NBK wins 3 awards from Global Finance
Proof of the Bank’s excellence in innovation and technology
KUWAIT CITY, Sept 30: National Bank of Kuwait, the leading financial institution in Kuwait, received 3 awards: the “Best Consumer Digital Bank- Kuwait” the “Best Mobile Banking App- Kuwait” and the “Best in Mobile Banking Kuwait” from New York- Global Finance magazine. In an award ceremony held in Dubai, Global Finance announced the first round winners for the 2018 best digital banks in the Middle East.
Recognizing NBK’s continuing initiatives to adapt to its clients’ fastpaced lifestyle, the awards reflect the Bank’s ability to excel in innovative digital services and to invest in Operations and IT.
Winners were evaluated by a world-class panel of judges at Infosys, a global leader in consulting, technology and outsourcing. Global Finance editors were responsible for the final selection of winners in the First Round.
Dimitrios Kokosioulis, DCEO, Group Head of Operations & IT at NBK said “It is our pleasure to be recognized and to receive three awards related to innovation and digitalization. This is the result of the commitment and dedication from NBK valuable team members who strive for excellence.”
He added, NBK digital transformation efforts are increasingly gaining global recognition. We started the transformation early compared to many of our peers, and we have made huge progress. In these developed markets, banking industry becomes more diverse and high-tech which in turn prompts us to keep pace with the innovations and technological advances. It will always be our goal to keep NBK at the forefront of innovation and being future-proof.”
Winning banks were selected based on the following criteria: strength of strategy for attracting and servicing digital customers, success in getting clients to use digital offerings, growth of digital customers, breadth of product offerings, evidence of tangible benefits gained from digital initiatives, and web/mobile site design and functionality.
For example, “NBK mobile banking app” was selected based on the relative strength and its success as a product and service.
Mohammad Al Kharafi, GM, Group Head of Operations at NBK said: “We are honored to receive three awards from Global Finance, “Best Consumer Digital Bank” the “Best Mobile Banking App” in Kuwait, and the “Best in Mobile Banking Kuwait” confirming the Bank’s aim to maintain its leading position and adopt the best innovations in the technology world to enhance customer experience.”
He added: “NBK offers many services through NBK Mobile Banking App and Watani On line (WOL), as well as many other products. With the new services implemented, such as SWIFT GPI (NBK was the first bank to go live in Kuwait), cross border payments can be implemented in minutes instead of 3 days. In addition NBK was the first bank in the MENA region and second bank in the world to commercially launch Selfie pay in co-operation with MasterCard, where a card holder can authenticate his online transactions using his biometrics, either face ID or fingerprint scan. Also, NBK was the first bank in the GCC to do a pilot for biometric card with MasterCard, where a customer can use his fingerprint on the card itself, rather than having to use a Pin. NBK was also the first bank in Kuwait to provide contactless wearables through the Tap &Pay service”.
True to its strategy promise of “Mobile First”, NBK continues to develop the best financial solutions that address the needs of its developed market. To know more about the NBK Mobile Banking App, please visit the website www.nbk.com.
The winners of the Global Finance Best Digital Bank Awards are chosen based on entries provided by financial institutions. Entrants are judged on breadth of product offerings, success in migrating customers to digital platforms, acquiring and retaining new customers, and the use of digital technologies to improve business processes, cut costs and deliver other benefits. Each entry is analysed by a team of digital and banking experts at Infosys, our judging partner for The Best Digital Bank Awards. All final selections are the responsibility of Global Finance.