2019...issue nº15 2019 outreach to members • partnerships on belt & road initiative:...
TRANSCRIPT
issueNº152019
Outreach to Members • Partnerships on Belt & Road Initiative: Fransabank Group Seminar in Belarus• Fransabank Hosts the First China Arab Banking and Business Forum
International Recognition• Union of Arab Banks Honors Adnan and Adel Kassar with the “Golden Medal of Achievement Award” at the International Arab Banking Summit in Paris
Business Development• Fransabank issued the first green bonds to support green financing in Lebanon• Fransabank Conducts Workshops with Industrialists:Green sells always more and better
• Fransabank Signs a Collaboration Agreement with ORACLE and TECHLOGIX • Fransabank launches the first biometric card in the Levant• Fransabank and Vitas donation ceremony as part of Microloans Programs
The Citizen Bank• Fransabank Champions Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 Raising Awareness about Climate Change
• Fransabank Supports the Youth and Launches Educational and Training Initiativesfor School and University Students during the Global Money Week
• Fransabank Honors 180 students in an Educational Competition: "Talents for Lebanon"
• Fransabank Participates in Promoting Rural Tourism and Launches a patriotic Initiative:“Bkassine” the Most Favored Village!
• Fransabank’s Devotion to Community• Fransabank, a Main Sponsor at Various Summer 2018 Festivals
Our People, our Assets• Fransabank’s Annual Gathering Ceremony • Fransabank Wins the Super Cup 2018• Fransabank Corporate Volunteerism Day “Offering children a brighter future!”• Fransabank’s Holiday Gathering
issueNº152019
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CONTENTS
06
Outrea
ch to M
ember
s• Partnerships on Belt &
Road Initiative: Fransabank Group Sem
inar in Belarus
• Fransabank chosen as founding mem
ber of the China – Arab Countries Interbank Association
• Chinese State Leader Visited Fransabank during a high-level official visit to Lebanon
• Fransabank spurs the organization of the first Chinamex Medical Exhibition in Beirut
• Fransabank participates in the first China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai-China
• Fransabank Hosts the First China Arab Banking and Business Forum
15
Loca
l Rea
ch• Fransabank expands in a New
Branch in Beirut to shorten the distance!
12Intern
ational R
ecognition
• Union of Arab Banks Honors Adnan and Adel Kassar with the “Golden Medal
of Achievement Award”at the International Arab Banking Sum
mit in Paris
• Fransabank awarded for excellent partnership in international trade with Com
merzbank
04
Letter
to the Rea
der
16
Busines
s Dev
elopm
ent
• Fransabank issued the first green bonds to support green financing in Lebanon
• Fransabank Conducts Workshops with Industrialists: G
reen sells always more and better
• Fransabank Signs a Collaboration Agreement with ORACL
E and TECH
LOGIX
to Im
plem
ent State-of-the-Art Technology for Anti-Money Laundering and Compliance Standards
• Fransabank is a Major Sponsor in Lebanon Investment in Infrastructure Conference
• Mastercard celebrates with Fransabank to mark a quarter of a century of successful partnership
• Fransabank launches the first biom
etric card in the Levant
• Fransabank alongside its clients to overcom
e a challenging econom
ic environment
• Fransabank and Vitas donation ceremony as part of Microloans Program
s• Fransabank and e-EcoSolutions organize the Green Schools Conference
under the them
e: “Solutions to Reduce your Costs”
38
Our Pe
ople, O
ur Assets
• Fransabank’s Annual G
athering Cerem
ony
• Fransabank is the Winner in the Finals of the BDL Banks Basketball League 2018
• Fransabank Wins in the Finals of the Syndicate of E
mployees of Banks
in Lebanon (SEB
L) Banks Basketball League 2018
• Fransabank Wins the SU
PER
CUP 2018
• Fransabank Basketball Team made it to the Sem
i – Final 2018 in Serbia!
• Fransabank Corporate Volunteerism Day “Offering children a brighter future!”
• Unforgettable Weekend in Arnaoun, N
orth Lebanon
• Fransabank’s Holiday Gathering
• Fransabank’s “Hum
an-Centered” Philosophy towards Productivity and Happiness26
The Citizen
Ban
k• Fransabank Champions Sustainable Development G
oal (SD
G) 13
Raising Awareness about Clim
ate Change
• Fransabank attends the Multi-Stakeholder Forum in Grand Serail
and receives a token of Appreciation as a national Goal Leader
• Fransabank sponsors and participates in the International B
eirut Energy Forum
• Fransabank Supports the Youth and Launches Educational and Training Initiatives
for School and University Students during the Global M
oney Week
• Fransabank Honors 180 students in an Educational Com
petition: "Talents for Lebanon"
• Fransabank spreads financial literacy to the youth of Lebanon
• Fransabank Participates in Promoting Rural Tourism
and Launches a patriotic Initiative:
“Bkassine” the Most Favored Village!
• Fransabank Funds “the em
ergency program” launched by Lebanese Arm
y and the Society
for Roads for Life Launch
• Fransabank’s Devotion to Com
munity
• Fransabank Spreads the Spirit of the Holiday Season
• Fransabank, a Main Sponsor at Various Sum
mer 2018 Festivals
Letter to the Reader
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Dear Valued Reader,
The year 2018 was highly active for Fransabank,whether in terms of corporate events, multi-dimensional initiatives and key achievementswhich we cover in this issue 15 of FB Angle, theBank’s annual magazine, along with a particularemphasis on our bank being a leader in corporatesocial responsibility.
In this vein, the issue highlights our bank’sstrategic investment in our relations with China,envisioning Lebanon as a logistics, commercialand business hub for China in this part of theworld, and aiming at placing Lebanon within thenew revived Silk Road strategy.
The issue also illustrates Fransabank’s leadingpresence in the global financial services market,receiving an award for excellent partnership ininternational trade from Commerzbank, and itshowcases the Union of Arab Banks "GoldenMedal of Achievement Award”, in recognition ofFransabank Chairman and Vice ChairmanMessrs. Adnan and Adel Kassar’s six-decades ofnotable achievements in safeguarding theLebanese banking, trade and economic sectors.
Aside from international recognitions, the issuecovers Fransabank’s business developmentsuccess by consistently bringing in new businessopportunities. In 2018, the Bank continued tocreate long-term value with our customers andin various markets. In this context, this issuehighlights the issuance of the first Green Bond byFransabank to support green financing inLebanon, the signing of a CollaborationAgreement with ORACLE and TECHLOGIX toImplement State-of-the-Art Technology forAnti-Money Laundering and ComplianceStandards, as well as signing with PROPARCO, aCredit Line for USD 18 million to be exclusivelyused to help our corporate and SME clients inmeeting their financial needs in a challengingregional economic environment. Such initiatives,amongst others, demonstrate Fransabank as awell-established and recognized leader in drivingeconomic development and promoting socialprosperity. In light of that, we will continue tothrive for meaningful, long-term, sustainable
initiatives that are very likely to produce addedvalue to our shareholders, customers, employees,and society at large.
This issue, moreover, sheds light on Fransabankas a financial and banking institution succeedingin a fast-paced technological revolution, innovationand technology, and building on them as keyelements in our domestic payment system, aswell as in the Bank's overall business strategy.
As a citizen Bank, on the other hand, and in anincredibly competitive marketplace, weacknowledge our community at the heart of ourbusiness. We pride ourselves on our customerservice-centric strategy along with a wide-ranging expertise, varied product/service offering,as well as a service-minded attitude. The trustour clients place in us is inspiring to live up toour responsibility of delivering excellent results.Therefore, we have developed our corporatesocial responsibility to further evidence ourcommitment to implement and adopt an overall,integrated approach, comprising all the businesslines to consolidate our social responsibilityculture of the various entities of our Group.
