What's the buzz! Keep up with the latest news from RAKBANK.

04/04/2015

Dubai, UAE: RAKBANK is pleased to announce that as part of its CSR programme for the year, the Bank sponsored Ameera Mohammed Al Haranki, a 22 year old national student from Ras Al Khaimah, to take part in the ‘2041 International Antarctic Expedition 2015’ (IAE 2015). The life-changing expedition consisted of a two-week journey in the island continent involving team-building exercises, talks on climate change and global warming. The delegation of young environmental leaders learned how they can prevent global warming in their respective regions and how they can better incorporate these strategies into their work environments and communities.

Ameera, currently studying IT security at HCT RAK commented: “I’m very interested in environmental conservation and spreading the awareness of how important it is to protect our planet earth. The expedition to Antarctica was an eye-opening experience in terms of shedding light on the repercussions of global warming. This experience will definitely go a long way in helping me pursue a career as an aspiring environmentalist.”

The expedition participants met at the foot of the Andes Mountains in Ushuaia, Argentina and journeyed by ship to the last wilderness on earth, the Antarctic. The 2041 expedition, founded by Robert Swan OBE, the first person in history to walk to both the North and South Poles, annually brings together a group of present and future leaders who want to take responsibility to build resilient communities and seek change for sustainability. They are taught lessons by global experts on today’s issues of climate change and energy use and how they affect us worldwide, along with life lessons on leadership, team building, and unique wildlife experiences.

Sponsoring this expedition is in line with RAKBANK’s commitment to help conserve the environment. The Bank also supports a wildlife research and conservation project in its home emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. Led by Wildlife Consultant Organization, the project consists of wildlife research and public education by a team of veterinarians, biologists, herpetologists and ornithologists, as well as volunteers and university students.

02/08/2015

New Bank Branch Opened in Al Ras, Dubai

Dubai, UAE - 08 March 2015: RAKBANK recently launched its 35th branch, located in Al Ras near Dubai’s Gold Souk Area. The branch was inaugurated by Peter England, RAKBANK’s CEO, and attended by various members of the senior management team including Ian Hodges, Head of Retail Banking and Emad Hittini, Head of Branches for Southern Emirates.

Peter England remarked that, “RAKBANK’s strategy to ensures that the Bank caters to customers across all the main locations in the UAE especially ones with heavy footfall. The opening of Al Ras branch is in line with the bank’s plan to launch five additional branches in 2015.”

Along with conventional banking products and services, the new branch also offers SME and Trade Finance solutions. With the addition of the Al Ras branch to its network, RAKBANK today serves its customers through a total of 35 branches and over 200 ATMs located across the UAE. For detailed location information when visiting the branches, customers are invited to use the ATM/branch locator found on www.rakbank.ae. Alternatively, customers can enjoy the Bank’s complementing electronic channels for a faster and more convenient banking experience through Online Banking, Mobile Banking, RAKBANK Direct, and Phone Banking.

22/03/2015

Ras Al Khaimah, UAE: After the success of the RAKBANK Ride, RAKBANK is pleased to announce that a total of AED 100,000 was raised for Red Crescent in Ras Al Khaimah with the help of 40 participating teams from different companies. The registration fees from the corporate teams, who cycled for 22.8 kilometres in their business attire on al Marjan Island in the Bank’s home emirate, contributed to the pool of donations.

The winning corporate teams had the liberty to decide on the worthy causes to support within Red Crescent, which ranged from medical assistance for hospital patients and financial aid for students, to funding programs for orphans and people with special needs. 50% of the proceeds were allocated by RAKBANK to the Ras Al Khaimah Autism Centre, whereby the remaining 50% was split amongst the winners.

In first place in the corporate ride was Wildlife Middle East, an information resource on the wildlife and environment of the Middle East and surrounding region. They chose to use their 25% prize money to fund rehabilitation programs for children with special needs.

Commenting on behalf of Wildlife ME, Dr. Anne-Lise Chaber said: “We had a great time at the Ride and we credit our win to team effort. Our team was made up of professional and amateur cyclists but together we managed to have the fastest time record!”

Gulf Business Machines, an IT solutions provider, came in second and allocated its 15% earnings to projects aimed at supporting orphans while the third place team, Banyan Tree Al Wadi, a hotel in Ras al Khaimah, gave away its 10% to building wells in places that do not have access to clean water.

With a wide range of worthwhile charitable concerns, Red Crescent supports many humanitarian needs and gives immediate assistance to those in need here in the UAE. RAKBANK visited the centre in the lead up to the RAKBANK Ride and spoke with a man in need, Mr. Ali Al Jaber, who has been receiving donations from Red Crescent Ras Al Khaimah for the past eight years to help him pay for his children’s school fees, rent, electricity, and many other basic necessities of him and his family.

The organisation works closely with private and public schools in the UAE as well as the University of Ras Al Khaimah to offer training and education sessions, so they can understand the organisation better, teaching young children the importance of giving back to one’s community and how they can get involved.

From his side Peter England, RAKBANK CEO, said: “We were pleased to have had over 400 cyclists take part in both the individual and corporate rides in RAKBANK Ride’s first year and we would like to thank all the corporate teams for their contributions to worthy social causes.”

18/02/2015

RAKBANK’s once in a life time ‘Dream it. Live it’ program offers its customers a chance to win all expenses paid packages to some of the world’s greatest sporting events, concerts, family holidays and more. This is the first time that cardholders have the flexibility to choose the event package that they want to win and experience themselves.

