Habib Bank AG Zurich wins Middle East Banker Award for Best use of Technology

The award recognises that Habib Bank AG Zurich has one of the most technologically advanced banking systems. The first bank in the region to introduce Internet (HBZweb), WAP (HBZwap) and text messaging (HBZsms) banking in 2000 has continued to offer ground breaking and unique solutions to corporate and consumer customers.

Mr Reza Habib, Joint President, Habib Bank AG Zurich said, 'We at HBZ are grateful for the recognition by Banker Middle East which enables our customers greater service with security for their personal, corporate and trade accounts. It allows quicker transaction, greater control over funds and enables trading of U.S. capital markets in real time, from the comfort of our customer's home, office or while on the go with a smart phone or PDA.'

Habib Bank AG Zurich's technological success is proven by the customers that use the servce. 64.3% of credit customers and 71.4% of depositors are presently using the HBZ integrated e-banking and mobile solution.

Some of the unique features that Habib Bank AG Zurich offer clients include:

HBZcms - make secure third party payments at your convenience

HBZeLC - establish letters of credit online

HBZpay - fully automated payroll system

HBZtrade - 24X7 online portfolio trading for U.S. Capital Markets with SMS confirmation

HBZeLocker - store sensitive data using strong encryption algorithms

HBZweb & HBZmobile suite - offers over 100 optimised options including:

• Workflow management - login administration allows controlled access to multiple authorised users

• Unified account management - view all your accounts on one screen

• S.W.I.F.T. - view authenticated messages

• Account Statement - view & download historic (up to 10 years) or real-time data in MS ExcelTM / XML

• Bill payment system - pay bills in real time

• Cheque book - online request

Mr Reza Habib, summed up the award by saying, 'We're very proud to be winners of this prostigeous award for a second year.'