UBL Omni wins GSMA Global Mobile Award

KARACHI: United Bank Limited’s Branchless Banking Service, UBL Omni has won the GSMA Global Mobile Award 2012 for “Best Use of Mobile in Emergency or Humanitarian Situations”. The branchless banking service has been recognized for its effective cash disbursements and this sets the benchmark for utilizing technology effectively during emergency or humanitarian situations. The announcement was made in a special ceremony at the GSMA’s Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain on Tuesday 28th February.

The GSMA (Groupe Speciale Mobile Association) Global Mobile Award is the telecommunication industry’s biggest annual event. This year it received a record 600 entries from all over the world for the 31 categories. More than 170 independent analysts, journalists, academics and subject matter experts throughout the world participated in the judging of the 2012 awards. For UBL Omni, the judges commented that there was growing interest in how to direct aid payments to the needy and this scheme utilizing mobile phones is a valuable initiative.

“The 2012 Global Mobile Awards continue to showcase the greatest, most creative and innovative products and services driving the mobile ecosystem today and into the future.” said Michael O’Hara, Chief Marketing Officer, GSMA. “The GSMA congratulates winners and commends all those taking part for raising the benchmark of contributions to mobile communications across the entire industry.”

Atif R. Bokhari, President & CEO, UBL said, “Our customers have always had faith in us and now the world believes in our dedication and commitment to innovate a new dimension in branchless banking. It is a humbling experience for us and at the same time gives us the motivation to achieve even higher milestones in the coming years.”

Abrar Mir, Group Head, Branchless & E-Banking, UBL while receiving the award on behalf of UBL said, “We are very excited to have been able to leverage mobile technology effectively to facilitate quick, transparent and efficient cash disbursements to people in need.”