Al-Ghunaim: Global has achieved in 10 years what requires 25 years

From an entrepreneurial $50m company to a company with a market capitalization exceeding $5.4bn, Global is today one of the largest investment banks in the region. The company has faced a lot of challenges during these ten years and was capable to record outstanding achievements year after year.

Mrs. Maha Al-Ghunaim, Chairperson & Managing Director commented:

"Since the company's establishment in 1998, the team has worked very hard to create a difference and add value to the regional financial industry."

She added, "25 years of achievements were condensed into 10 years by Global as we simply aim to be the best. From our excellent products and services to our wide geographic expansion into 16 countries and listing the company stocks on four different stock markets (Kuwait, Bahrain, Dubai and London Stock Exchanges), we have certainly led Global on a path to continuous success."

It is worth mentioning that Global is the first Kuwaiti company to be listed on the London Stock Exchange through issuing Global Depository Receipts (GDR's) by successfully raising $1.15bn.

Al-Ghunaim added, "We have succeeded to make Global Investment House a brand name that reflects professionalism, creativity, know how and wealth creation. Global has been recognized as one of the most powerful brands in the region by Superbrands, an entity that monitors and recognizes brands in over 56 countries."

Global's achievements have not gone unnoticed. Global has been highly recognized and appreciated by a number of local, regional, and international parties on the corporate, product, and management level. On the corporate level, it was named "Best Equity House in Kuwait" for consecutive years by Euromoney, "Best Investment Bank in Kuwait" for 2008 by Asiamoney, best investment house and best real estate investment house by Islamic Finance Real Este in addition to Gulf Excellence award.

On the product level, Global 10 Large Cap Index Fund was awarded by Lipper for 2007 and 2008 and Global Buyout fund was awarded best private equity fund by Terrapin. In addition, several hedge funds managed by Global were ranked amongst the world's top best by Eurekahedge and Barclays.

On the management level, Mrs. Maha Al-Ghunaim received a lot of awards and recognitions on of which being ranked amongst the most 100 powerful women in the world and the most powerful in the Arab world by Forbes International for two consecutive years. In addition, she received awards and recognitions for her contribution to the financial industry from the Italian state, Rimini chamber of Commerce, Forbes Arabia, Arabia Business, Bankers Middle East, Financial Times, and Newsweek Arabia.

Global's success story would not have been made possible without the strong team of hard working and diligent professionals that made Global what it is today. Mrs. Al-Ghunaim said, "Each and every individual working at Global has contributed to making Global a success story, therefore, every employee is an important asset to this company."

Global has been reporting excellent financial results year on year, clearly outperforming itself and its pears in the region. "We have created good wealth for our shareholders and in specific the establishing shareholders who have recorded almost 50 multiples on their initial investments" Al-Ghunaim commented.

"To exceed our clients' expectations" is what Global promises its regional and international client-base of over 6500 clients. Global has maintained and built strong and long lasting relationships with financial and non-financial institutions worldwide. These distinguished relationships with clients, business partners, shareholders, and staff are based solely on trust and professionalism leading to superior service and returns to all parties involved.

Our client base grows continuously and 70% of them have invested in one or more of Global's managed funds. This portrays the diversity of Global's products and their ability to meet the widely varied investment objectives and financial needs of our clients.

Mrs. Al-Ghunaim stressed that "What makes us unique at Global, is our integrated business model that revolves around five pillars. These five pillars are Investment Banking, Asset Management, Principle Investments, Real Estate and Brokerage."

Today Global manages $9.5bn for its clients through portfolios and its 38 investment funds comprising of multiple investment strategies and objectives. Our investment funds have achieved excellent performances exceeding their respective benchmarks and their pears. A number of our funds have won regional and international awards and recognitions.

Global also believes in giving back to society. Global has a strong corporate social responsibility to the community at large. From events and sponsorships to research, Global plays a vital role in giving back to the community and believes in the young generation and wants them to prosper.

To further prove its commitment to the investment community, Global was the first company in the Middle East to produce in-depth research reports on a regular basis. These second to non research reports revolve around topics ranging from equity research to country reports and have been recognized as one of the best in the region by Euromoney. The community at large benefits from such reports as they enhance their understanding of the financial world.

Mrs. Al-Ghunaim concluded by saying, "I wish our Shareholders, clients and employees a Happy 10th Anniversary which was full of challenges and achievements and assure them that the success story will continue in the years to come through innovation, commitment, and hard work."