Two RAKBANK customers, Asha Makkamalil Kuriakose and Nageswaran Thirugnanam, have recently been announced winners of the all-inclusive couple packages to the Brit Awards 2015 with MasterCard. These are the British music industry's annual pop music awards, and the British equivalent of the American Grammy Awards. The package includes flights and three nights’ accommodation for two guests in London as well as two reception and after party tickets and two Diamond level tickets to the Brit Awards. The winners will be transported to and from the Airport and given a shopping and makeover experience at Harrods plus a complimentary $600 prepaid MasterCard.

Asha Makkamalil Kuriakose, one of the RAKBANK ‘Dream it. Live it’ winner’s comments: ‘London was one of the destinations I had on my wish list. I am truly excited about this amazing prize and would like to give a big thanks to RAKBANK for making my dreams come true! RAKBANK Credit Card rewards are what made this wish a reality, so it goes to show you should swipe when you get a chance, because you never know when you are going to win! I won when I least expected it, and tomorrow you might too!”

Vinod Kumar, another RAKBANK MasterCard Credit Cardholder was one of the five lucky winners who won an all-inclusive couple package to the most coveted title in international cricket. Also during the first quarter draws, 50 lucky winners walked away with tickets to the Jazz Festival in Dubai.

“We have another exciting line-up of sporting and live music events coming up in second quarter including the UEFA Champions League Final 2015 in Berlin. All that the customer needs to do is allocate their accumulated chances from their credit card spends to select the Dream experience that they want to win,” said Banali Malhotra, Head of Marketing at RAKBANK.

Every AED 500 spent on credit cards gives cardholders one chance to enter the quarterly draws, so there is still plenty of time for RAKBANK customers to spend and win. They can then decide to allocate their chances according to the prizes they prefer. Winners will be jetting off to watch the UEFA Champions League Final in June 2015 in Berlin, enjoying a family holiday in Paris, or attending some of the other big and exciting international and local events in the RAKBANK MasterCard Dream it Live it Program.

01/02/2015

With vast numbers of people in the UAE choosing to invest in gold and the women here especially loving all things that are shiny and sparkle, RAKBANK has partnered with Kalyan Jewellers to launch a co-branded Credit Card. The RAKBANK KALYAN JEWELLERS MasterCard Credit Card, which is accepted globally for purchases and cash withdrawals, is the first to offer ‘Goldback’. These are loyalty points that are earned at a rate of up to 7% and can be redeemed at any Kalyan Jewellers outlets in the UAE in the form of jewellery. To ensure customer convenience, the card also offers a 0% easy payment plan on diamond and gold jewellery purchases.

“Over the years, the Bank managed to transform the concept of card reward programs in the UAE through a host of unique features including the successful ‘Cashback’ feature,” said Peter England, RAKBANK CEO. “Staying true to the Bank’s prominent position as an innovative and dynamic player, today we are expanding our loyalty program with the RAKBANK KALYAN JEWELLERS Credit Card to offer Goldback and we are pleased to be collaborating with Kalyan Jewellers.”

Kalyan Jewellers is one of the largest jewellery manufacturer distributors in India leveraging its strong roots, of over a century, in the business of textile trading, distribution and wholesaling. Starting with the first jewellery showroom in 1993, today, it has a total of 77 showrooms across India and West Asia, nine out of which are located in the UAE.

Speaking at the launch event, TS Kalyanaraman, Chairman and Managing Director of Kalyan Jewellers said, “We have always been at the forefront when it comes to introducing innovations in the jewellery industry. The RAKBANK Kalyan Jewellers Credit Card is another example of customer-centric innovation wherein customers can harness their retail spends to acquire jewellery with Goldback points. We are delighted to partner with RAKBANK in creating this unique product and enrich customer experience.”

Kalyan Jewellers, one of the largest jewellery manufacturer distributors in India, launched into the GCC region in December 2013. It currently has 9 showrooms in the UAE and 3 in Kuwait. Today, Kalyan Jewellers has a total of 77 showrooms across India.

RAKBANK is pleased to announce the RAKBANK Ride, a cycling event due to take place on Friday, March 6 2015 in Ras Al Khaimah. The Ride has two categories, a 70- kilometer course for individual cycling enthusiasts and a 22-kilometre course for corporate teams, each of which must comprise of 4 cyclists including at least one senior manager and one female who will all ride in business attire. The top three fastest corporate teams will win the opportunity to donate proceeds from the corporate registration fees to RAK Red Crescent to the cause of their choice.

Recognising growing international biking trends in nations such as the UK, US and Australia, RAKBANK aims to lead the pack in the UAE by supporting the Emirates’ cycling movement. According to the Bank’s recent survey, which was carried out by YouGov and polled 1000 people in the UAE, cycling is the number one pastime activity in the UAE with more than a quarter of respondents choosing to pedal during their free time. A keen cyclist, RAKBANK’s CEO, Peter England, has a vision to get businessmen onto bikes in shirt and tie and encourage the UAE’s corporate and financial community to get moving together.

“Cycling is one of the UAE’s fastest growing sports,” said England. “It promotes a healthy body and healthy mind which increases productivity in the workplace. Set to be an annual fixture, the RAKBANK Ride aims to promote cycling and team spirit, as well as to showcase the Bank’s home emirate of Ras al Khaimah which boasts the most mountainous landscapes in the country.” The emirate is also home to some of the best hotels, one of which is Rixos Bab Al Bahr on Al Marjan Island where the ride will start and finish.

Ahead of the February competition, RAKBANK has identified one of the UAE’s most high profile amateur cycling teams, SWR Team, which is made up of a 30 beginner and experienced cyclists, to spread the message among the cycling community. Founded in September 2013, the team has fielded a squad in every amateur sportive or competition in the UAE and even some abroad in UK, Switzerland, France, Italy and New Zealand.