The progress we made in 2018 with all theachievements and successes, provides a firmfoundation to maintain our Bank on the path ofcontinuous growth and meaningful value to ourcommunities. Looking ahead to 2019, we havepromising expectations.
Every day, we are making progress toward ourgoals and proving ourselves as a bank whichenables growth in the economy, serves society,and creates a positive impact for our clients, ourpeople, the communities we serve and for all ourstakeholders. We here extend our appreciation tothe loyalty of our clients and to the tirelessefforts of our staffs, as well as to all thecontributors of this issue.
Have a great reading.
Fransabank Family
Outreach to Members
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As the first Arab businessmen trading with the new China, Chairman Adnan Kassar and ViceChairman Adel Kassar of Fransabank Group, continued their over half century of effort to buildingand strengthening ties between China and Lebanon. Under the guidance of both chairmen,Fransabank became the first bank in MENA region with a China Desk team dedicated to serve businesswith China.
In 2018, Fransabank Group extended its China Desk activities from promoting banking services topromoting the country of Lebanon as the key hub for Chinese companies on the Belt and RoadInitiative, showing the social responsibility of the 3rd largest banking group in this country.
Fransabank Chosen as Founding Member of the China - Arab Countries Interbank Association
On July 12th, Fransabank Groupattended, as a founding member,the establishment ceremony ofthe China – Arab CountriesInterbank Association (CACIA)and its first Council meeting, inBeijing.
As China's largest foreigninvestment and f inancingcooperative bank, CDB hasplayed an active role in China-Arab pragmatic cooperation. Upto now, CDB's loan balance inEgypt, Oman, United ArabEmirates, Kuwait, Saudi Arabiaand other Arab countries hasreached nearly 8.5 billion USdollars, supporting a number ofkey projects in the petrochemical,power, telecommunications,finance and other fields.
CDB announced at the meetingthat it will further increase itssupport through this associationproviding the first phase of theUS$3 billion special loan forChina-Arab financial cooperationand the US$10 billion reconstructionand industrial revitalization loan.
Chinese President Xi Jinping announced at the opening ceremony of the 8th Ministerial Conference of theChina-Arab Cooperation Forum, held in Beijing on the 10th of July 2018, that China will set up a" China – Arab Countries Interbank Association " with a special loan of US$3 billion in financialcooperation.
Mr. Nadim Kassar with China Development Bank and other founding members of the China-ArabCountries InterBank Association
Mr. Nadim Kassar signing the agreement tojoin the China-Arab Countries InterBankAssociation
Mr. Nadim Kassar at the launching ceremony ofthe China-Arab Countries InterBank Association
Chinese State Leader Visited Fransabank during a High-Level OfficialVisit to Lebanon
H.E. Mr. CHEN Xiaoguang visited Chairman Kassar's office
Chairman welcomes the visit ofH.E.Mr. CHEN Xiaoguang
H.E. Mr. CHEN Xiaoguang speaks atFransabank
As the old friends of the Chinese people, Fransabank GroupChairmen Adnan and Adel Kassar always receive importantdelegations from China.
In September, 2018, they warmly welcomed the high levelofficial visit by Chinese State Leader Chen, Vice President ofthe Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, andhis 20 member delegation at Fransabank headquarters,confirming to him, in the presence of Chinese Ambassadorto Lebanon Mr. WANG Kejian, that China can benefit fromLebanon.
Fransabank Group Chairmen Adnan and Adel Kassar hosted, in Beirut, the leading Chinesegroup Chinamex, the investor and manager of Dragronmart projects worldwide promotingChinese companies and products in various parts of the world.
The purpose of the Chinamexdelegation to Lebanon headed byits Chairman Mr. Hao Feng, was tofinalize the discussions for theorganization of a Chinese MedicalCare Exhibition to be held on 20-22March 2019 in Beirut that comprises250 specialized Chinese companiesproducing medical care products,Instruments & Equipment. Thepurpose of this exhibition is tointroduce high-developed Chinesemedical industry and new businessmodel of medical care to the MENAregion, through Lebanon, as well asto introduce the Chinese companiesto Lebanon as a potential promisingbase for their regional activities andbusiness.
Fransabank Spurs the Organization of the First Chinamex MedicalExhibition in Beirut
Chinamex Medical Exhibition
Chairman Kassar talks with H.E.Mr. CHEN Xiaoguang atthe lunch hosted by Fransabank
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Outreach to Members
The first CIIE hosted over 150,000buyers and over 2,800 enterprisesfrom more than 130 countries andregions, as well as internationalorganizations such as the WorldTrade Organization (WTO) and theUnited Nations IndustrialDevelopment Organization (UNIDO).National pavilions, companypavilions, and global trade forumsheld during the event.
In May 2017, Chinese President XiJinping announced at the Belt andRoad forum for the internationalcooperation that China will holdChina International Import Expo(CIIE) starting from 2018.
This Expo was a significant movefor the Chinese Government to holdCIIE with a view of firmly supportingtrade liberalization and economicglobalization and actively opening
the market to the world. It facilitatescountries and regions all over theworld to strengthen economic andtrade cooperation, and to promoteglobal trade and world economicgrowth in order to advance thedevelopment of an open worldeconomy.
Under Fransabank’s umbrella, andto promote Lebanon and Lebaneseproducts, Fransabank has participatedin the expo with two booths of 18 m2
hosting the Ministry of Economyand Trade, Ministry of Industry,Chateau Ksara and Genco Olive Oil.
Fransabank was the sole Lebaneseentity officially registered at theExpo, with more than hundreds ofvisitors visiting its booth daily.Chinese companies, especiallyChinese banks and financial instituteswere very impressed with the longrelationship of Fransabank andChina over the past years.
The expo hosted many internationaland local Chinese banks like; TheBank of East Asia (BEA), HSBC,National Bank of Kuwait (NBK),Standard Chartered, ICBC, KCBBank Kenya Limited, EXIM Bank,Bank o f Ch ina (BOC) ,Commerzbank, OCBC Bank etc. TheSRCIC Silk Road Chamber ofInternational Commerce and CCPITChina Council for the Promotion ofInternational Trade also didparticipate in the Expo.
Fransabank Group participated in the first China International Import Expo (CIIE), which took place inShanghai-China from the 5 to 10 November 2018.
Fransabank Participates in the First China International Import Expo(CIIE) in Shanghai-China
Lebanese delegation at CIIE
First China-Arab Banking and Business Forum was hosted in Beirut on Tuesday 13 November2018 under the patronage of Lebanese Prime Minister His Excellency Mr. Saad Hariri.
The event was widely attendedby Chinese and Arab banks andfinancial organizations, Chineseand Arab groups and companies,chambers of commerce andassociations. Fransabank Groupsuccessfully organized theForum together with the Unionof Arab Banks and the AsianF i n a n c i a l C o o p e r a t i o nAssociation. Union of Arab
Fransabank Hosts the First China Arab Banking and Business Forum
Chambers Honorary Chairmanand Fransabank Group ChairmanAdnan Kassar welcomed all theparticipants in his openingaddress confirming the strategicChinese Arab relations andcalling for effectively establishingcooperation avenues, partner-ships and ties between Chinaand the Arab world, with thebanking sector cooperationplaying a pivotal role in suchties.
The opening of the Forumwitnessed the signing of twoseparate MoUs by theLebanese Ministry of Industryand the Asian FinancialCooperation Association with
Fransabank Group, the firstArab bank to establish a ChinaDesk dedicated to serving theChinese entities active inFransabank markets as well asthe local entities dealing withChina. Fransabank’s MoU withthe Asian Financial CooperationAssociation aims to strengthenChinaArab research, events,exchanges and partnerships.The MOU with the LebaneseMinistry of Industry, on theother hand, has two key targetsand they are to develop theLebanese industry by estab-lishing key Industrial parksthroughout the country andinitiating renewable energyprojects in the industrial sector.These targets and goals coincidewith those of FransabankGroup which aims to seeLebanon play an important roleon the Belt and Road initiativeand specifically by invitingChinese groups and investorsin working in Lebanon.
