HE Mr. Raymond Audi, Chairman – General Manager of Bank Audi sal and the Audi Foundation, received the “Banker of the Year Award for Distinguished Service to Arab Banking” at the annual gala dinner of the Arab Bankers Association which was held in the Jumairah Carlton Tower Hotel in London’s Knightsbridge on November 19, 2014.

The event was attended by over 250 senior financial professionals from the Arab banking and financial industry in London, Europe and the Middle East.

The keynote speaker was Baroness Warsi, a former Senior Minister in the British government and the first muslim woman to sit in the British cabinet. She was introduced by Lady Olga Maitland, a former Member of Parliament and the Chairperson of the Defence and Security Forum. 

Presenting the award, Mr. George Kanaan, Chief Executive Officer of the Arab Bankers Association, praised Mr. Audi’s contribution to Bank Audi and to the Lebanese banking sector, as well as his work as a philanthropist and patron of the arts.

“HE Mr. Raymond Audi is one of the lions of the Arab banking industry, but his influence extends far beyond banking. As President of the Audi Foundation, he has led the restoration and preservation of part of Lebanon’s heritage, and has worked tirelessly to support Middle Eastern artists and enhance access to art in the region.” He added: “We are delighted to honour Mr. Audi, a great banker and philanthropist, and one of the pillars of Arab banking. We wish him and Bank Audi continuous success.” 

As for HE Mr. Raymond Audi, he expressed his honour to be recognised by the Association which officially represents all Arab banking institutions. He pointed to the fact that the achievements he has been recognised for could not have been realised without his staff team who has always demonstrated firm loyalty and exemplary dedication, and the Bank’s customers who have shown strong confidence in it. He added: “This acknowledgment makes me even prouder to head the leading bank in Lebanon and to contribute to encouraging the blooming of cultural, artistic and natural heritage in Lebanon.”