The Bank is well known for its prolific outdoor advertising and has historically leveraged sports via advertising. By investing in sports sponsorships and events, the Bank seeks to increases brand awareness as it establishes a position with the market segments it targets and represents.

RAKBANK is working with Promoseven Sports to organize the RAKBANK Ride. For more information about the event, registration for corporate teams and individuals, and special rate package rates at Rixos Bab Al Bahr, please click here and follow @RAKBANKride on Instagram and Twitter.

26/01/2015

Ras Al Khaimah, 26 January 2015: RAKBANK today announced AED 1,454.6 million in net profit for the year 2014. Operating profit before provisions increased by 15.7% from the previous year with a strong growth in Total Loans and Advances. Total assets grew by 15.6% compared to the end of 2013 to AED 34.8 billion.

Total operating income went up by AED 404.8 million to AED 3.56 billion as net interest income and net income from Islamic financing grew by 11.8% to AED 2.76 billion. This was due to higher interest income from loans and investments as well as lower cost of deposits. Non-interest income was up by AED 113.1 million as net fees and commission income was bolstered by strong performances in the income streams of Credit Cards, RAKFinance (unsecured lending to small businesses), and Business Banking, in addition to Trade Finance solutions which grew by more than 200% after establishing trade service desks across the UAE.

On the other hand, provisions for loan impairments stood at AED 595.3 million, up by AED 254.7 million over last year due to higher loan provisioning throughout the year. Non-performing loans were steady at 2.4% and net credit losses to average loans and advances closed at 2.5%. The Bank continues to improve its loan loss cover with the loan loss coverage ratio improving to 87.2% compared to 73.3% at the end of 2013, which doesn’t take into consideration mortgaged properties and other realizable asset collateral available against the loans.

Commenting on the Bank’s performance, RAKBANK CEO, Peter England, said: “In 2014 the Bank’s top line performance has been very strong. Our overall income grew by AED 405 million to AED 3.6 billion and our operating profit surpassed the AED 2 billion mark for the first time in the Bank’s history. Our net profit growth however was relatively muted as a result of a full year’s impact of increased provisions. Total loan growth for the year was at 15.4% which reflects well for 2015 as we see the full year impact of the loan growth flowing though into our income lines.”

“In addition to our robust Retail lending performance, our 2014 strategy saw a renewed focus on the SME and commercial banking segment, with the traditional Business Banking portfolio more than doubling from 2013 to reach AED 2.2 billion.” In mid-2014 we also launched Asset Based Finance to our business customers through which the Bank began funding commercial vehicles and equipment. It crossed AED 100 million within six months of its launch. “These initiatives along with exceptional growth in RAKFinance, means our total business loans are now just under AED 8 billion which would make us one of the largest lenders to SMEs in the UAE,” added England.

Also during 2014, the Islamic banking unit - ‘Amal’ - launched Home Finance under the concept of Ijarah, Instant Finance, as well as Rent and Education Finance. By the end of the year, it achieved a solid growth of AED 2.2 billion in its financing portfolio, an increase of close to 200% over the year before.

Operating costs were up by 9.2% over 2013 due to an increase in employment costs in support of business growth as well as an increase in technology investments to enhance customer service. The rise in operating costs remained below the total operating income growth of 12.9% indicating healthy profitability levels with the Bank’s cost to revenue ratio dropping to 42.3% compared to 43.8% in 2013.

Customer deposits grew by AED 6.9% compared to the previous year to AED 24.7 billion and Islamic customer deposits reached AED 2.6 billion by yearend.

The Bank’s Tier 1 ratio as per Basel II after taking into consideration the profit for 2014 and the proposed dividend was 26.5% at yearend compared to 29% at the end of 2013 (against a requirement of 12% set by the UAE Central Bank). The regulatory liquid asset ratio at the end of the year was 20%, compared to 19.8% at the end of 2013, and advances to stable resources ratio stood comfortably at 88.2% compared to 88.1% at the end of 2013.

“While the weakening price of oil could potentially trigger a slowdown in economic growth going forward, as a largely Retail and SME lender we remain confident about our prospects for loan growth in 2015. With solid results for 2014, the Bank continues to be in a strong competitive position to increase activity and market share in the coming year. We plan to explore new opportunities for revenue growth across Retail, Business, and Islamic Banking while enhancing our Remittance services. We will also introduce innovative products and services, strengthen our branch and ATM network across the country, and launch additional digital banking solutions,” concluded England.

Dividend

At the board meeting held on 26 January 2015, the Directors recommended a cash dividend of 50% which will result in 42.4% of net profit being retained within the Bank’s shareholders equity thereby increasing capital and reserves to strengthen the Bank’s overall position and provide support for future growth.

09/12/2014

RAKBANK and YouGov Survey on the UAE Dream

From being a banker in Dubai, to spending a holiday at a beach resort and cycling in their free time, people in the UAE share their dreams

• 60% of those polled prefer to live in is Dubai, with New York City as the runner-up 
• 40% dream of being a banker, while being a lawyer is the least favourable job
• The dream escape is to spend a holiday at a beach resort
• The ultimate big ticket experience among men and women is personal shopping
• Cycling is the favourite way to spend free time

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 10 December 2014: RAKBANK is pleased to announce that they have commissioned a survey via an independent research company, YouGov, among a thousand UAE residents to identify the dreams of people in the UAE. With January fast approaching, it is time to be setting goals and deciding which dreams to chase in the New Year. Every great dream begins with a dreamer and for the UAE these dreams are to be a banker by profession, to reside in Dubai, to holiday at a beach resort, to indulge in personal shopping, and to cycle during free time. This survey coincides with the Bank’s recently launched ‘Dream it. Live it’ programme, which gives all RAKBANK MasterCard Credit Card holders the chance to win travel packages to some of the world’s greatest sporting events, concerts, holiday destinations, and more.

