FinTech Magazine October 2020 | Page 176

COMMERCIAL BANK OF DUBAI

Stefan Kimmel , COO , explains how COVID-19 created digitisation opportunities in banking and why customer-centricity is essential to CBD ’ s operations

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A lthough the COVID-19 pandemic is causing the banking sector to necessarily reassess so many of its core processes , there is one focus that should always remain the same : good customer service . Formed in 1969 , the Commercial Bank of Dubai ( CBD ) was built on a solid foundation of determination to improve the lives of the UAE ’ s citizens . Originally a joint venture between Commerzbank , Chase Manhatten Bank and Commercial Bank of Kuwait , CBD became a public company in 1982 and continues to be so to this day . The bank maintains a steadfast dedication to customer-centricity skillfully combined with visionary leadership , thereby allowing it to navigate the latest technological trends and produce optimal outcomes .

Joining the company in February 2020 , on the eve of the global coronavirus lockdown , Stefan Kimmel , Chief Operating Officer , says that the pandemic was a “ curveball ” at the start of his tenure to say the least . “ I hadn ’ t even had the chance to meet all of my staff before everything was suddenly via
OCTOBER 2020