Amãna Bank CEO Mohamed Azmeer collecting the award from Global Finance Managing Director - Operations Chris Giarraputto at the ceremony held at the historic RSA House in London

The world renowned ‘Global Finance Magazine’ recently recognized and listed Amãna Bank in the magazine’s ‘Innovator 2016’ Index for its novel Gold Certificate Financing product which was introduced as an alternative for conventional pawning. This prestigious index recognizes the top Banks worldwide that are disrupting the marketplace through innovation. The recipients of this elite index were recognized at a ceremony held in London in October which coincided with the annual Global Finance Digital Bank Conference. 

Collecting the accolade at the Awards Ceremony, Amãna Bank’s Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Azmeer said “We are honored to be among the top banks in the world recognized for innovation. As the pioneer of Islamic banking in the country we have committed ourselves to continued Innovation. Meanwhile our strategic plan emphasizes on the importance of enhancing financial inclusion and ensuring alignment with the economic needs of the country.  This product is a result of such commitment towards innovation and the strategic direction. Through this product we are now able to facilitate convenient credit at grass root levels to help fund personal as well as other micro industries. I am thankful to my Product Innovation Team and scholars for their valuable contribution in developing this product” 

Apart from recognizing innovation in Islamic Finance, Global Finance Magazine also distinguished innovations in Corporate Finance, Transaction Services, Trade Finance and Foreign Exchange. The award ceremony in London also recognized organizations that have excelled in the Digital Banking arena. Through its various awarding platforms, Global Finance Magazine has set a global benchmark and become a recognized and trusted standard of excellence.

Amãna Bank is the first Licensed Commercial Bank in Sri Lanka to operate in complete harmony with the non-interest based Islamic banking model and is listed on the DiriSavi Board of the Colombo Stock Exchange. Fitch Ratings, in October 2016, affirmed the Bank’s National Long Term Rating of BB(lka) with a Stable Outlook. The Bank was recognized as the Best ‘Up-and-Comer’ Islamic Bank of the World by ‘Global Finance Magazine’ at the 18th Annual World’s Best Banks Award Ceremony held in Washington DC, USA.  The Bank was also bestowed the coveted title ‘Islamic Finance Entity of the Year 2016’ at the inaugural Islamic Finance Forum of South Asia Awards Ceremony. Powered by the stability and support of its strategic shareholders including, Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad, AB Bank in Bangladesh and The Islamic Development Bank based in Saudi Arabia, Amãna Bank is making strong inroads within the Sri Lankan banking industry and is focused on capitalizing the growing market potential for its unique banking model across the country.