London and New York are two cities which often gain the most attention internationally but for people in the UAE Dubai is the number one city to live in with a significant 60% choosing this option. The Big Apple came in second with Westerners favouring the US city most. Dream holidays for people in the UAE are in a beach resort with 46% choosing this relaxing option, but second favourite was an adventure holiday, which 28% of those surveyed selected. For desert dwellers, only 4% of the panel chose an alpine holiday of skiing.

From kindergarten onwards, most of us have a dream job but for the people of the UAE, it is to be a banker, with 40% of people making that choice the majority of which are Asians and Emiratis. The next preferred job is a doctor at 26%, mainly for women and Arab expats, and the least favourable is to be a lawyer.  

As for the favourite pass time activity, personal shopping was unsurprisingly top pick in a country that is known for its glamour and vast choice of retail where its population has more disposable income than most. 72% of women opted for the shopping option, with second choice for them choosing the musical experience at 11%. Meanwhile an unexpected 56% of men chose personal shopping and 29% opted for sporting events as their second choice. However, Westerners stood out on this question preferring sporting events to personal shopping.

Cycling, a sport which is very much on the rise in the UAE and which RAKBANK will be supporting next year with a cycling event in February in Ras Al Khaimah, is the UAE’s chosen leisure pursuit, with 27% of men and women enjoying this sporting activity. 29% of men chose cycling while fishing came in second for them as 23% choose to take advantage of the UAE’s perfect coastal location. Women tended to opt for the more creative recreation of painting at 40%, while 20% of women chose cycling as their second choice. Emiratis were the nationality that broke the mould, as they preferred painting, whereas all expat Arabs, Asians, Westerners and other nationalities preferred cycling.

A dream doesn't usually become reality by sheer coincidence; it takes sweat, determination, hard work and hopefully a helping hand from RAKBANK with their latest ‘Dream it. Live it’ programme. Banali Malhotra, Head of Marketing at RAKBANK commented: “We at RAKBANK are hoping we can make people’s dreams come true with this campaign. We have always focused on offering flexible reward programs on our credit cards such as cashback, which gives customers the liberty to choose how they would like to spend their earned cash reward and now we are offering chances to win priceless and memorable experiences.”

 With every AED 500 spent on credit cards, cardholders get one chance to enter the quarterly draws. They then decide to allocate their chances according to the prizes they prefer. Winners will be jetting off to the BRIT Awards 2015 in London, watching the UEFA Champions League Final in June 2015 in Berlin, enjoying a family holiday in Paris, or attending some other big and exciting international and local events.

“Startup Weekend” Encourages Entrepreneurial Spirit in Ras Al Khaimah
The global initiative launches a 54-hour-lock-in with creative entrepreneurs and inspiring leaders

November 20, 2014 (RAK, UAE) – Young Arab Leaders- UAE launched the latest in its series of Startup Weekends in the UAE in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK). The RAK Startup Weekend brings a local network of passionate leaders and budding entrepreneurs from universities in the northern emirates to share ideas, cultivate concepts, and launch startups. Not only does the initiative inspire students to realize their dreams, start ventures and become future leaders, but it also fosters ongoing relationships between the participants, the successful entrepreneurs, and the global Startup Weekend’s network that reaches over 45,000 alumni members in more than 200 cities.

Startup Weekend welcomes participants to pitch their startup ideas around which teams are organically formed to be followed by a 54-hour frenzy of business model creation, coding, designing, and market validation. The weekends conclude with presentations by the teams in front of local entrepreneurial leaders with an opportunity to receive feedback and guidance. The RAK Weekend brings together some of the UAE’s most powerful and successful businesspeople to serve as speakers, coaches, and judges including Hisham al Gurg, CEO of SEED Group; Najla Al Midfa, Board of Directors at United Arab Bank; Prashant Gulati, Founder of The Smart Start Fund; and Fahad Tawhid, District Manager of RAKBANK; and Khalid al Ameri, Youth Coach and Columnist at The National.

Facilitated in the UAE by Young Arab Leaders-UAE, a non-profit organization that aims at enabling positive change in the Arab world by promoting entrepreneurship, the Startup Weekend aims to inspire, educate and empower individuals, teams and communities. The RAK Startup Weekend is supported by its Platinum Sponsors: Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, an independent agency of the Abu Dhabi government that provides venture capital and resources for entrepreneurs, and RAKBANK, or The National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah.

"Young Arab Leaders have previously held Startup Weekends in Dubai and Al Ain,” said Salma Kayali, the Executive Director of YAL in the UAE and lead organizer of the Startup Weekend. “We are excited to bring Startup Weekend to Ras Al Khaimah, and we will continue to support the startup eco-system in the UAE to encourage innovation and promote entrepnreruship."

“Startup Weekend is one of the important events that can encourage innovation and creativity among the youths, and stimulate their entrepreneurship spirit which meets the objectives of Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development”, said Mouza Obaid Al Naseri the Acting Chief Operations Officer in Khalifa Fund.

“Khalifa Fund is very keen to support such initiatives, the Fund has launched several programs that aim to encourage the youth to adopt innovation and creativity as an approach when establishing their businesses”, added Al Naseri.

From his side, Fahad Tawheed, District Manager at RAKBANK, said: “RAKBANK is pleased to be involved in a great initiative that encourages entrepreneurial spirit among the youth. As a national bank, we are committed to supporting entrepreneurs in the emirate and beyond and catering to their banking needs.”