H.E. Mr. Adnan Kassar – Chairman of Fransabank Group, with Dr. YANG Zaiping, the SecretaryGeneral of the Asian Financial Cooperation Association (AFCA)
Group Picture
Mr. Nadim Kassar, General Manager ofFransabank Group, with Mr.Dani Jadoun,Director General of the Ministry of Industry
Outreach to Members
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As the former Soviet Union industrial base, Belarus, with its strongindustry and great relationship with Chinese government, has attractedtremendous investment influx from China.
The Great Stone (China-Belarus Industrial Park) is the biggest overseasindustrial park invested by the Chinese government. Fransabank, as theonly Lebanese bank with presence in Belarus, has well taken the opportunityto development business with the Chinese business community, making itthe strategic partner for many Chinese companies in Belarus.
On 23rd March 2018, together with the Chinese Chamber of Commerce inBelarus, Fransabank organized Partnerships on Belt & Road Initiative:Fransabank Group Seminar in Belarus, the first banking seminar cateringfor the financial needs of the Chinese companies in Belarus, attracting
Partnerships on Belt & Road Initiative:Fransabank Group Seminar in Belarus
Chairman Kassar Speaking at Fransabank Group Seminar in Belarus
more than 50 major Chinesecompanies. In his speech at theevent, Chairman Adnan Kassarannounced Fransabank’s plan toopen its branch in the GreatStone, as the first bank present inthe Industrial Park. After theevent, invited by the GeneralManager of the Great Stone,Chairman Adnan Kassar and ViceChairman Adel Kassar visited theGreat Stone and had discussionwith its management on furthercooperation.
In the end of December 2018,Fransabank OJSC launched itsGreat Stone Branch.
Chairman of Association of Chinese Companies in Belarus speaking at Fransabank Group Seminar in Belarus
Chairmen Kassar visiting China-Belarus IndustrialPark
Chairmen Kassar meeting with the managementof China-Belarus Industrial Park
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International Recognition
The Union of Arab Bankshonored Chairman ofFransabank Group ChairmenMessrs. Adnan and Adel Kassar,with the "Golden Medal ofAchievement Award”, inrecognition of their six-decadenotable achievements, distin-guished career and enduringcontribution in safeguarding theLebanese banking, trade andeconomic sector.
This came during the inauguration of the "International Arab BankingSummit" organized by the Union on 28 and 29 June 2018 in Paris underthe auspices of French President Emmanuel Macron. The conferencewas attended by a wide range of senior officials, central bankgovernors, economic figures, bank leaders, financial institutions, Araband foreign business enterprises and members of the Arab diplomaticcorps in France.
Kassar said on this occasion: “It is a great pleasure for me and mybrother to be with this outstanding elite of men of banking and finance,and in such an event organized by the Union of Arab Banks, here in the
Group picture with H.E. Mr. Adnan Kassar, Chairman of Fransabank Group and Mr. Adel Kassar, Deputy Chairman of Fransabank Group, receiving the UABGold Medal of Achievement Award
Union of Arab Banks Honors Adnan and Adel Kassar with the “Golden Medalof Achievement Award” at the International Arab Banking Summit in Paris
glamorous capital of France. Weappreciate the Union’s invitationto us to receive the Award, and weare honored to be here tonight.We commend the strategic roleplayed by the Union in supportingand developing the Arab bankingindustry and enhancing its inter-national standing.”
Kassar added: “MediterraneanBanking Dialogue - the main focusof this summit - comes in line withone of the objectives ofFransabank Group, founded in1921, and first established inBeirut as Crédit Foncier d'Algérieet de Tunisie (C.F.A.T.). We have afirm belief that this joint dialogueis a necessary component forestablishing and strengtheningpeace in the entire region.”
Kassar pointed out: "My brotherAdel and I consider that theaward, coming from all thefriends present at this conference,acknowledges our deep unwaveringcommitment and presents a greatopportunity to consolidate ourfamily solidarity. This solidarity,and over the past years, hashelped transform Fransabank intowhat it has become today, apioneering banking Group playinga strategic role on the regional,national and global levels.”
In turn, Mr. Wissam HassanFattouh the Secretary-General ofthe World Union of Arab Bankerssaid: "The Union honors today twopioneers of Arab Bankers. Theyare in fact one man and one heartbeating with ambition and vitality,casting a shadow over Lebanon's
economic outlook and over thepublic life in Lebanon for morethan half a century. The Kassarshave succeeded to raise the nameof Lebanon high on the Arab andinternational levels.”
“Everyone may not be aware of thehard march that has brought theKassar Brothers to the remarkablesuccesses and achievements.Their leadership has emergedwhen they early headed to tradewith China, at a time of politicalcaution and economic boycotts.More than half a century ago, thebrothers Adnan and Adel Kassarendeavored and reached the
Great Wall of China to achievegreat success. They formed asignificant leap forward in thebusiness world. They practicallytook the first step in what is nowknown as the Silk Road,” Fattouhcontinued in his speech.
He concluded: "The two brothers,Adnan and Adel Kaasar, enteredthe club of owners of banks byowning the majority ofFransabank shares in 1980. Sincethen, Fransabank has become aleading institution in the Lebaneseand Arab banking sector, withstrong international presence,and high reliability.”
From right to left: Mr. Adel Kassar, Deputy Chairman of Fransabank Group - HE. Mr. Adnan Kassar,Chairman of Fransabank Group - Dr. Joseph TORBEY, Chairman, World Union of Arab Bankers
International Recognition
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As a distinction from one ofGermany’s largest andrenowned banks, the Awardhighlights not onlyFransabank’s excellence inbanking but also in excellentpartnership in internationaltrade.
Fransabank has alreadyachieved many prominentsuccesses, and this Award
Fransabank Awarded for Excellent Partnership in International Tradewith Commerzbank
came as a welcome addition toother distinguished awards thebank has been honored with,such as JP Morgan Chase’s“2015 Elite Quality RecognitionAwa r d f o r Ou t s t a nd i n gAchievement” and “2016 QualityRecognition Award”.
The award further illustratesthe Bank’s leading presence inthe global financial servicesmarket.
Fransabank has been granted “COMMERZBANK Trade Award 2017” on the 15th of January 2018. Theaward was handed over to Messrs. Adnan and Adel Kassar, Fransabank Group Chairmen, byMr. Hans-Georg Pirner, Senior Representative of Commerzbank in Beirut Office. The award wasconferred to Fransabank for excellent partnership in international trade with Commerzbank.
President Adnan Kassar receiving the award
JP Morgan Award
Local Reach
Fransabank Expands in a New Branch in NorthLebanon to Shorten the Distance!
With the spread of its branch-es from Halba in the North toNaqoura in the South,Fransabank Group maintainsits first rank as the largestbranch network in Lebanon,and its commitment to itsLeading role in supportinglocal and national economicgrowth.
Maintaining its policy of expansion in the Lebanese market, Fransabankannounced the opening of a new branch in North Lebanon, in Rahbe, Akkar in anopening ceremony of which took place in April 2018.
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Business Development
This initial Series of US$ 60million green bonds is part of aglobal program of US$ 150million. Fransa Invest Bank(FIB), the Bank’s investmentbanking subsidiary, acted asPlacement Agent.
The International FinanceCorporation (IFC), anchorinvestor in Fransabank greenbond program, investedUS$ 45 million in this Seriesand will further invest anotherUS$ 30 million. The EuropeanBank for Reconstruction andDevelopment’s (EBRD) hasalso subscribed US$ 15 millionin Fransabank Green Bonds asits first debt transaction in
Fransabank Issued the First Green Bonds to Support Green Financing in Lebanon
Lebanon, following a US$ 50million trade finance linegranted to Fransabank inMarch 2018.
