May 20, 2006
Shamil Bank ‘Reaches Out’ To Customers In Bahrain With Launch Of Unique Mobile Banking Programme

New “Shamil ReachOut” Programme Takes Banking to Your Doorsteps

Shamil Bank, a leading Bahrain-based Islamic commercial and investment bank, has announced the launch of an unprecedented banking programme to residents throughout the Kingdom. “Shamil ReachOut,” the Kingdom’s first and only mobile banking service, boasts a fleet of six specially branded vehicles providing door to door service to customers five days a week between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

“Shamil ReachOut,” officially launched for business as of May 14, takes consumer finance, account establishment and credit card services to customers’ doorsteps, with Call Centre agents able to take inquiries by telephone and dispatch specially trained representatives almost instantaneously. An additional special consideration has been taken for women, with female representatives on hand at all operating times to answer banking inquiries specifically for women and deliver door to door services.

Tariq Bahar, Head of Retail Banking, Shamil Bank said, “We are thrilled with our latest service launch in the Kingdom, especially since it is a first! ‘Shamil ReachOut’ represents our underlying commitment to existing and potential customers throughout the Kingdom. Premium customer service, innovation, and a wide array of services are all important in choosing a bank in today’s world.”

He added, “At Shamil Bank, we work diligently to offer our customers Sharia’a-compliant products and services not available elsewhere, and we do it with their convenience in mind. We are proud to be an innovator in the field of Islamic banking in the Kingdom of Bahrain.“

Shamil Bank has a history of ’firsts’ in the Kingdom. They were the first to launch SMS banking in Bahrain, and one of the first Islamic Banks region-wide to launch both electronic and telephone banking services. Another first for Shamil Bank came in 2002, when they launched an exclusively branded Islamic credit card ‘Al-Rubban’.

Bahar, went on to say, “We are constantly looking for ways to cater to our diverse range of retail banking customers, and after analysing the market, we realised there was a need for this unique door to door service. Since retail banking is widely considered to be a formal process, and since many individuals are extremely busy during working hours, we set out to create a convenient and effective way for these customers to do business with us in an informal and comfortable setting.”

He concluded, “Retail banking is often the main interaction point a consumer has with a bank on a day to day level. Shamil Bank’s commitment to exemplary customer service and a product range that fits the needs of our customers, across the board, is something we take great pride in. We are confident that our “Shamil ReachOut” programme will add additional value to customers throughout the Kingdom, meeting their diverse financial needs while conforming to Islamic principles.”

Shamil Bank, established in 1982 in Bahrain, offers a wide range of products and services, including “Shamil ReachOut,” regulated by the Bank’s Sharia’a Board. Shamil Bank offers seven branches throughout the Kingdom, with an extensive network of onsite and offsite ATMs, and convenient internet banking available. Shamil Bank also offers a variety of financing products, all structured using the acceptable Islamic modes of Morabaha, Tawarruq, Istisna, Ijara and Salam.

For more information on “Shamil ReachOut,” or to take advantage of the programme, customers may call the Shamil Bank call centre at 17878777