Mashreq named SME Bank of the Year 2014

Mashreq, a leading financial institution in the UAE, has been awarded ‘SME Bank of the Year 2014’ at the second edition of the Arabian Business StartUp Awards. As the winner, Mashreq was recognized by the Industry for its continuous and optimum support to Small and medium-sized enterprise (SMEs) across the UAE.  The Arabian Business StartUp Awards commend some of the UAE’s most successful and innovative start-ups, entrepreneurs and SMEs, as well as their most active support institutions.

The award was received by Farhad Dhun Irani and Rohit Garg during the award ceremony that was held recently.

Commenting on the award, Farhad Dhun Irani, Head of Retail Banking, Mashreq said: “This award is a testament to Mashreq’s commitment towards the SMEs and the strong partnership we have established for over 40 years. At Mashreq, we recognize the increasing importance to empower the SME and the significant role they play in the country’s economy. As a result, Mashreq has always been at the forefront of SME products and services, and will continue to drive innovation and support business growth.”

In particular, for the ‘SME Bank of the Year’ category the judges looked primarily at what SME products each of the nominees offered and particularly how the institutions are supporting SMEs, beyond just financially, including through mentorship, insights, advice, hosting events and so on.

Rohit Garg, Head of Business Banking, Mashreq added: “It gives us great pleasure to receive this award. Mashreq has been recognized by the Industry for its continuous and outstanding support to SMEs, and not just financially. Indeed, with the successful Academy and SMEXchange, Mashreq has lived up to its promise of being a trusted partner of SMEs by delivering benefits and offering integrated support and solutions to the SME community.” 

This award re-affirms Mashreq’s support for this thriving business sector thanks to its StartUp Academy, monthly workshops conducted by the Mashreq Business Banking team, and more importantly Mashreq’s SMEXchange, an online community designed to encourage SMEs to more actively participate in the UAE’s vision for growth.