Tribune News Network
Doha
QNB Group, the largest financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, held its Ordinary and Extraordinary General Assembly Meetings on Sunday to discuss key achievements in 2021 and the business plan for 2022.
The General Assembly approved the Group’s audited financial statements for 2021 and a recommendation by the Board of Directors to distribute a cash dividend of 55 percent of the nominal share value representing QR 0.55 per share.
The General Assembly also approved the appointment of KPMG as External Auditors for 2022. Addressing the meeting, QNB Group Chairman HE Ali Ahmed Al Kuwari presented an overview of the Group’s activities and financial results for 2021 and shared the action plan for 2022.
The chairman said, "Following a year that had disrupted the globe in an unprecedented manner, 2021 was a period of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic with a shift to positive sentiment and momentum.
"The year started with the launch of mass vaccination campaigns that allowed restrictions to be eased. This, along with strong policy support, led to a macro-economic rebound and growth, with the recovery of global GDP by 5.9 percent.’’
Kuwari said, "I am proud that QNB Group has been able to overcome the challenges the pandemic brought and we will need to adopt the new normal throughout our institution. Coupled with the breadth of our banking experience, this allows us to maintain and continue the long-standing commitment to our stakeholders with the purpose of promoting prosperity and sustainable growth across the markets we serve.
"This new normal also led us to revisit and review our corporate strategy. We developed a new five-year plan which again affirms our aspiration to be a leading Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia (MEASEA) bank while maintaining our number one ranking in the Middle East and Africa (MEA).’’
QNB Group delivered record financial results for 2021 with net profit reaching QR13.2 billion, up by 10 percent compared to the same period last year. Total assets increased by 7 percent to reach QR1,093 billion.
Proud to be the Official Middle East and Africa Supporter of the FIFA World Cup 2022™, QNB Group extends through its subsidiaries and associate companies to more than 31 countries across three continents providing a comprehensive range of advanced products and services.
The total number of employees is 27,000 operating through 1,000 locations, with an ATM network of more than 4,500 machines.