Eshehawi (second left) receiving the “Best bank in Qatar award” instituted by Citibank New York for excellence in ‘Straight Through Processing’ from Haddad. Also in the picture are Mahmoud and Saad.


QIIB has won for the fourth time the “Best bank in Qatar award” instituted by Citibank New York, for excellence in ‘Straight Through Processing’ (STP) related to customers’ international electronic payment transfers. The award was received by QIIB chief operating officer Ehab Eshehawi from Citibank region head (financial institutions, CEE and Mena treasury and trade solutions) Chafic Haddad at a ceremony held here recently.
STP is the automated process of payments without manual intervention, which increases processing speed, minimises routing errors, lowers operation and transaction costs while resulting in efficient, rapid payment execution for the bank and its customers.
QIIB head (International operations), Asim Mahmoud and head (Banking operations), Hesham Saad were among those present. Eshehawi said, “We are delighted to have this recognition from Citibank New York. It is recognition of the bank efforts in training and equipping our staff members and enhancing our technology in line with the STP requirements.”
He said, “The award confirms that the bank is a front-runner in the area of customers’ international electronic payment transfers, where the processes involved call for high degree of accuracy to ensure direct transfer of payments without manual intervention. For end-customers, this means timely and easy access to their funds. “We are always keen to provide an efficient, fast and reliable banking service to our customers. To this end, we have invested heavily in processes and systems, so that our customers receive maximum benefits.”
Haddad said, “The measures adopted by QIIB in relation to ‘Straight Through Processing’ (STP) of customers’ international electronic payment transfers matched the best criteria adopted globally.  “We are dealing with QIIB continuously and the efficiency with which the bank manages its external payments are totally consistent with the banking business requirements.”
Haddad hoped to continue the “strong relationship” between QIIB and Citibank, enhancing the quality of services the two banks offer their customers and improving the overall business environment in the countries where they operate.