KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Nazir Razak, the Group Chief Executive of CIMB Group, received the "Euromoney Award for Outstanding Contribution" to Asian financial markets.

"The Award recognized Nazir’s achievements over the course of his tenure at CIMB Group, both in terms of building one of Asia’s leading banking groups and in CIMB’s role in developing Malaysia’s banking and capital markets," CIMB said in a statement.
Nazir said he was honored to be awarded by the leading financial magazine and stand alongside the excellent international bankers that have previously received this award.

"My gratitude goes to the thousands of staff, past and present, who have worked the CIMB cause with me; in Malaysia, in ASEAN and beyond.

"Our strategic direction, approach and perseverance are further vindicated by this prestigious award. We march on from here even more confidently," he was quoted as saying in the statement.

Euromoney Editor Clive Horwood said Nazir has driven what was undoubtedly one of the runaway success stories of South East Asian markets.

"Over the past year CIMB, the bank he leads, has reinforced its acclaimed credentials by posting strong growth across the board in deposits, mortgages, personal financing wealth management, credit cards and several other areas," he said.

The previous recipients of the award include Vikram Pandit, Citigroup Chief Executive Officer, former Deutsche Bank Chief Executive Officer Josef Ackermanand and Banco Itau of Brazil Chief Executive Officer Roberto Setubal.

In addition to the award for Nazir, the CIMB Group also won the 2012 Euromoney Awards for Malaysia’s Best Bank and Malaysia’s Best Investment Bank.

CIMB Group has won the best bank award for three consecutive years and the best investment bank award for six consecutive years - the first time this feat has been achieved anywhere in the world, according to Euromoney.

"Defending is always tougher than winning, so we are absolutely delighted to retain both awards yet again," Nazir added.


- Bernama