Other supporters of the Startup Weekend event include: Telr/Innovate Payments, Elevision, In5 the incubator in DIC, Ayman Itani, Potential, Oasis500, Double Tree Hotel in RAK, Silicon Oasis Founder, Stationary.ae, Microsoft, Wamda, Al Eqtisadi, Car Pool Arabia, and White Payments. The media supporter of Young Arab Leaders- UAE: Entrepreneur Middle East Magazine.

To register for the Startup Weekend in the UAE, register at: http://www.up.co/communities/united-arab-emirates/rak/startup-weekend/3639.

22/10/2014

RAKBANK achieved a net profit of AED 1.1 billion for the nine months ended 30 September 2014. Total assets stood at AED 34.8 billion, growing 20.5% year-on-year and 15.5% on a year-to-date basis. Gross loans and advances stood at AED 24.9 billion, up 13.5% year-on-year and 11.5% on a year-to-date basis. Gross Islamic financing assets increased by AED 1.7 billion compared to 31 December 2013.

Total operating income for the nine months ended September 2014 was up by AED 291.5 million to AED 2.6 billion, an increase of 12.5% compared to the nine months ended 30 September 2013. This growth was mainly due to an increase of AED 198.9 million in net interest income and income from Islamic financing, and AED 92.6 million in non-interest income, which climbed by 18.3% over the same period last year.

Net interest income plus net profit from Islamic financing for the nine months ended 30 September 2014 grew by 10.9% compared to the nine months ended 30 September 2013 to AED 2.0 billion. This was a result of higher interest income on loans and investments, a reduction in the cost of deposits as the Bank focused on accumulating low cost transaction accounts, and an increase in net income from Islamic financing to AED 109.8 million in line with the growing Islamic finance portfolio launched in 2013.

The nine month profit dropped by AED 64 million over the same period last year due to more normal levels of provisions for bad debts which started from the last quarter in 2013. The total impairment charge for the nine months stood at AED 425.1 million compared to AED 183.1 million for the same period last year. Non-performing loans were steady at 2.3% of the loan portfolio and the annualized net credit losses to average loans and advances closed at 2.4%.

“Given our loan mix, we are now seeing more normal levels of bad debt after a period of abnormally low credit losses last year. However our underlying business is very robust as operating income continues to grow strongly quarter on quarter,” said Peter England, RAKBANK CEO. “In addition to our top line growth in our Personal Banking business, the Business Banking segment, which covers traditional SME and commercial lending, has become a major engine of growth for RAKBANK, with our loan book more than doubling over the previous year to a total of AED 1.8 billion”.

Net profit for the three months ended 30 September 2014 was up by AED 7.2 million over the quarter ended 30 June 2014 to AED 373.1 million which reflects strong earnings contributions from most of the Bank’s business units.

Customer deposits grew by AED 1.6 billion to AED 24.7 billion compared to 31 December 2013. The growth came mainly from a rise of AED 1.9 billion in conventional demand deposits and AED 344 million in savings deposits. Despite a decrease of AED 1.1 billion in conventional time deposits, there was a healthy growth in Islamic deposits of AED 456 million over the first nine months of 2014.

Operating costs increased by 11.2% to AED 1.1 billion compared to the same period last year mainly due to increases in employment costs to support business growth. However, the Bank’s cost-to-revenue ratio during the first nine months of the year inched down to 42.9% from 43.4% during the same period in 2013.

The Bank’s capital adequacy ratio as per Basel II requirement at the end of the quarter is 25.07% comprising entirely of Tier 1 capital. This is against a current minimum total capital ratio of 12% prescribed by the Central Bank in the UAE. At the end of the quarter, the regulatory liquid assets ratio was 21.7% and lending to stable resources ratio was 86.4%. Total shareholder’s equity totalled AED 6.8 billion including nine months profit.

“Looking ahead, we see more potential for growth by diversifying into fee-generating products and growing our commercial lending and treasury segments. We also see a tremendous opportunity for growth by expanding into complementary industries,” added England. In mid-August 2014, the Bank received approval from its shareholders to acquire a majority stake in Ras Al Khaimah National Insurance Company (RAKNIC) at Dh3.64 per share and is currently awaiting regulatory approvals to proceed with the transaction.

The Bank is currently rated by following leading rating agencies. The below ratings have remained unchanged during the current year.

30/09/2014

Win a chance to attend some of the world’s greatest sporting events, concerts, family holidays and more

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 1st October 2014: Every great dream begins with a dreamer. For UAE residents, it may be to attend the BRIT Awards 2015 in London, catch the year’s most pulsating cricket action at the ODI Cricket, or watch the UEFA Champions League final in June 2015 in Berlin, Germany, enjoy a family holiday in Paris, or even attend the most happening local events. With RAKBANK’s “Dream it. Live it” program, UAE dreamers can now realize their dreams of attending some of the biggest and most exciting local and international events.

The new "Dream it. Live it." program gives all RAKBANK MasterCard Credit Card cardholders (Titanium, Standard, NMC, Geant La Carte and Titanium Business) the chance to win travel packages to some of the world’s greatest sporting events, concerts, family holidays and more. Best of all, cardholders have the flexibility to choose the event package that they want to experience.

With every AED 500 spent on the Credit Cards, cardholders get one chance to enter the quarterly draws. Through a dedicated microsite on the Bank’s website (www.rakbank.ae/dreamitliveit), cardholders can choose to put all their chances in the draw for one event or split them equally across events at the end of every quarter. In addition to tickets to the event of choice, the rewards consist of exclusive packages for two, including flights and hotel stays for international events. The list of events includes ODI Cricket, The BRIT Awards 2015 in London, The UEFA Champions League Final 2015 in Berlin, T20 Cricket in India, Motor Racing in Singapore, a New Year Experience in New York, a family holiday in Paris, Jazz Festival in Dubai, and many others.

