What it does: A full-service corporate bank that offers treasury and trade finance services, commercial banking, Sharia-compliant services, and several personal banking options.
Best known for: The bank has garnered numerous awards since its development in 1982. In 2018, NBF was awarded 'Best Commercial Bank UAE' for seven years in a row and 'Best Corporate Bank' for three years in a row by the Banker Middle East Industry Awards. In 2019's Top CEO Awards, it ranked 2nd in the 'Top 10 Banking Companies' GCC category. It also received an Engagement Award at the International Business Excellence Awards 2019.
Staff stats: 760
The good bits: Insiders often praise the company's exemplary leadership. Expect a hands-on, open-door policy type of management that recognises and rewards top performers. NBF has a racially diverse workforce that is comprised of nearly 40% Emiratis and 60% employees from other nationalities while offering specialised training and development programs for UAE nationals.
The not-so-good bits: Advancement may be an issue due to a lack of opportunities.
The National Bank of Fujairah (NBF) was incorporated in 1982 to offer services in commercial and corporate banking, treasury, and trade finance. The company has also expanded its portfolio to include an extensive suite of Shariah-compliant services and personal banking options.
NBF commits to the economic development of the UAE by supporting industries in construction, manufacturing, oil and shipping, healthcare, and education. The bank's shareholders include the Government of Fujairah (41%), Easa Saleh Al Gurg LLC (21%), Investment Corporation of Dubai (9%), Fujairah Investment Company (5%), and Citizens of the United Arab Emirates (24%)
The bank currently handles three subsidiaries: NBF Financial Services FZC provides the bank with financial advisory and support services; NBF Capital LTD, DIFC arranges credit or deals in investments, as well as offering advice on credit or financial products; NBF Markets (Cayman) Ltd offers support services in entering foreign exchange and derivative transactions with counterparties and financial institutions under the conditions and terms of International Swaps and Derivatives Association.
The recruitment process varies from role to role, but graduates may expect a series of technical or behavioural interviews with HR representatives, line managers, and segment heads. Graduates should expect to get questioned about their credentials, company history, and related experiences. The process generally takes two weeks.
An industry-competitive basic salary with fringe benefits that may include health, disability, and life insurance, pension plan, maternity leave, vacation leave, and employee discounts, among others.
Employee engagement and well-being are some of the bank's top priorities and several efforts are made to ensure this. The Employee Well-Being Program (EWP), offered to all employees and their families, takes a holistic approach to wellbeing by focusing on the mind, body and health.
For example, the NBF Fujairah Run, first held in December 2017, encouraged employees to bond with one another through sports such as running, badminton, cycling, swimming, and cricket. To address personal issues employees may be experiencing at home, the bank sought the help of AXA ICAS to offer confidential, independent and qualified counselling services over the phone or in-person to all NBF employees and their family members.
NBF's corporate social responsibility is expressed through various initiatives which include conservation drives and partnering with charitable organisations in Fujairah. It frequently collaborates with tertiary education institutions to help train youth leaders via talent development programs.
Some of the bank's initiatives include the preservation of Wadi Wurayah National Park through donation drives carried out via ATM networks, offering sponsorship to Angel Appeal, a seafarers support group, partnering with the Fujairah Welfare Association to support over 18,000 people during the holy month, and launching a graduate training and sponsorship program for Emirati Nationals from Fujairah Higher Colleges of Technology, among others.
Though it may be a relatively new bank in the UAE, NBF's main draws are plenty: highly supportive management, a diverse workforce, and extensive training programs. However, the company's humble stature seems to affect its capability to advance its workers – a drawback graduates must consider when aiming for a long-term career.