Event to strengthen ties between lebanon and UK banking communities

In recent years, Lebanon has enjoyed positive transformation in its banking industry, coming through the recession relatively unscathed and now focused on reclaiming its position as the key Middle Eastern banking hub. A tighter regulatory regime together with a growing number of banks has led to the Lebanese banking industry leading the fast growth Lebanese economy. With 66 independent banks and a population of just over 4 million people, the Banking sector in Lebanon currently employs 20,000 individuals in 780 branches and manages the equivalent of $90bn in assets nationwide1.

To mark this fast growth transformation, the Arab Bankers Association is hosting an event in on November 10th to showcase the Lebanese banking community and its strategic expansion into Europe, MENA and beyond. Eminent speakers from both Lebanon and the UK will discuss how Lebanon's financial strength and future expansion goals highlight the investment potential available in Lebanon's national banking industry, and present an opportunity to UK banks for reciprocal investment and strengthened ties.

Speakers include:


· Riad Salame, Governor of the Central Bank of Lebanon

· Dr. Joseph Torbey, chairman of the Association of Banks in Lebanon

· Ussama Mikdashi, President of the Lebanons Banking Control Commission

· Angela Knight CBE, Chief Executive, British Bankers' Association

· The Rt. Hon. Lord David Howell of Guildford, Minister of State (Foreign & Commonwealth Office)

· Lady Olga Maitland, CEO, Money Transfer International

George Kanaan, CEO of the Arab Bankers Association, commented:

"The Lebanese banking sector has created a blueprint showing how sound regulation, strong leadership and structure can withstand global financial instability. In our position, as a mouth piece for Middle East banking sector, we are eager to highlight this and offer the Lebanese banking sector an opportunity to engage with London, the financial centre of the world. With so many high profile and influential speakers, the day promises to be of great interest and an ideal platform for the UK and Lebanese banking sectors to create closer ties. We are extremely excited about the event and firmly believe it is a strong platform for the Lebanese Banking sector to showcase its financial strength and future expansion goals, whilst highlighting the investment potential available in Lebanon's national banking industry."