“There’s no other Credit Card program like it,” said Banali Malhotra, Head of Marketing at RAKBANK. “We have always focused on offering flexible reward programs on our Credit Cards such as Cashback which gives customers the liberty to choose how they would like to spend their earned cash reward. Today we’ve extended our Credit Card features with ‘Dream it. Live it.’ to give customers the unique opportunity to choose the draws they would like to enter based on the packages they would like to win, which include trips and tickets to some of the world’s most popular events,” added Malhotra.

“At MasterCard, we are continuously exploring new avenues to offer priceless and memorable experiences to cardholders”, said Eyad Al Kourdi, UAE Country Head, MasterCard. “The ‘Dream it. Live it.’ campaign is a great opportunity for consumers to win unique experiences and we are excited to collaborate with RAKBANK for this campaign.”

In addition to ‘Dream it. Live it.’ and up to 5% cashback, RAKBANK’s Titanium and MasterCard Credit Cards charge no annual fee ever and offer 0% interest on balance transfer for three months.

30/09/2014

Recognized for its level of innovation in the payments space, RAKBANK’s Titanium Business Credit Card recently won the Best Payment Program award for Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the Middle East, Africa, and South East Asia during MasterCard’s 2014 Innovation Forum held in Singapore.

Designed to offer added convenience, the Titanium Business Credit Card can be used by business customers to make payments instantly and to take advantage of the cash advance facility to meet unexpected business requirements. Cardholders enjoy the flexibility of paying the minimum amount due on their card within 25 days from the statement date and the balance at their convenience. This free-for-life card is ideal for tracking business expenses and making online payments to the government, utility companies, and others.

“Small business customers make up a significant part of the Bank’s customer base, and with their needs getting increasingly sophisticated, we are committed to providing them with faster, simpler and more convenient payment solutions,” said Ian Hodges, Head of Retail Banking at RAKBANK. “In addition to the Titanium Business Credit Card, RAKBANK also extends Online and Mobile Banking to SMEs to ensure convenience with their everyday banking activities as well.” 

The MasterCard forum brought together more than 350 participants from the Southeast Asia, Middle East and Africa to discuss the evolving needs of businesses and consumers and to showcase the latest innovations on the payments front. 

20/09/2014

With a strong focus on providing convenient digital banking solutions, RAKBANK has extended the Click & Collect service to business customers by offering them the convenience of applying for bank accounts through a completely online interface. This is the first service of its kind in the UAE where new business customers can now do away with a branch visit when opening their RAKBANK conventional or AMAL Current and Finance Accounts on.

Through Click & Collect, business customers can fill out the application form online for the account they are applying for and upload the required documents to the website. The Bank then conducts the necessary checks and within 48 hours the customer is contacted by a bank representative to complete the remaining formalities. Once the account is opened, the Debit Card and cheque book are sent to the customer by courier.

“As one of the most active banks in the country in small business banking, we are committed to offering business customers competitive products through superior service and convenient channels,” commented Ian Hodges, Head of Personal Banking at RAKBANK. “Click & Collect is in line with the Bank’s constant effort to ride the digital wave and joins RAKBANK Online and Mobile Banking to offer services that save our business customers’ time,” added Hodges.

RAKBANK launched Click & Collect for individuals back in 2013 for its Fast Saver, Current, and Savings Accounts. Since then Click & Collect has also been made available to customers who prefer to open Sharia-compliant accounts from AMAL including the AMAL Current and Savings plus the Jood Savings Accounts.

For more information about Click & Collect, please click here.

18/08/2015

RAKBANK is once again leading the way in providing convenient digital banking solutions with the introduction of MobileCash. This new service gives customers the ability to withdraw cash and send money to their friends, family or anyone in the UAE instantly using nothing but their mobile phone, even if the recipient does not have a bank account.

The service runs off the advanced RAKBANK Mobile Banking App platform. An SMS with a one-time password is generated and sent to the customer or the person to whom they wish to send money. The code within the SMS can then instantly be used within 24 hours to withdraw cash from any of over 200 RAKBANK ATMs in the UAE without any need for a debit card. Withdrawals can be made for up to AED 5,000 which is also a simple and fast alternative to cheque payments.

RAKBANK has always been at the forefront of empowering customers with technology-based solutions aimed at saving them valuable time,” said Peter England, CEO at RAKBANK. “Be it our Click and Collect service, our RAKBANKdeals promotions and now the MobileCash service, we constantly innovate and think ahead, all with the ultimate aim of enhanced customer convenience.”

MobileCash comes in handy for those who have lost their Bank card, forgot to carry it, or are simply waiting for their card to be sent or activated. It can also be used to transfer money to people who do not have Bank accounts such as children and students. For more information on MobileCash please click here.

17/08/2014

RAKBANK announced that it had received shareholder approval for the acquisition of Ras al Khaimah National Insurance Company (RAKNIC). Shareholders voted in favour of the Bank buying a majority stake at AED 3.64 per share during its Ordinary General Assembly held today at the Bank’s headquarters in Ras Al Khaimah. This will be through an offer to all shareholders of RAKNIC.

Founded in 1974, RAKNIC is a successful, insurance provider listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and has a full license to issue general and life policies of Conventional Insurance.

Peter England, RAKBANK CEO, said: “RAKBANK has been greatly successful since it re-launch in 2001 by focusing on unsecured lending to individuals and small businesses. Today, we see a tremendous opportunity for growth in the Bank’s business by diversifying into complementary industries, particularly the local insurance market, which is estimated to exceed AED 30 billion this year. The Bank has undertaken a high level assessment of the value that could be created over the coming few years through the acquisition, and we believe the Bank can increase income streams, enhance our market presence, and create additional value for our shareholders. We are firm believers in service excellence and therefore see potential to offer customers a more wholesome experience in the long run by extending a one-stop shop for banking and insurance.”

