Simona Bishouty
CEO OF BANK ABC
Jordan 2016 I Finance I Interview
BIOGRAPHY She began her banking career at Chase Manhattan Bank in Amman and London before moving to Bank of Jordan and later Cairo Amman Bank. In 2014, she was selected by Forbes as one of the 200 most powerful woman in executive management.
OUR DEDICATION TO PROVIDING EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE HAS HELPED US ACHIEVE STRONG RESULTS IN 2015 DESPITE THE POLITICAL UNCERTAINTY IN THE REGION.
CAN YOU GIVE US AN OVERVIEW OF BANK ABC ACTIVITIES IN JORDAN?
The Bank’s services range from consumer banking, commercial banking, treasury products and services, trade finance and corresponding banking services. It also offers investment services and brokerage in securities locally, regionally and internationally on behalf of its clients, in addition to financial consultancy through its wholly owned subsidiary ABC Investments. Recently, Bank ABC has been focusing on financing of other sectors like energy, trade, food, construction, manufacturing, and mining. The Bank also works with major corporations throughout Jordan to support them in fulfilling their trade finance. At the same time, Bank ABC enjoys an excellent risk management and compliance framework and continuously invests in strengthening its platform, ensuring adherence to international best practices. This strong platform has allowed the Bank to continue to grow despite the challenging economic environment.
HOW DOES BANK ABC DIFFERENTIATE ITSELF FROM ITS COMPETITORS?
Our strategy has been to reflect our values of client centricity, collaboration and consistency across our business operations, and we believe that clients appreciate our commitment to their success and the superb services we offer as a result. We also have a specialized unit providing services to medium-size enterprises which we plan to continue to grow.
Our dedication to providing excellent customer service has helped us achieve strong results in 2015 despite the political uncertainty in the region and the very difficult economic conditions that have prevailed locally, regionally and internationally. In fact, our net profits before tax jumped by 24% last year. We also have successfully increased our credit facilities portfolio over the years, which has reinforced our ability to manage assets and take optimal advantage of the options available in capital investment while retaining the balance between liquidity, profit and the level of risk.
HOW IMPORTANT IS THE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR BANK ABC?
Our corporate social responsibility has been an integral part of our corporate mission since our inception, and it will continue to be so. We, as an institution and as employees, are part of this generous country, and our wellbeing is linked to the welfare of the society. As a result, our contribution to the local community is our way of expressing our appreciation to our society, while simultaneously investing in our strongest assets – the people of Jordan who are our employees, our customers, and our partners in business. On a yearly basis, Bank ABC in Jordan supports a number of institutions that cover wide humanitarian aspects, including education, healthcare, children welfare, the needy and the environment.
Through its extensive corporate social responsibility activities, the Bank reinforces its strong commitment to contributing to the social and economic development of the Kingdom - a commitment that is embodied in its slogan, “a team committed to your success.” For the past 25 years, Bank ABC strived to provide a unique customer experience that provides diverse, innovative financial solutions and dedicated a team of bankers who are fully committed to helping individual and corporate clients fulfill their financial needs. This commitment to customers and the local community has allowed the bank to sustain its growth and achieve impressive results in 2015.