers a memorable level of personal service & attention and keep things simple and straightforward?
   Ahlibank remains focused on omni-channel approach and customer-centric strategy, listening to customers and developing services and products to meet their needs. The Bank’s promise is to provide customers the most personal banking experience, using new technology and new ways to improve the customer experience with quicker, simpler and more convenient secure digital services. The Bank will continue to invest in modern banking solutions that provide simple and convenient services to our customers.

7. What new technology has Ahlibank introduced to the Qatar market?
   Investment in new and innovative technology remains an important pillar ofthe Bank’s strategy, with Ahlibank at the forefront of NFC adoption across its ATM network. Pioneering this customer-centric technology allowed Ahlibank to be the first in the market to provide contactless cards and ATMs.

   The Bank’s branches are equipped with modern technology including interactive touch screens and tablets designed to enhance the customer experience.
   Commitment to the digital space will continue by enhancing the Mobile and Internet Banking platforms, as well as adopting a cautious approach and safeguarding of customer information and transactions data, through strong cyber security and corporate governance.

8. How is Ahlibank supporting the Qatar National Vision 2030 in terms of sustainability?
   Ahlibank supports initiatives that will enhance and strengthen the development of the Qatari community. As Qatar moves forward in meeting the ambitious aims of the Qatar National Vision 2030, the Bank’s role in community development will become more crucial. The Bank has been active in contributing towards the well being and the welfare of the community in general, preserving natural resources and the environment and is aiming to be more present at the heart of Qatar’s community and its people.