W&F Issue 8 2018

www.wealthandfinance-news.com 8 Wealth & Finance International - Issue 8 - 2018 Championing a proactive approach to internal development & responsible banking and seeing a need to stay ahead of world- leading establishments, Azizi Bank has, in the last three years, incorporated a corporate social responsibility initiative that focuses on environmental issues and female empowerment. Dr Omaid explains more, “Azizi Bank is extensively into CSR initiatives and have been quite active over the last three years. We have ensured our involvement on the Go Green initiatives and planted thousands of trees across the country. We are working closely with the relevant ministries and international non-governmental organisations on the various women empowerment initiatives and are also very active on the various environmental sustainability initiatives of the country. We have been closely involved with the society in supporting orphanages with essential amenities and have also supported victims of earthquakes and internally displaced persons. Azizi Bank have a CSR policy in place that is committed towards responsible banking in the long run.” Naturally, over twelve years of operation, in an albeit rapidly developing economy, there have been a number of challenges for Azizi Bank; but, in every challenge comes an opportunity to overcome, improve, and evolve. Dr. Omaid explains how Azizi Bank is committed to facing every challenge that may come their way over the coming years, “Azizi Bank has completed a tough and challenging, yet quite interesting, journey of more than 12 years of existence in the country. We are foreseeing opportunities for the bank rather than any challenges. Success cannot be achieved unless you beat the challenges. Our team is committed and ready to face all the challenges.” “We have already incorporated the Vision 2022 plans and are aligned to it. We are working with one of the top US based international consultancy firm to strategize our vision of sustained growth in a systematic and phased manner. On these premises, Azizi Bank has developed its strategic plan with a keen eye for progress and development. Accordingly, Azizi Bank has drawn up the financial plan projecting strategies for growth. On its Vision 2022 initiatives, the bank will witness a significant growth on all sectors thereby maintaining its position as clear market leaders and catering to the customer requirements and expectations.” “Azizi Bank has initiated several measures, aimed at vigorous marketing efforts specifically branding of the bank, co-branding with other organisations, tie ups, technological innovations with an eye to cater and partner all in the developmental cycle.” Moving on to how Afghanistan’s economy has improved over the last two decades, and over Azizi Bank’s lifespan; “The job market has seen quite an improvement over the last 15-20 years. The rate of unemployment in the country I believe has remained static at around 8-9% in the last seven – eight years. However, it has seen a drastic improvement from approx. 12% in 1993. Lots of employment opportunities have been created by the Government. Azizi Bank also emphasises on-campus recruitments from the leading colleges & universities thus giving the young generation the opportunity to start their career from a strong foundation. The average age bracket of the employees in Azizi Bank is approximately 26 years.” As for Azizi Bank’s future, Dr Omaid is optimistic on the back of expansion and brand development; “We are looking at a very bright future for the bank in the long run. Our dedicated approach and commitment towards sustainability will ensure the bank is emerging as the most persistent bank in the country. In the next two-three years, we will be coming out with our foreign representative offices in economically important neighbouring countries. There are many other projects in the foray that will certainly ensure a positive development of the brand.” Coming to the close of the interview, the conversation moved to discuss Dr Omaid’s association with Azizi Bank, and his personal achievements. “I have been associated with the bank since 2006 and have seen the bank grow to its present position. Prior to this role, I had been the Deputy CEO of the bank for more than five years. I have also served the bank in various categories since I joined in 2006 and was also the Chief Finance Officer of the bank. Within my current role, I am also responsible for maintaining international business relations with key corporates and stake holders along with my team.” “Apart from my role as CEO of Azizi Bank, I also hold the following honorary positions in the country & internationally; • Chairman - Afghanistan Banking Association (ABA) • Chairman of the Banking Commission - International Chamber of Commerce, Afghanistan Wing • Executive Member of the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce, United Kingdom • Member of the World Confederation of Business, United States of America” Finally, we discuss Dr Omaid’s recent admittance into Oxford’s Academic Union, “I have been recently honoured with the honorary professorship of the Academic Union, Oxford and I am feeling extremely thrilled to have received this prestigious recognition. Also, I have received the Promising Young Banker Award from the Asian Banker last year along, with many best CEO awards internationally. I am truly honoured.” By any metric, Azizi Bank is a stalwart of Afghanistan, representing the country’s present and promising future. In Dr. Omaid, they have a leader that is dedicated to pursuing international standards of excellence, guaranteeing Azizi Bank’s ongoing success in a sector that demands continual development and adaption. Equally, in a world that is becoming defined by swift growth, and a customer- centric outlook, Azizi Bank stands head and shoulders above other banking establishments in the region; a testament to their unbeatable approach to satisfying their customer’s needs. For all of these reasons, and many more besides, Azizi Bank has been recognised as the Bank of the Year - a title that is perfectly fitting for Azizi Bank and would seem an overstatement in the hands of anyone else.