These bonds will helpFransabank provide financingto a spectrum of eco-friendlyprojects in commercial energyefficiency, renewable energyand green buildings and supportLebanese economy greentransformation in severaleconomic sectors.
Fransabank Chairman AdnanKassar said: “This historicgreen bond program strengthensour position as pioneer inSustainable Energy Finance inLebanon and complements oursupport to private sectorinvestments in clean industrialenergy efficiency, greenbuildings and renewableenergy projects. IFC and EBRDsubscriptions represent a clearvote of confidence in our Bankand country that will allow usto pursue our role in promotingenv i ronmenta l l y - f r iend lyprojects and scaling up ourlending for renewable energyprojects”.
Mr. Mouayed Makhlouf, IFCMENA Director commented:“As anchor investor inFransabank green bondprogram, we aim to encourage
more private sector investmentsin energy efficiency and renewableenergy projects, paving the wayfor more sustainable economicdevelopment and growth”.
EBRD Managing Director for theSEMED region, Janet Heckman,described Fransabank as “anideal partner that has alreadydemonstrated its commitment toenvironment through its stronggreen lending program”.
While Lebanon’s greenhousegas emissions have increased by28% since 1994, this programwill help reduce these emissionsby at least 6,000 tons per year by2022. This issuance builds onIFC’s multi-year advisory workwith Fransabank and falls withinthe Bank’s commitment to theUnited Nations SustainableDevelopment Goal (SDG 13) onClimate Action.
The Roundtable focused on theimpactful role of the privatesector in being the active forceof change in Lebanon, and onthe collaboration between boththe private and public sectorregarding the SDGs.
Fransabank is always keen toparticipate in such events, andready to raise awareness andwork on the differentSustainable Development Goals.
As a part of its Go Green Strategy, Fransabank SAL, the 4th largest Lebanese bank, was the first Bankto issue on April 5, 2018 the first green bonds in Lebanon and Levant region to boost green economy,promote environmentally-friendly projects and help fighting climate change.
Saida’s workshop was in thepresence of Mr. Gedeon, Mrs.Rana Sayyed at the Chamber ofCommerce, Ms. Melda Jabbourfrom LCEC, Mr. Saliba fromLebanon Water Project and Mr.Kikano from IFC.
Both workshops were attended byindustrialists, clients, suppliersand consultants from the Industryand Energy sectors.
Mr. Nabil Kassar welcomed theparticipants and discussed climatechange challenges as well asFransabank’s SEF Initiative. Hereferred to the history ofFransabank’s commitment datingback to the initiation of the UNGlobal Compact that has led to the
issuance of US$ 60 million greenbonds in April 2018 (rated Excellentby Moody’s), subscribed by IFC andEBRD. He also stressed on theimportance of the partnershipsbuilt with International FinanceInstitutions, BDL, Suppliers andConsultants and the MOUs signedwith Association of LebaneseIndustrials and the one being pre-pared with the Ministry of Industry.
Mr. Zarifeh discussed the financingpossibilities and the conditions ofsuch loans: eligibility criteria,interest rates, tenor, guarantiesand procedures, stressing on theexperience of Fransabank in thefield whether in identifying theprojects or supporting the clientsthroughout the procedure.
Mr. Gedeon encouraged all indus-trialists to develop green relatedprojects as they represent the onlysustainable solution going forward.
Mr. Salah Saliba stressed on theimportance of including waterrelated projects for industrials.
Mr. Kikano showcased successstories and tips and quick wins fordifferent types of projects and indifferent sectors.
The workshop was found veryinteresting and successful. Manyindustrialists discussed oppor-tunities to develop Energy orEnvironmental related projects inthe near future and we are reviewingthem on case-by-case basis.
The attendants
As one of the leading Banks in Lebanon, Fransabank strongly believes in the importance of sustainability and hastherefore conducted two workshops.
Tripoli’s workshop in July 2018 was in the presence of Mr. Toufic Dabboussi, President Chamber of Commerce,Mr. Dany Gedeon, Director General at Ministry of Industry, Mr. Pierre Khoury, Director General Lebanese Centerfor Energy Conservation as well as Mr. Salah Saliba, Private Sector Engagement Team Lead, Lebanon WaterProject and Mr. Fares Kikano, IFC Sustainable Energy Finance (SEF) consultant.
Fransabank Conducts Workshops with Industrialists:Green Sells always More and Better
Mr. Nabil Kassar during his speach
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Business Development
Fransabank and e-EcoSolutions Organize the GreenSchools Conference under the Theme: “Solutions toReduce your Costs”
In 2018, Fransabank was present atmany universities, such as at LAU,AUB, USJ, USEK and ESA job fairs,including, and for the first time,Antonine’s job fair held on March 16 oncampus.
Students had the chance to inquireabout Fransabank’s educational plans,the various youth-related services such
as the University Loan that offersfinancial facilities to students, atcompetitive terms.
The Bank is keen to mark its presencein upcoming job fairs at differentuniversities confirming the Group’sefforts in promoting education and thusbuilding a diverse and knowledgeableworkplace for the future generations.
As part of the Bank’s CSR strategy in building prosperous tomorrows andassisting the young generation in achieving their ambitions, Fransabankparticipates in main universities’ job fairs in Lebanon.
Dr. Nada Oweijan, President, CERD & representing the Minister of Education and Higher Education, Mr. Nadim Kassar,General Manager of Fransabank Group and Mr. Gilbert Tegho, CEO, e-EcoSolutions
In the context of Fransabank salis collaborated with ORACLEFinancial Services and itspartner TECHLOGIX FZ-LLCto implement Oracle’s FinancialCrime and ComplianceManagement (FCCM) Software,to be at the forefront ofCompliance with local andInternational standards, rulesand regulations, and be amarket leader in managing anderadicating the risks of moneylaundering, financing of terrorism,fraud and corruption.
Fransabank Signs a Collaboration Agreement with ORACLE and TECHLOGIX to Implement State-of-the-Art Technology for Anti-Money Laundering and Compliance Standards
The signing ceremony washeld in Fransabank’sHeadquarters in HamraStreet on 12 October 2018 inthe presence of Mr. NabilKassar – General Manager ofFransabank, Mr. Alain Nohra –Senior Director and LebanonCountry Manager for ORACLE,and Mr. Salman Akhtar - Co-CEO of TECHLOGIX FZ-LLC.
This forward thinking investmentby Fransabank reflects theBank’s commitment toinvesting in the most currenttechnology to ensure compliancewith global banking standards.
Kassar noted that financial insti-tutions today are struggling witha major challenge: ensuringcompliance, managing cost,without adversely impactingclient experience. In this context,Fransabank doesn’t treatcompliance as a cost but ratherembraces it as a competitiveadvantage.
The ORACLE Financial Crimeand Compliance Managementsolution aims at helpingFransabank create a compre-hensive platform for surveillance,detection and event correlation, asNohra Senior Director forORACLE explained. “Fransabankwill be able to secure a holisticview of all financial crime andcompliance related activitiesacross its operations.”
To Akhtar, co-CEO, Techlogix,“This forward thinking invest-ment by Fransabank reflectstheir commitment to investing inthe most current technology toensure compliance with globalbanking standards”.
Fransabank’s collaboration withORACLE and TECHLOGIX is inline with the Bank’s strategy toaddress the growing concern ofFinancial Crime globally.
In facing the most challenging aspects of instituting effective anti-money laundering, counter-financing ofterrorism and anti-fraud programs at financial institutions, the need to adapt quickly to changing patternsof financial crime is a major concern. In this context, Fransabank realizes that it’s a critical requirementto continually discover and model new criminal behavioural patterns, coupled with the facility to rapidlydeploy these models.
