BBK excels in digital investors relations and ranks 5th in Middle East region

The winners of the KWD Webranking Survey 2012 were announced during a seminar entitled 'Success in Digital Investor Relations' which was held in partnership with the Qatar Exchange at the St. Regis Doha in Qatar, on Monday 3rd December 2012.

The survey is held annually and aims at assessing corporate websites of the largest listed companies in the Middle East and how they address the online information needs of the capital market.

It shows that an increasing number of companies are turning to online channels to communicate with shareholders, disclosing more in their websites including financials, corporate governance, CSR initiatives and company news.

Commenting on this occasion, BBK Chief Executive Mr. Abdulkarim Bucheeri, said, "We are proud of our ranking in the M:Communications / KWD Webranking Middle East survey and we are pleased to have won 1st position amongst Bahrain listed banking institutions. This is a key accomplishment for BBK which vividly reflects our pioneering position in providing the latest technologies and our constant desire to strive to provide superior services to our customer base through our website."

The Bank has an open policy on communication with its stakeholders and has adopted a communication disclosure policy consistent with Basel II requirements. It provides information on all events that merit announcement, either on its website bbkonline.com or through other forms of publication.

The Bank's annual report and three years financial statements are also published on the website, as well as the Bank's Corporate Governance report, Corporate Governance Framework, Whistle Blowing policy, Board Charter, Code of Conduct, Key Persons' dealing policy and Terms of Reference of all Board Committees. Shareholders can complete an online form which can be found on the website to forward any queries they may have.

"Corporate websites have become the first stop for anyone seeking information about a specific company," said Nicholas Lunt, Managing Director of M: Communications, the company that conducts the survey in the region each year. "Listed companies today are compelled to use online channels, including social media, to tell their story and communicate their investment case beyond simply reporting the numbers - it is the most direct route to reach their target audiences and the most cost-effective way of attracting investors," he added.

"The top ten best performing Middle Eastern companies this year are increasingly making use of more advanced methods to engage with key audiences," said Phil Marchant, Managing Director (UK) of KW Digital, M:Communications' sister company and one of the world's leading digital IR consultancies. "Many are now actively using social media outlets such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn to talk about their latest financial report, CSR campaigns, corporate events and general news about the company," he added.

BBK not only strives to provide superior banking products and services to its valued customers whether individuals, companies or investors but also to offer them the highest levels of safety and convenience to manage their financial needs with the least effort possible.

Its e-banking solutions which provide new generation services through its user friendly award winning website www.bbkonline.com has kept BBK at the forefront and maintain its pioneering position.