The acquisition is still subject to approval by the Central Bank and the Insurance Authority.

21/07/2014

Total assets stood at AED 34.5 billion growing 21.8% year-on-year and 14.7% on a year-to-date basis. Gross loans and advances stood at AED 23.9 billion, up 12.9% year-on-year and 6.9% on a year-to-date basis. Gross Islamic financing assets increased by AED 1.1 billion compared to 31 December 2013.

Customer deposits grew by AED 2.4 billion to AED 25.5 billion compared to 31 December 2013. The growth came mainly from a rise of AED 1.1 billion in conventional demand deposits, AED 687 million in call deposits and AED 467 million in savings deposits. This was offset by a decrease in conventional time deposits by AED 412 million. However, there was a healthy growth in Islamic deposits of AED 599 million over December 31, 2013.

At 700.4 million net profit for the half year ended 30 June 2014 dropped by 59.6 million over the same period last year due to more normal levels of provisions for bad debts after abnormally low numbers in the first half of 2013. However, total operating income increased by AED 156.9 million to AED 1.7 billion, an increase of 10.2% compared to the half year ended 30 June 2013. This growth was mainly due to an increase of AED 114.9 million in net interest income and income from Islamic financing, and AED 42.0 million in non-interest income, which climbed by 12.3% over the same period last year. Operating costs increased by 11.5% to AED 740.2 million compared to the same period last year mainly due to increases in employment costs.

For the quarter ended 30 June 2014 the profit was AED 365.8 million which was higher by AED 31.3 million over the quarter ended March 31, 2014, reflecting continued improved operating income over the last quarter.

Net interest income plus net profit from Islamic financing for the half year ended 30 June 2014 grew by 9.6% compared to the half year ended 30 June 2013 to AED 1.3 billion. This was a result of higher interest income on loans and investments, a reduction in the cost of deposits as the Bank focused on accumulating low cost transaction accounts, and an increase in net income from Islamic financing to AED 58.1 million in line with the growing Islamic finance portfolio which commenced operations in 2013.

The total impairment charge for the half year stood at AED 258.4 million compared to AED 118.2 million half year ended 30 June 2013. Non-performing loans were steady at 2.4% of the loan portfolio and the annualized net credit losses to average loans and advances closed at 2.2%.

“We are seeing solid growth in almost all of our lines of business and the focus for the rest of 2014 is to strongly grow the bank’s top line as the full impact of our loan pipeline continues to flow through,” said Peter England, RAKBANK Chief Executive Officer. “We are seeing exceptionally strong growth in our SME and Commercial lending, which is a major engine for growth at RAKBANK. With a strong economic outlook for the UAE, we are confident that we can continue to build on our success in the market as we look ahead to the second half of 2014. We are in a strong competitive position to increase our market share as we plan to launch innovative products and services over the next two quarters, while maintaining our focus on service quality,” added England.

During the first half of 2014, the Bank successfully issued USD 500 million bond under its USD 1 billion medium term note program, through its subsidiary RAKFunding Cayman Ltd, to take advantage of the current low-cost financing opportunities in the bond market, to proactively tackle the duration mismatch that arises from funding longer tenure loans using short-term deposits, and diversify the investor base. The note, which was issued at a discounted rate of 99.275%, matures in 2019 and carries a fixed interest rate of 3.25% per annum.

The Bank’s capital adequacy ratio as per Basel II requirement at the end of the quarter is 25.51% comprising entirely of Tier 1 capital. This is against a current minimum total capital ratio of 12% prescribed by the Central Bank in the UAE. At the end of the quarter, the regulatory liquid assets ratio was 21.4% and advances to stable resources ratio was 82%. Total shareholder’s equity totalled AED 6.4 billion including six months profit.

The Bank is currently rated by following leading rating agencies. The following ratings have remained unchanged during the half year.

16/06/2014

The National Bank of Ras Al-Khaimah P.S.C. (“RAKBANK”), rated Baa1 by Moody's and BBB+ by Fitch (both with stable outlook), successfully priced a 5-year USD 500 million bond issuance. The bond was issued at 99.275% and will pay an annual coupon of 3.250%, equivalent to 160 bps over 5-year USD Mid Swaps. The issuance marks RAKBANK’s return to the bond markets after a hiatus of almost ten years and is the first non-government issuance from the Emirate of Ras Al-Khaimah.

The success of the transaction came on the back of a focused marketing strategy aimed at reintroducing RAKBANK’s credit story to international investors and included a roadshow covering Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Singapore and London.

The strong investor demand received for the issuance, as evidenced by an orderbook of USD 1.6 billion, representing an oversubscription of over 3.2 times, allowed RAKBANK to price at 160bps over USd Mid-Swaps, which was 10bps inside the initial price guidance of 170bps over USD Mid-Swaps. The investor base captured was well diversified with banks comprising 47% of the orderbook, followed by fund managers (36%), private banks (12%) and insurance companies (5%).

RAKBANK Chief Executive Officer, Peter England, said: “We are very pleased with the success of the transaction, which highlights the confidence placed by investors in the Bank. It was important for us to take advantage of the current low-cost financing opportunities in the bond market to proactively tackle the duration mismatch that arises from funding longer tenure loans using short-term deposits, a practice common in the UAE. Furthermore, the issuance allows us to diversify our sources of funding and access a wider base of investors.”

Standard Chartered Bank and National Bank of Abu Dhabi acted as Joint Arrangers and Joint Lead Managers, with Commercial Bank International and Union National Bank as Co-Managers on this transaction.