From left to right: Mr. Fouad Khalifeh, Ms. Dania Kassar, Mr. Nabil Kassar, Mr. Alain Nohra, Mr. Salman Akhtar and Mr. Mateen ASHRAF
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Business Development
In November 2018, Fransabank andin partnership with MastercardInternational launched the firstbiometric card in the Levant. Thenew cards are equipped with anembedded fingerprint sensor.Providing the same functionality asa traditional chip card, the innovativecard features cutting-edge biometricauthentication technology, whichwill eventually and at a later stageeliminate the need for cardholdersto rely on their pin code or signa-tures to complete a purchase.
Offering both unparalleled securityand enhanced convenience, thesenew cards represent an outstandingvalue-added proposition for ourcustomers. The biometricauthentication solution is basedon who you are, rather than whatyou know – a fundamental differencethat brings new levels of security toeach and every transaction, while atthe same time simplifying theconsumer’s payment journey.
Fransabank Launches the First Biometric Card in theLevant
In a fast-paced technological revolution, innovation and technology are keyelements in Fransabank's domestic payment system, as well as in theBank's overall business strategy. In this sense, Fransabank always catersinnovatively and proactively to a wide range of universal banking servicesand products, which carry an added value in the approach we undertake foreach segment and in terms of features and benefits at the most competitiveterms and conditions.
Mastercard Celebrates with Fransabank to Mark a Quarter of a Centuryof Successful Partnership
Senior representatives from Fransabank, the fourth-largest bank inLebanon and one of the largest in the region, and Mastercard, aleading technology company in the global payments industry, meton the 3rd of July 2018 in Paris during the International ArabBanking Summit 2018, where they celebrated 25 years of successfulcollaboration.
The two companies are continuously working on a number ofprojects that are set to bring the latest payment technologies toLebanese consumers.
With more people indicating a preference for using biometricinformation to verify their identity, the roll out of this innovativetechnology reflects Fransabank’s commitment to fulfillingcustomers’ needs, and underlines the Bank’s leading role in drivingchange throughout the global payments ecosystem.Mr. Nadim Kassar during his speach
The launching ceremony
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Business Development
Al-Iktissad Wal-Aamal grouporganized the conference incollaboration with the Office of thePresident of the Council ofMinisters, The High Council ofPrivatization and PPP and theFederation of Chambers ofCommerce, Industry andAgriculture in Lebanon, under thepatronage of the President of theCouncil of Ministers of Lebanon,H.E Saad Hariri.
LLIC it presented a comprehensiveview of this ambitious CapitalInvestment Program and theinvestment opportunities it presentsfor Lebanese and foreign
investors, business people andcompanies.
Fransabank was keen to participatebecause of the importance of theconference as it focused on:
• The objectives and scope of theLebanese Capital InvestmentProgram
• The proposed projects forpartnership to the private sector,including energy, water, transport,telecommunication, wastewaterand solid waste projects.
• Financing opportunities andmodalities for the partnershipwith the private sector
On Tuesday 6 March 2018 at the FourSeasons Hotel in Beirut, Fransabankattended the Lebanon Investment inInfrastructure Conference (LLIC) whichis an important milestone for Lebanon'sdevelopment and economic revivaldrive, as it paves the way for economicrecovery and aims at helping Lebanonregain its economic and financial position in the region.
Fransabank is a Major Sponsor in LebanonInvestment in Infrastructure Conference
The ceremony was attended byMr. Nabil Kassar GeneralManager of Fransabank, Mr. ZiadAl Halabi General Manager ofVitas, journalists, and representa-tives of both organizations.
Mr. Nabil Kassar highlighted inhis speech the importance of thispartnership between Fransabankand Vitas, which dates back to2007, and which has effectivelycontributed to supporting low-income groups and promotingbalanced regional Lebanesedevelopment, throughoutFransabank's financing of smallbusinesses.
“The Bank supports the UNSustainable Development Goal 8,which aims at promoting inclusiveand sustainable economic growth,full and productive employment
and decent work for all, and in thisarea throughout the years, wehave been able to take qualitativesteps and demonstrate ourleadership,” Kassar stated.
Moreover, he shed light onFransabank’s proactive initiativesto promote Goal 8, which has thepositive impact on empoweringindividuals, people with limitedincome, providing opportunitiesfor them to overcome poverty andunemployment, which wouldeventually benefit the entirecommunity.
As for Fransabank's financialinclusion initiatives, by the end ofDecember 2017, around 21,000micro loans were recordedworth $ 41 million, 43% of thebeneficiaries of these loans rangedbetween 18 and 35 years old,while the percentage of womenbeneficiaries was 41%. In 2018,and specifically in this initiative,Fransabank distributed 10 grantsto five men and five womenbetween the ages of 20 and 27.
In the context of Fransabank’s social responsibility in promoting balanced development, and with a concrete vision ofsustainable financial inclusion, Fransabank, in cooperation with Vitas, held a donation ceremony in which $ 10,000were granted to micro businesses, selected according to their performance, sustainability, growth and return onvarious levels.
Fransabank and Vitas Donation Ceremony as part of Microloans Programs
The ten winners in the donation ceremony
Mr. Ziad Halabi, Mr. Nabil Kassar, and Mr.Philippe Hajj
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Business Development
On this occasion, Chairman AdnanKassar extended its warm thanks toPROPARCO for allocating toFransabank this new credit line,which he considers as a newachievement that strengthens theprivileged partnership tying our twoinstitutions since many years, andconstituting an honorable actionrepresenting the great supportprovided by PROPARCO to theLebanese private sector.
Fransabank Alongside its Clients to Overcome aChallenging Economic Environment
Fransabank SAL, whose leitmotif is to be alongside its corporate and SME clients inthe best and worst moments of their activities, signed in November 2018 withPROPARCO, the French private sector Development Financial Institution, a CreditLine for USD 18 million to be exclusively used to help them overcome the difficultiesthey are legitimately facing in meeting their financial commitments, due to thechallenging regional economic environment.
H.E. Mr. Adnan Kassar – Chairman of Fransabank Group, Mr. Adel Kassar – Vice Chairman of Fransabank Group, with Mr. Gregory Clemente – CEO of PROPARCO.
Mr. Adel Kassar – Vice Chairman of Fransabank Group, with Mr. Gregory Clemente – CEO of PROPARCO, signing the Credit Line
Fransabank launched during 2018 a campaign on its flexiblecompetitive Personal Loan which has become very popular withcustomers as it meets their needs and requirements. This loan iswithout Salary Domiciliation, and it helps our clients avoid any cashshortages. Its amount is up to USD 40,000 and can be repaid over aperiod of 5 years. In this context, Fransabank has always been keenon doing our very best to meet up to customers’ satisfaction.
As e-shopping has become morepopular than in-store shopping,Fransabank launched itsInternet Euro Card which givescustomers access to all the virtualshops in the world, and can beused via PayPal. Clients now caneasily surf the web and enjoyOnline shopping in the mostsecure way, protecting themfrom any possible fraud orhacking.
Fransabank launched FransabankWorld Elite MasterCard, targetingselected customers. The card istheir key to many privileges, anddistinctive selection of offers,access, round-the-world service,and leisure. Its advantages areexclusive and numerous,whether in travel, dining, shoppingand lifestyle opportunities thatinclude upgrades and discounts,for instance, Hotel discounts up
Fransabank Offers and Develops Tailor-made Products!
to 50% off reservations at morethan 20,000 internationalhotels around the world, Carrental discounts up to 30% offfrom different car rentalcompanies worldwide, inaddition to high level restaurantsand retail stores, etc.
Fransabank – Eco Home LoanAs per the new BDL intermediatecircular 492 the eco-homeloans have been amended andre-launched in order to begranted in USD. As well as theWooden Frame Houses thatfalls under the umbrella of theeco-home loan a tailor-madeloan designed to give bothresident and expatriate citizensthe buying power they need fora wooden frame house.
