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HBL: Moves in the new direction
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The brilliant performance shown by majority of the
staff reflects the desired results of these efforts
By Shujat Ali Baig
Aug 27 - Sep 02, 2001
It is a known fact that the Habib Bank Limited (HBL)
is one of the largest and the oldest financial institutions both in the
public as well as in the private sector of Pakistan.
Traditionally, it provides financial services to all
segments of the national economy within and outside Pakistan. With a
revamp customer oriented philosophy, the Habib Bank is pursuing the new
avenues of leadership through innovation and automation in customer
services. The direction given to the staff by the leadership in the
management is to gear up the efforts to face the challenges to bring new
heights of professionalism in the banking system.
Social responsibility
Fresh air is also blowing in the Public Relation
Division of HBL that believes in effective rapport with the general
public by communicating the policies and schemes of the bank through
print and electronic media. Besides maintaining close relationship with
the media, the publicity division of HBL is also leaves no stone
unturned to render all possible assistance to the visiting dignitaries
and delegations from abroad.
HBL believes in serving the nation and building the
country's economy on sound footings. The HBL is also on its forefronts
to support and appreciate the efforts being done for the noble causes
and promote social and cultural activities in the country. In this
direction, the public relation division sponsors various social,
cultural and sports events to generate healthy activities in the
society. It also organizes religious programmes to enhance social, human
and religious values and traditions of our society. The division also
represents the bank at important fora to exchange views on national and
international issues with various organizations to boost the
intellectual activities.
Human resource development
At every stage and level right from selection to
advancement, the bank has designed a consistent system of human resource
development based on result oriented objectives. The brilliant
performance shown by majority of the staff reflects the desired results
of these efforts. The team spirit generated by the training division to
the staff has started showing positive signs and a concerted and unified
force has been developed within ranks and files of the bank to offer the
best possible services to the valued customers. These efforts have
brought success stories to the credit of Habib Bank. As a result of
concerted efforts the HBL has succeeded in making substantial increase
in the import forward booking volume. It also registered an increase in
export bill discounting volume. These efforts also enabled the bank to
increase in monthly treasury profits that directly contribute towards
the profitability of the bank. An improved communication between the
branches and dealing room accompanied by increased customer interaction
with treasury is also the part of the improved performance of the bank.
HBL has succeeded to place itself in a position where its Treasury is
considered as market maker. Most of the small local banks use HBL's rate
sheet as their benchmark.
Having its presence in 26 countries abroad, the Habib
Bank has positioned itself as a provider of Trade Finance services and
short-term finances. Although this positioning is not new, the idea had
to be reinforced. It must be mentioned that before the incorporation of
the new local banks in the early 90's HBL had 25 to 30 per cent of
Pakistan's Trade Finance Market share that has now dropped to 16 per
cent. The management of HBL has taken stock of the situation and has
initiated a focused approach towards regaining the lost market share.
With presence in 26 countries, the senior management emphasized
utilizing its vast linkages for achieving the desired results in so far
as Trade Finance is concerned.
In the nutshell, the forum gave a chance to all
country managers to develop and redefine strategies and bring them in
line with the overall objectives of the bank. The International Strategy
Conference organized by HBL at Muscat last year was the part of that
effort to develop and implement business plans that recognize the ground
realities but at the same time incorporate a stretch component so that
the Bank can regain its pre-eminent position in the emerging market.
Information Technology
In order to keep pace with changes swiftly taking
place around the world, the HBL has embarked upon an ambitious plan for
automation to have competitive edge over competing banks. An uphill
task, it started in full swing and tempo which is unprecedented in the
history of HBL. The team of I.T professionals has almost hit the goals
set by the management and showing positive and encouraging results. The
computer division is providing technical support both for hardware and
software to branches and other offices at the region or Head Office
level throughout the country to ensure trouble-free operations of the
Bank.
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