Barclays was named Best Private Bank for high net worth clients in the State of Qatar for 2015 at the EMEA Finance Middle East Banking awards, confirming the bank’s leading position in the wealth and investment management industry across the Middle East region in general and in the State of Qatar specifically.

The awards, which are organised by one of the leading international banking and finance publications, acknowledged Barclays’ initiatives and level of service provided to private banking clients in the State of Qatar, as well as the full range of bespoke investments, credit and wealth advisory products provided by the bank. In addition, the award recognised Barclays’ ‘Integrated Banking Model’, which allows clients of the Wealth and Investment Management division in the Middle East to access Barclays’ regional and global capabilities available through the Investment Bank and the Corporate Bank.

Ihab Al-Derzi, Head of Qatar and Saudi Arabia, Barclays Wealth and Investment Management, said: “We are proud to receive this prestigious accolade for our Wealth and Investment Management division in Qatar. These recognitions are a testament to the quality and breadth of products and services that we offer our clients in the Middle East, especially in the Qatari market. We will continue to provide our high and ultra-high net worth clients with bespoke solutions that combine in-depth regional knowledge and on-ground expertise, with our global reach and capabilities.”

Cedric Lizin, Head of Middle East, Africa and Japan, Barclays Wealth and Investment Managementadded: “Through our focus on becoming the “Go-To” Bank, our clients will continue to have access to award-winning research, best in class products and services, as well as proactive advisors that allow the client to access the best investment opportunities and make the best investment decisions.”

“Barclays Wealth and Investment management business has witnessed an impressive growth, increased profits and enhanced efficiency over the past year, in spite of challenging market conditions. The key to this success is the bank's client service focus, as demonstrated through regular client feedback surveys.” commented Christopher Moore, publisher of EMEA Finance.

He elaborated, “Barclays is providing new and innovative ways to service clients allowing them to access unique investment opportunities. For example, the bank is leading the way in applying behavioural finance techniques to their clients' investing strategies. First, the bank assists its clients to define their financial personalities and investment philosophies, and then the bank leverages its integrated banking model and global research to tailor a portfolio that matches clients' investment philosophies. This client centric focus goes a long way, particularly when trying to exceed the already high demands of typically very sophisticated high net worth clients.”

The EMEA Finance’s Middle East Banking Awards celebrate the achievements of retail and investment banks, asset managers, and brokerage houses in the Middle East region. EMEA Finance is a leading bi-monthly global industry publication that reports on the major financial events and developments initiated and influenced by the international financial industry active in the EMEA region.

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