Fransabank’s Housing LoanSpring CampaignFransabank launched during2018 its housing loan springcampaign where Fransabankwas reimbursing up to 100% ofthe plot registration fees in casethe apartment is priced USD250,000- and below.
The Citizen Bank
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Fransabank Champions Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 Raising Awareness about Climate Change
Paying deep consideration to the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which rangefrom ending the world poverty and hunger to fighting climate change, promoting qualityeducation, protecting the environment, and addressing all forms of inequality; Fransabankhas been contributing directly and indirectly to their advancement while focusing on theachievement of 6 particular goals as part of its CSR strategy; and so contributing to financialinclusion, balanced economic development, more sustainable communities, improvedaccess to education, and of course countering climate change.
Today, Fransabank is proud of itsachievements, and recognizessimultaneously that effortshave to be done to find solutionsof society’s challenges at itsfingertips. However, Fransabankbelieves in the power of joinedforces, so it does work with keypartners that offer greateropportunities to achieve itssocial targets. Fransabanksees in the SDGs a significantmap to follow and the GlobalCompact Network Lebanon*(GCNL) a collective platform.
Therefore, and in addition tobeing member of the SteeringCommittee of GCNL sinceOctober 2017, Fransabank hasbeen identified as a GoalLeader, to be the voice andambassador of SDG 13 –Climate Action in Lebanon bythe GCNL.
In view of that, Fransabank isworking on mainstreaming theSDG 13 in the private sector inLebanon, focusing on raisingawareness about climatechange and transforming it intonational policies whilestrengthening the ability of thecountry to deal with the resultsof climate change throughmitigation and adaptationmeasures. The job is achievedthrough periodic meeting offocus groups that would:
• provide strategic direction inrelation to making progresstowards the goal attainment,capitalizing on private sectorleadership, engagement andinvolvement, and
• Help mobilize resources andforge the necessary nationaland international partner-ships and stewardship tokeep all progress and activitieson track in relation to SDG 13.
The Global Compact NetworkLebanon is a multi-stakeholderinitiative that promotes the UNGlobal Compact 10 principlesand the 17 SDGs, providessignatories with a forum tosolve issues of mutual interest,and supports participants toreport on their progress insustainability and socialresponsibility. It is composedof leading organizationsspanning various industriesand sectors across Lebanon.
To know more about SDG 13, https://www.unenvironment.org/explore-topics/climate-change
The Citizen Bank
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Fransabank Attends the Multi-Stakeholder Forum in Grand Serail and Receives a Token of Appreciation as a National Goal Leader
The forum was a uniqueopportunity and platform forall the stakeholders,leaders and individualsrepresenting the public andprivate sector, civil societyorganizations and localauthorities to promotemulti-stakeholder dialogues,catalyze collaborations, andexplore innovative solutions
to accelerate the SDGs in Lebanon, and work together towards the UNSustainable Development Goals and 2030 Agenda.
Demonstrating the increasing engagement from organizations across thespectrum, this forum hosted NGOs, Ministries, business associations andespecially responsible businesses. The forum saw more than 60 leadingCEOs make over 100 new expressions of support for initiatives that willadvance Lebanon further.
Fransabank was honored to attend the Multi-Stakeholder Forum inGrand Serail, in October 2018, receiving a token of appreciation (a handcraft pottery) as a national Goal Leader.
Fransabank Sponsors and Participates inthe International Beirut Energy Forum
Within the framework of the Fransabank’s strategy to supportinvestments in the fields of sustainable energy, and as part ofits initiatives which have successively proven its commitment toenergy, environmental and social fields, FransabankSponsored the International Beirut Energy Forum 2018.
The 9th Edition ofthe InternationalBeirut Energy Forum,organized by theMCE GROUP SARL,was held at LeRoyal Hotel from
26th September to 28th September 2018 at the Hotel Le Royalin Beirut, Lebanon.
This Conference is the largest forum in Lebanon attractingkey energy people from Lebanon, the Arab World, and theinternational community. The event is the main yearly platformto discuss all topics related to renewable energy, energyefficiency, and green buildings and many more
The Citizen Bank
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March 13, 2018 was an edu-cational day during whichFransabank organized anintegrated training program for250 school students in AdnanKassar Edifice for the ArabEconomy, Jnah area in Beirut.Students from CollègeProtestant Français, GreenfieldCollege, International College,Lycée Verdun and MelkartCollege, were involved in inter-active discussions withFransabank management andstaffs, who presented keybanking concepts and mecha-nisms, an overview ofFransabank's corporate socialresponsibility initiatives, aswell as products and servicestargeting youths. The studentswere also introduced to afinancial literacy game, "BIG
Fransabank Supports the Youth and Launches Educational and TrainingInitiatives for School and University Students during the Global Money Week
BANK CHALLENGE", whichcombines interactive enter-tainment and learning, andwhich had been designed earlierby Fransabank in cooperationwith Basil FuleihanFoundation.
And as part of its commitmentto supporting entrepreneur-ship and innovation for youngpeople, Fransabank, in cooper-ation with INJAZ, held the ”ICamp Business Challenge” on17 March, 2018, at the USJCampus, in which 18 to 21-year-old students were dispatchedin 6 challenging teams. Theworkshop aimed at helpingstudents gain insight into thecomplexities and rewards ofentrepreneurship and businessin today's interdependent
market economy. It also coveredtopics such as investments,personal growth, and moneymanagement. Vivid discussionsand exercises took place tocontribute in enhancing thestudents’ financial knowledge,marketing strategy and team-work skills in a thriving andknowledge-based economy.After a full - day workshop, theTeam of the best entrepreneur-ship project was awarded by ateam of Jury.
In the same context, Fransabankpartnered on 12 March, 2018 withBasil Fleihan Foundationthrough “La dictée desfinances”.
This global week celebration ofevery year brings the world onestep closer to prepare andempower the generations, whoare tomorrow’s leaders, andequip them with the necessaryfinancial tools and education,inspiring them to draw theirbright future on solid grounds.
For the third year in a row and as part of the international initiative Global Money Week, Fransabankreaffirmed its commitment and support of the youths and launched in March 2018 three financialawareness initiatives. Fransabank’s major role in these financial inclusion initiatives lies within raisingawareness of young people on financial inclusion, budgeting and saving skills, financial planning,financial management, and e-payment to prepare the generation with regard to the world of bankingand finance.
Global Money week event in the Adnan Kassar Edifice for Arab Economy – Jnah
Injaz event in USJ
The ceremony, which was held on Saturday12th of May 2018 at the General Secretariatof the Catholic Schools in Beit Mery,witnessed the renewal of a cooperationprotocol signed earlier in 2013. It wasattended by the General Manager ofFransabank Mr. Nadim Kassar, SecretaryGeneral of the Catholic Schools FatherBoutros Azar, representatives of bothinstitutions, and founder of WaznatInstitution Mr. Samir Costantine, alongwith the students, parents, principals andteachers.
Fransabank, which organized the competitionfor students coming from differentLebanese regions, distributed prizes to thewinners according to 6 academic subjects:dictation in Arabic, dictation in French,mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology.
Fransabank is keen to support the youngergeneration, with the belief of the Bank intheir talents in various activities, whethereducational or academic, and in order tooffer them an opportunity to invest in theirknowledge and direct their energy towardssuccess.
Within its firm commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility and its solid belief inthe educational sector in general and in the youths in specific, Fransabank distributedcash awards of USD 27,000 to 22 students out of 180 participants in an academiccontest launched by Fransabank under entitled "Talents for Lebanon”.
