QNB Group, the leading financial institution in Qatar and the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region, has achieved an increase in the value of its brand to $1.31bn and was ranked 120 on the list of the world's top 500 banking brands in 2013, according to an annual survey carried out by 'Brand Finance' and published by The Banker magazine, an affiliate to the widely circulated Financial Times newspaper. QNB brand was among the world's top 500 banking brands for the second consecutive year, a further accolade to QNB Group's prominent role and outstanding performance in the Mena region. The ranking revealed that out of five Mena banking brands on the list only QNB Group's brand had achieved gains in its value. QNB's brand value rose to $1.31bn in 2013, up from $1.26bn in 2012. The value assessment process of banking brands on Brand Finance's ranking depends on strict standards, taking into account the bank's size, geographical presence, global and regional reputation, and its brand's classification. QNB Group's brand is classified as an AA brand. This classification differs from ratings issued by credit rating agencies as Brand Finance classification represents the health and future growth potentials of the brand based on the brand's value and other indicators. In recognition of QNB Group's distinguished performance, the Bank was listed among the world's safest 50 banks. The Bank has also won the 'Best Bank in the Middle East' Award by 'The Banker' as well as the 'Bank of the Year - Qatar' award in 2012 by Euromoney magazine, the ninth time QNB Group received this prestigious award. The Peninsula