14/06/2014

RAKBANK is proud to announce that it is the first organization to be featured on the longest outdoor advertisement hoarding in the UAE. The hoarding extends for half a mile (800 meters) on the Sheikh Zayed Road that connects Dubai to Abu Dhabi and occupies a total area of 9,600 square meters. 

“All motorists will catch a glimpse of the stretched hoarding which is almost the horizontal length of the iconic Burj Khalifa”, said Banali Malhotra, RAKBANK Head of Marketing. “By acquiring this premium advertising space on one of the most prominent roads in the UAE, the Bank aims to add visibility to the brand across emirates,” added Malhotra. 

RAKBANK partnered with Capital Group to acquire this advertising space. From his end, Chairman of Capital Group, Manoj Bhojwani, said: “RAKBANK has been instrumental in our business growth over the years. We are happy to feature RAKBANK on our latest media innovation in the UAE, which is in line with our objective to provide our valued clients with far-reaching ways to showcase their brand in full limelight.” 

Be it the RAKBANK unipole at the start of Al Garhoud Bridge, branding bus shelters, placing bridge banners, hoardings and mupis around town, or being the first to advertise on Abu Dhabi taxis, RAKBANK has always been a trendsetter when it came to outdoor advertising. It is a strong believer in the power of the medium to build brand recall. 

So if you are driving on Sheikh Zayed Road that connects Dubai to Abu Dhabi, you are sure to lay your eyes for almost 30 seconds on the longest outdoor advertisement in the UAE. Alternatively, you can click on the following link to view video of the hoarding: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfumAxkAr3U. 

11/06/2014

RAKBANK is pleased to announce that it is offering a brand new Toyota Corolla car to one RAKvalue customer this coming August. Running until July 31st, the Bank promotion automatically enters Account holders, Card holders, and SME customers who have signed up for RAKvalue into the draw. 

This is the second time that the Bank runs the RAKvalue promotion. Sreeraj Raju was the lucky winner who drove off with a Toyota Corolla after winning in the first RAKvalue promotion that ran during the months of March and April. “The aim of the RAKvalue prize campaign,” explained Banali Malhotra, RAKBANK Head of Marketing, “is to reach more customers and highlight the added value attached to this service.” 

Ian Hodges, RAKBANK Head of Personal Banking, added: “According to customer feedback since its launch two years ago, RAKvalue is a cost-saving solution for many. It allows our Account, Card and SME customers to pay a flat monthly fee and receive a collection of banking, complimentary insurance, and lifestyle deals that they require on a regular basis.”

Starting from AED 50 a month, RAKvalue entitles Account holders to one free international remittance per month, free monthly chequebook, up to five free non-bank local ATM withdrawals per month, a free prepaid card, and much more depending on the selected tier. As for Credit Card holders, RAKValue’s choice of Executive or Premium packages offer customers one free international remittance per month, one free duplicate statement per month, and one free Credit Card cheque per year, plus one free cheque collection service from home for Premium holders. SME customers on the other hand can benefit from four free international remittances per month, a preferential buying/selling rate on USD, a free manager’s cheque or demand draft issuance per month, and more. 

Complimentary insurance benefits for Account, Credit Card holders, and SME Account holders include Life Insurance, Secure Wallet, Travel Insurance, and Motor Insurance discount. In addition, customers receive free local roadside assistance and concierge services. RAKvalue also provides complimentary non-banking benefits exclusive to RAKvalue customers which include dining, shopping and lifestyle vouchers through RAKBANKdeals.ae. 

For those who prefer Islamic Banking solutions, RAKBANK AMAL offers RAKvalue to individual and SME Account holders through AMAL Current, AMAL Savings and AMAL Jood Account plus a collection of Takaful and Lifestyle benefits for a nominal recurring fee. 

Please click here to learn more about RAKvalue 

About RAKBANK

RAKBANK, also known as the National Bank of Ras Al-Khaimah, is a leading retail and small to medium business bank in the UAE, serving over 700,000 customers. Founded in 1976, the Bank is one of the country’s oldest local financial institutions and today one of its fastest growing and most dynamic banks. According to The Banker's Top 100 Bank Rankings for 2013, RAKBANK is the 1^st in the Arab World by Return on Assets and 5^th in the Arab World by Return on Capital.

RAKBANK offers a wide range of personal and business banking services, as well as Islamic Banking solutions via RAKBANK AMAL, throughout its 34 branches, and its Telephone, Online, and Mobile banking channels.

08/06/2014

RAKBANK is pleased to announce that it will be conducting a series of fixed income investor meetings in the Middle East, Asia and Europe commencing on 11 June 2014 under its USD 1 billion Euro Medium Term Note (EMTN) Programme. The National Bank of Abu Dhabi PJSC and Standard Chartered Bank will be arranging meetings on RAKBANK’s behalf. The bonds will be issued by a special purpose vehicle (SPV) RAKFUNDING Cayman Ltd. incorporated in the Cayman Islands and guaranteed by RAKBANK. The Programme will be listed on the Irish Stock Exchange. A benchmark Regulation S USD bond offering may follow subject to market conditions. FCA/ICMA stabilization applies.

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About RAKBANK

RAKBANK, also known as the National Bank of Ras Al-Khaimah, is a leading retail and small to medium business bank in the UAE, serving over 700,000 customers. Founded in 1976, the Bank is one of the country’s oldest local financial institutions and today one of its fastest growing and most dynamic banks. According to The Banker's Top 100 Bank Rankings for 2013, RAKBANK is the 1st in the Arab World by Return on Assets and 5th in the Arab World by Return on Capital.

RAKBANK offers a wide range of personal and business banking services, as well as Islamic Banking solutions via RAKBANK AMAL, throughout its 34 branches, and its Telephone, Online, and Mobile banking channels.