Fransabank Honors 180 Students in an Educational Competition: "Talents for Lebanon"
From right to left: Mr. Philippe Hajj, Deputy General Manager- Head of Retail Banking at Fransabank; Mr. Nadim Kassar -General Manager of Fransabank ; Father Boutros Azar -Secretary General of the Catholic schools, and Mr. SamirCostantine – General Manager of Waznat
Group picture of the contestants and the winners
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The Citizen Bank
Fransabank Spreads Financial Literacyand Sponsors a “Practical Banking” Course
The course was first offered in spring 2018 and has since become part ofLAU’s curriculum at the Beirut Campus.
As a counterpart of having Fransabank’s name on the course title,Fransabank has pledged to pay the teachers’ salary fee as well ascontribute to the course through sending a Fransabank employee onceper semester to share their banking experience and answer students’questions.
As part of Fransabank’s goal to spread financial literacy to the youth ofLebanon, Fransabank sponsored a Course “Practical Banking”, which isa one-credit elective course offered at the Adnan Kassar School ofBusiness (AKSOB). The course is designed for all majors (except tobusiness students) to learn banking basics from Fransabank’s school(opening of accounts, types of accounts, types of cards, loans, etc).
H. E. Mr. Adnan Kassar , Fransabank Chairman and Dr. Joseph Jabbra LAU Chairman at LAU “AdnanKassar School of Business”
Aiming at highlighting the charming rural areas of Lebanon, and promoting rural tourism, Fransabankpartnered with the Ministry of Tourism in Lebanon and L’Orient le Jour (OLJ) newspaper, to launch acorporate social responsibility initiative, focusing primarily on encouraging tourists, expatriates andresidents to go outside the city and discover the natural, cultural, religious, archaeological andgastronomic sides of Lebanon.
Ten new villages were nominatedin 2018 and Lebanese were invitedto vote for their favorite oneaccordingly. The contestantvillages for the year 2018 were:Ain Dara, Baaklin, Bakasin,Broummana, Anfeh, Joya, JibJenin, Kfour, Marjayoun andQaratba. The competition waspromoted on social media aswell as newspapers. Peoplevoted for their favorite Lebanesevillage which as they thinkdeserves the title of the mostbeautiful village. The project willbe spread over 3 consecutive
Fransabank Participates in Promoting Rural Tourism and Launches aPatriotic Initiative: “Bkassine” the Most Favored Village!
years with 10 different villagesfor each year.
Mrs. Dania Kassar assured thatthe great importance of thisproject lies in rural tourism,stressing that it will havepositive repercussions onsustainable development andon employment in these villages,in the fields of guest housesand crafts… etc.
“This initiative is part of ourstrategy to promote theequitable development of
regions, poverty reduction, andjob creation in rural areas,highlighting the strategic devotionand solid commitment of theFransabank to projects aiming atpreserving the environment,developing green spaces andfighting rural exodus. “
Fransabank, through this initiative,succeeds in attracting theLebanese expatriates’ attentiontowards their home country. Itapproved once again theattachment of Lebanese livingabroad to the ir countryindependently from the distanceand alienation. One of the stands of the competing villages
The Citizen Bank
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Fransabank Partners with Roads for Life and the Lebanese Army and Funds Tactical Combat CasualtyCare Rescue Course (TCCC)
General Aoun thanked Mrs. ZeinaKassem for this initiative, which wouldhelp the soldiers deal with the injuriesin case they occur before the arrival ofmedical assistance, noting the human-itarian efforts of Roads for Life to res-cue the citizens and training medicalteams on how to deal with accidents.
Ms. Kassem considered it necessaryfor everyone to support the army,pointing out that this project willcontribute to the rescue of woundedsoldiers and support their familiesmorally.
It is worth noting that since 2011,Fransabank has accompanied Roadsfor Life in its mission and helped trainmore than 565 ER Doctors acrossLebanon. These achievements will playa key role in integrating ATLS in the
requirements for Hospital andEmergency Room accreditationnationwide.
Fransabank believes that with con-tributing in such social responsibilityinitiatives, results can be achieved toreinforce every citizen’s right to life.
On Tuesday, 15 May 2018, at Halat, the launching ceremony of TCCC was held bythe Lebanese Army and the Roads for Life in partnership with Fransabank, and itwas in the presence of the military commander, General Joseph Aoun, along withArmy officers attended the ceremony.
Fransabank contributed in 2018 in certifying 100 Special Forces Instructorson Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) Course teaching them how tointervene within 30 seconds of sustaining a life threatening injury.
As a responsible national organization, Fransabank grants financial support in fulfillment of severalNGOs and institutions, aiming at connecting with community in different directions, raisingawareness on major social issues, and playing an active role in the society.
Oum el Nour is committed toserving individuals throughhelping them overcome theiraddiction, in order to attain ahealthy society characterized bysustainable growth.
The Brave Heart Fund is acharitable fundraising initiative,established at the Children’sHeart Center at the AmericanUniversity of Beirut MedicalCenter (AUBMC), and it helpscover the medical and/orsurgical expenses for under-privileged children sufferingfrom Congenital Heart Disease.
Fransabank’s Devotion to Community
Lebanese Food Bank whichfights and overcomes hungerby developing effective FeedingPrograms to eliminate hungerby 2020.
Skoun is a Lebanese NGOcommitted to bringing life,health and hope to drug usersand their families
Himaya is a local NGO foundedin 2009 with the establishednotification number 748 andthe mission to promote a globalprotection of innocence indanger.
OpenMinds is a NGO aiming toraise awareness & promoteintegration. It supports theAUBMC Special Kids Clinic byhelping families & promotingresearch.
Al-Makassed PhilanthropicIs lamic Assoc iat ion i s anon-governmental Associationestablished 140 years ago, itprovides education, social andhealth care services to thecommunity.
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The Citizen Bank
Fransabank Spreads the Spirit of the Holy Month Ramadan
200 children were invited to 2 Iftar dinners at the Bank’s Headquarters comingfrom different regions in Lebanon, where they enjoyed eating, playing,enchanting, and laughing and spent together a joyful evening heading backhome with food and gifts.
In such a yearly event, Fransabank staffs and managers aim at bringing joy tothose in need and share the holy month spirit.
Fransabank, served as every year Iftar dinners in the holy month Ramadan at theBank’s premises in Hamra St.
Fransabank, a Main Sponsor at Various Summer 2018 Festivals
Fransabank partnered with majorfestivals that took place all overLebanon from Beiteddine, toBaalbeck, Ehden, Batroun,Tannourine, Maghdousheh, Antouraand many more. Fransabank aimsthrough participating in theseevents to convey a universalmessage and an expression of faithin Lebanon’s cultural role, anembodiment of ingenuity, a call forpeace and a mirror of Lebaneseprosperous history. The summerfestivals annually present uniquevivid performances by Lebaneseartists, as well as international artexhibits popular stars coming toLebanon from all over the world.
Fransabank’s annually support ofthese events confirms year afteryear the Bank’s strong belief in thefundamental role cultural eventsplay in the development of oursociety.
Committed to its cultural social responsibility, it is within the core of Fransabank’s strategy, mission and vision tostay close to the communities it serves, providing them with high quality service. In this context, Fransabank wasproud to be a main sponsor of Lebanon’s summer festivals of 2018.
Mr. Adel Kassar with Mr. Adnan Kassar and hisspouse Mrs. Raida, and French Ambassador toLebanon Bruno Foucher
HE Mr. Adnan Kassar President of Fransabank withMrs. Nora Jumblatt president of the BeiteddineFestival
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Our People, Our Assets
Fransabank’s Annual Gathering Ceremony“An Evening with Sparkles, and a Beautiful Tomorrow”
The Gala dinner opened with HEMr. Adnan Kassar congratulatingthe employees for the New Year2019 and conveying to them amessage of optimism. ChairmanKassar appreciated in his speechthe teamwork spirit which givesFransabank’s members a greatersense of belonging and recognition.He shed light on the team spirit“which portrays us and our hardwork, as we at the continuousprosperity of our institution.”
