The following is an extract from the above article which summarises the ethos of the ABA. A collaborative effort by Antoine Zananiri, Faisal Kudsi, George Kardouche, Saleha Lahiani-Dao , Walid Niazy and William Khouri.

...One of the early achievements of the ABA during its formative years was to support the launch of its sister organization in New York City – the Arab Bankers Association of  North America ( “ ABANA” ) . 

In its periodic luncheon and dinner meetings,  the ABA has been addressed by ministers , ambassadors, industry chairman , governors of central banks  and leading bankers and academics . Its seminars and conferences organized in London and as far away as Sharjah have been well attended. They have dealt with such topical issues as  “ Arab Banks in London after the Big Bang” , “ The Role of Islamic Banks ” , “ International Capital Markets” , Privatization” , etc.  Members have also enjoyed the informal annual social  gatherings including an Iftar in Ramadan, a Polo charity benefit and the Annual Gala Dinner .

In the early 80s, the ABA also helped organize two 6 week training seminars on Corporate Finance in association with the University of Manchester. These sessions were heavily attended by Arab bankers based in Europe . Unfortunately the need for repeating these courses was satisfied by in house training programs.  

The ABA has arranged other training seminars, promoted essay competitions , taken on summer interns and provided and acted  as a forum for members to meet each other as well as industry specialists to exchange ideas on current areas of concern or interest to the banking community both in the UK and universally . 

The ABA is a not for profit organisation. As such it contributes generously to a wide range of Arab charities many related to improving the medical conditions in the Middle East as well as benefiting Arab children. 

The “Arab Banker” Journal has educated and informed our readership on economic developments in regional and global economies as far reaching as Japan, Malaysia, Australia and Mexico. It has detailed innovations and the latest developments in high yield securities , alternative investments, derivatives, venture capital , debt markets, environmental funds and banking systems to name a few. The journal has also kept our readers up to date on the financial performance of Arab banks, regulatory and legal developments including provisioning requirements , BIS capital adequacy rules, documentation developments and risk and volatility management . On the lighter side, Arab Banker has also featured cultural and travel articles as well as book reviews.