Further cementing its preeminent position in the asset management and investment banking industry, Kuwait Financial Centre “Markaz” added three coveted honors to its growing trophy cabinet in 2019. The company’s exceptional performance and commitment to excellence were recognized 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 consider a testament to the trust and confidence we continue to gain from investment and finance experts in the region. These awards also reflect Markaz’s leading position in the asset management and banking industry, and reaffirms our clear understanding of our clients’ needs and how to address them effectively and efficiently. We truly believe our success is owed to research-based investment policy we have adopted, which takes into account factors such as local, regional and global market changes and trends, prior to making any investment decision. That, coupled with our commitment to attaining the best results for our clients will continue to fuel us moving forward”.
Setting a new record, Markaz was named the ‘Best Investment Bank in Kuwait’ for the eighth time in nine years by the annual survey of Global Finance magazine on the ‘World’s Best Investment Banks.’ The prestigious ranking is regarded as a trusted standard of excellence for the global financial community. An esteemed judging panel comprising the magazine’s editors and industry experts considered a series of criteria, including market share, number and size of deals, advisory and financial service, structuring capabilities, distribution network,efforts to address market conditions, innovation, pricing, after-market performance of underwritings and market reputation, for the ranking of the top performers among banks and other providers of financial services.
Commenting on the ranking, Mr. Ali H. Khalil, Chief Operating Officer, Markaz, said: “Setting new industry benchmarks in service excellence and delivering superior performance, Markaz has firmly established its leadership position in Kuwait’s investment banking sector and yet another recognition from Global Finance further reinforced our reputation, regionally and globally. We have continued to deliver steady growth in 2019 despite challenging global market conditions and this achievement underlines our strength and resilience underpinned by our solid market presence, large customer base, and strong investment product offering. On the back of a positive economic outlook for the region in 2020, we are looking forward to another year of growth 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 highly anticipated awards celebrate outstanding achievements of organizations specializing in asset management, custody, fund administration and wealth management across the region.
In addition, Markaz Fund for Investment and Development "MIDAF" was recognized 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 past 12 months.
Speaking on the award, Ms. Amani I. Al-Omani, Executive Vice President, MENA Equities, Markaz, stated: “At Markaz, we have always remained keen on delivering competitive returns for investors by combining our prudent investment policies, unmatched industry expertise, and diversified products and services. The ‘Kuwait Asset Manager of the Year’ award at the Global Investor MENA Awards recognizes Markaz’s multiple asset classes, the stable performance of its investment products, and the balance between prudent risk management and achieving the best possible returns for our customers.”
Al-Omani added: “Building on the stellar industry reputation and customer trust Markaz has built over more than four decades, our MIDAF product has positioned itself as one of the most attractive equity solutions in the region. A team of experienced professionals determined to maximize value for our clients is the driving force behind the success of the Fund. We remain committed to continue providing innovative investment solutions that will meet and exceed the expectation of our customers.”
Markaz has a long history of gathering industry awards and recognitions. The company won the ‘Most Innovative Financial Institution in Middle East,’ ‘Best Local Investment Bank in Kuwait’ and ‘Best Asset Manager’ categories at EMEA Finance’s Middle East Banking Awards 2018.