Chairman Kassar mentioned aswell the critical circumstanceswhich Lebanon has witnessedrecently, expressing his pride in thestaff’s ambition, entrepreneurshipand innovation, reassuring theBank’s wholly commitment toLebanon as Fransabank’s source ofinspiration.
In his turn, Vice Chairman Mr. AdelKassar welcomed Fransabank’s
Within the framework of its annual tradition, and with a joyful spirit,Fransabank held its gathering ceremony, at Hilton Habtoor Grand Hotel -Beirut. The celebration was attended by HE Mr. Adnan Kassar, and ViceChairman Mr. Adel Kassar, along with members of the board of directors,general management and 1550 of Fransabank’s family members.
HE Mr. Adnan Kassar and Vice Chairman Mr. Adel Kassar
family members, inviting them all tocontribute to a promising year for theBank, so that 2019 will mark andreaffirm its position as the oldest andlargest institution in Lebanon’sbanking industry.
Having cited the challengesFransabank has gone through theyear 2018, he revealed high expectationsand trust in Fransabank’s family “whowill continue to rise above all thechallenges with their ski l ls,determination and commitmentthat they have always shown to date.”
The ceremony included a draw of 2amazing prizes which were won by 2lucky people of Fransabank staffs.The first prize was a three-nights tripfor 2 people to Istanbul, and thesecond was a three-nights trip for 2people to Belgrade, including expensesof hotel accommodation as well astouristic sightseeing.
An entertaining musical show wasperformed by the Lebanese singerYuri Mrakadi, and it was such “anevening with sparkles looking forwardto a beautiful tomorrow”.
Yuri Mrakadi singing on stage
Messrs. Nadim and Nabil Kassar on stage to select the winning numbers
Our People, Our Assets
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Fransabank is the Winner in the Finals of the BDL BanksBasketball League 2018
The final game was held under the patronage of the Governor of Banque du LibanDr. Riad Salameh, attended by the Deputy Governor of Banque du Liban Dr. SaadAndari, along with a number of advisers to the Governor and representatives ofVice-Governor. The game was also attended by a group of Credit Libanais’employees and management board representatives, and with the participation ofa group of Fransabank’s employees, former Head of Human ResourcesDepartment Dr. Walid Yazigi, Head of Branch Network Division Mr. AntoineZarifeh, and Head of Consumer Banking & Alternative Channels Department Mr.Elie Semaan.
For the third year in a row, Fransabank won in "BDL Banks Basketball League"2018 which was organized in June 4 , 2018 by Sports Mania, and under thesupervision of the Lebanese Basketball Federation after winning the final gameagainst Credit Libanais Bank (69-61) at the stadium of Al-Chiyah Municipality.
Fransabank Wins in the Finalsof the Syndicate of Employees of Banksin Lebanon (SEBL) Banks BasketballLeague 2018
Organized by Sport Evasion and under the supervision of theLebanese Basketball Federation, Fransabank won the titleagainst Credit Libanais 69/56.
Fransabank Wins the Super Cup 2018
For the 1st time, Fransabank (Champion of Banks) won thesuper cup (78 – 73) against Dar al Handasah, and the eventwas organized by Sport Mania and under the supervision ofthe Lebanese Basketball Federation.
Fransabank Basketball Team made it tothe Semi – Final 2018 in Serbia!
In Serbia, Fransabank team made it to the semi – finalagainst Dr Avdalovic Health Center with a final score 72/97.
It’s worth noting that Fransabank team had also made it tothe semi – final in 2017 against BDL in Dubai, with a finalscore (56/68).
In the match, Fransabank’s team,managed by Best Team Manager in2016 and 2017 Mr. Afif Nohra, suc-ceeded to settle the result andwiden the score gap in the fourthquarter by 8 points.
Fransabank also won the followingtitles:
Best Coach Award received byRizkallah Zaloum
Best Defender Award received byRoland Tabet
MVP (Most Valuable Player) of theTournament Award received byMarc Koudsi
It’s worth noting that the Bank wonthe BDL Banks Basketball Leaguein 2016 against Credit Libanais Bank(78-60) and in 2017 against BLOMBank (76-65).
At the end of the game, the cupsand medals were distributed to thewinners.
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Our People, Our Assets
Fransabank Corporate Volunteerism Day“Offering Children a Brighter Future!”
39 children at AFEL lived an experience of joy in a very entertaining environment,ranging from recreational activities, to sharing lunch, singing, and dancing, togift distribution.
Fransabank is keen to contribute to such NGOs aiming at equipping generationswith the right tools to have a safe reintegration into the society.
*a local NGO that works on enhancing the daily lives of people in need and givinggenerations the means to become autonomous and responsible adults through a holisticapproach which incorporates the family in the child’s rehabilitation process.
A volunteerism day was organized by Fransabank team in support of the childrenof AFEL*, on May 1st. 14 volunteers helped run the day in a fun and interactive spiritconsidering themselves blessed to have taken part in such a positive day.
Unforgettable Weekend in Arnaoun, North Lebanon
Although a long drive away from Beirut city,Arnaoun is not at all far, especially when ateam is homogeneous and looking for escapingBeirut’s hustle and spending beautiful time aswell as eating extremely delicious food. Thevillage had so much delicious food to offer andthat was not all – made and served by lovingpeople who had a constant smile on their faces.
300 people of Fransabank attended the familyouting and spent a very beautiful day on the 21st
of October 2018, out at the Arnaoon Village,enjoying the sensational food and the uniqueentertaining activities in a breathtaking nature!
Beyond the Typical “Co Workers”
After-work socializing activities amongcolleagues included also friendly outings,where Fransabank people danced togetherenjoying mouthwatering dinners, refreshingcocktails and lively music.
Offering such stimulating activities and creatingsocializing events would always improve asense of belonging and engagement, and itwould always make the bonds go far beyondthe typical "co-worker" relationships found atmost other companies.
In the year 2017 two team bonding activitieswere initiated, involving 120 employees fromFransabank branches and departments fromvarious positions.
In light of that, and with a very friendly spirit, agroup of 20 coworkers visited, in October 2017,Deir el Qamar town. The bonding activitiesobjectives are to enrich teamwork spirit, driveresponsibility and creative thinking. The goalswere reached through interactive techniquessuch as enigma solving and creativity workshops.
With the same spirit, a second event with similar activity took place in December,where 100 Fransabank employees took part in another bonding activity in Arz ElBarouq, Chouf area, where the Team planted a cedar tree in Barouk Forest in thename of Fransabank at the end of the day.
A third event took place in summer 2018, where 40 employees participated fromdifferent branches and departments. The event had Pineland Hammana as a venue.
We trust that more positive relationships resulted from these enthusiastic activities,paving the way for a better communication and a solid teamwork.
Adding to the excitement of spending a MerryChristmas with children, was a very specialfestive day at KidzMondo, which is a beautifulkid's world.
With more than 80 establishments and 120activities, the staffs’ kids experienced everydetail of an adult life in an educational andentertaining environment. The event was simply
a fun and original experience to spend a day with children, and a way to get active andget to know other colleagues better, outside the office, which enhances inFransabank’s family a sense of belonging.
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Fransabank’s Holiday Gathering
Christmas has always been a time to celebrate with families, kids, friends, andcolleagues. 1300 people of Fransabank’s staff and their children got together lastChristmas at KidzMondo and enjoyed every aspect of their yearly Staff Kids’ event,enjoying like every year a family atmosphere festive celebration.
Fransabank’s “Human-Centered” Philosophy towardsProductivity and Happiness
In a fast-paced working and extremely productive environment, Fransabank HumanResources Department is always committed to its own “human-centered” philosophythus creates cheerful and casual occasions which gather all Fransbank’s people outsidethe working context. These occasions include bonding activities objectives which areto enrich teamwork spirit, drive responsibility and creative thinking.
a heart-shape formed by Fransabank employees inChouf Cedar reserve
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