H.E. Riad Salameh, Governor of the Central Bank of Lebanon

Exlusive interview with the Governor of Banque du Liban (Central Bank of Lebanon) about the monetary policy and vision for 2012.

Saad Azhari, Chairman and GM of Blom Bank

Despite the regional situation, banking sector in Lebanon performed well in 2011. 2012 started off very well for the banking sector in Lebanon; the banks are growing, says Mr. Azhari. Blom Bank enjoys the best return on equity, the best return on asset, the lowest cost to income etc. Blom Bank has recently received an award Best Bank in Lebanon for 2012.

Dr. Makram Sader, Secretary General of Association of Banks in Lebanon

Lebanese banks and the banking industry in Lebanon is performing quite well despite the ongoing conflict in the neighbouring Syria. Dr. Sader expects the banking activities in Lebanon should reach 7% growth in 2012 but the growth in profits will be slower.

Lebanon Banking, Central Bank of Lebanon, Governor, Riad Salameh

"We’re going to maintain the model on which we have worked because this model is guaranteeing low leverage in our banking sector. "

Top Bank in the Middle East, BankMed, Chairman, Mohammed Hariri

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My aim is to increase our equity, which has doubled since 2005.  Also, I would like to double our assets and be a leader in the strategic business lines we have targeted.  We are considering opening up our capital to outsiders but this is in the very early stages of planning.  Further, we would like to consolidate our banking operations which are currently split across the region.

Lebanon Banking, President of the Association of Lebanon and Chairman of Credit Libanais, Dr. Joseph Torbey

The Lebanon banking sector has grown markedly over the last years with total assets nearing $120 billion as at the end of the first quarter of 2010, customer deposits exceeding the $99 billion mark and loans to the private sector firming at $25.79 billion.

Largest Bank in Lebanon, Bank Audi, CFO and Strategy Director, Dr. Freddie Baz

Bank Audi want to be present in a big number of markets as a major regional player.  We have proven our capacity to grow organically but we have also proven our interest and aptitude for inorganic growth through our track record with acquisitions and our capability to generate quick synergies.

Lebanon Banking, Arab Bank, Country Manager, Nadim Ghantous

For the past few years we had a different strategy to be closer to our clients and give them access to our global network and we also offer very competitive pricing compared to the other players in Lebanon.

Lebanon Banking, Association of Banks in Lebanon, Secretary General, Dr. Makram Sader

I would like to see increased economic real absorption capacity to process properly the in flows of capital to Lebanon not just being obliged to sterilize deposits coming into Lebanon banking sector.

Leading Banks in Lebanon, Blom Bank, Chairman and GM, Saad Azhari

We are expanding in the region but we haven’t covered the entire area yet.  We believe we have what it takes to be the leader in the Arab world to service both the Lebanese client and also the local customers in other Arab countries.  We replicate our success in Lebanon in the countries we expand into and this strategy is a large component in our recipe for success.