Who We Are
Habib Bank AG Zurich was established in Switzerland in 1967, and has grown into a global institution with a presence in 11 countries spanning across four continents. Over the past six decades, we have expanded internationally, combining modern technology with timeless values.
Habib Bank AG Zurich has a head office in Zurich, and operates with branches in Kenya and the United Arab Emirates. It has subsidiaries in Canada, Hong Kong, Pakistan, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, and representative offices in Bangladesh, China, Hong Kong, Pakistan, and Türkiye.
Commemorative coin issued on the occasion of Habib Bank AG Zurich’s 50th Anniversary
Our Core Business
We place a strong emphasis on offering our clients personalized service, with the clear vision of becoming the most respected financial institution based on trust, service, and commitment. Our business model is strategically designed to deliver value across diverse markets through a multi-faceted approach. Our international operations span key countries where we focus on two core business pillars:
Commercial & Corporate Banking
We focus on financing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), family-owned businesses, and select corporate clients. Our goal is to foster economic growth by providing tailored financial solutions to our clients.
Personal Banking
Through our local franchises, we establish a strong presence by catering to the unique needs of private clients. We offer personalized services to build lasting relationships within the communities we serve.
Our Key Business Lines
Trade Finance
We facilitate international trade through our trade finance services and support transactions of our clients, worldwide, with enhanced risk sharing and risk mitigation through multilateral agencies.
Islamic Banking
We offer a range of Islamic banking products to meet the diverse needs of our clients for ethical and Shariah-compliant financial practices.
Wealth Management
Our wealth management services, operating in Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates/DIFC, include comprehensive financial solutions designed to preserve and optimize the wealth of our clients.
Vision & Mission
Vision
To be the most respected financial institution based on trust, service, and commitment.
Mission
To be the ‘Bank of Choice’ for family enterprises across generations.
Message From The President
“Having celebrated the 50th Anniversary of our Bank we have certainly come a very long way from the first bold days of this bank to the global network we are today. There have been lots of moments to treasure and celebrate as well as challenges that we have had to overcome together. With strong faith and your dedication we shall go from strength to strength and look with great excitement to our future.”
Message From The Group CEO
“With a banking heritage of over 100 years, Habib Bank AG Zurich takes pride in serving millions of customers through a global network spanning 11 countries. At Habib Bank AG Zurich, our core values guide every facet of our banking operations. Our commitment to excellence, customer-centric approach, digital prowess and expertise in trade financing have solidified our position as a trusted financial partner of our customers.”
Our Core Values Purpose-Driven Careers
Trust
Trust is at the heart of everything we do. We prioritize transparency and reliability in our interactions with clients and colleagues, ensuring trust remains the cornerstone of our relationships.
Integrity
Upholding the highest ethical standards is non-negotiable for us. With honesty and integrity as guiding principles, we ensure that our actions and decisions are always in the best interest of our clients and the organization.
Respect
We believe in treating everyone with dignity and respect, fostering a culture of inclusivity and understanding. We encourage collaboration and creativity by valuing diverse perspectives and creating a respectful environment.
Responsibility
We take responsibility for the impact of our actions on all stakeholders, from clients to the broader community. By practicing responsible business practices, we strive to make a positive difference in the lives of those we serve and the world around us.
Commitment
Our dedication to excellence drives us to deliver consistent and exceptional service. We remain steadfast in our commitment to meeting clients’ needs and exceeding their expectations with unwavering dedication.
Teamwork
Collaboration is the key to our success. We promote a strong sense of teamwork, where each individual’s unique strengths and expertise contribute to collective achievements, enabling us to overcome challenges together.
History
1878
Habib Esmail, the visionary who laid the foundation of what would later become Habib Bank AG Zurich, was born in Bombay, British India.
1891
At the age of 13, Habib Esmail joined his uncle’s business, Khoja Mithabani Nathoo. Hard work and leadership qualities led him to become the President of the Copper and Brass Merchants Association.
1904
Mahomedali Habib, the third son of Habib Esmail, was born in Bombay.
1912
Habib Esmail expanded his business to Europe by opening offices in Genoa and Vienna. He also established trade relationships with Japan and China.
1921
Habib Esmail established Habib & Sons Ltd with his sons, with merchant banking and trade finance as its core operations.
1941
Habib Bank Limited was founded as a public limited company in Bombay, India. It rapidly expanded across major cities in the Subcontinent, becoming the Habib family’s flagship bank.
1947
Following Partition, Habib Bank Limited shifted its head office to Karachi, Pakistan. It played an instrumental role in establishing the country’s banking infrastructure.
1952
Habib Bank (Overseas) Limited was born with its first international branch in Mombasa, Kenya. This was followed by other branches in key trading centres, cementing the Bank’s global presence.
1967
Habib Bank AG Zurich (HBZ) was incorporated in Zurich, Switzerland, as an independent bank affiliated with Habib Bank (Overseas) Limited. Hyder Habib, son of Mohamedali Habib, spearheaded its operations.
1974
Habib Bank AG Zurich expanded its international footprint by establishing branches in the UAE and the UK.
1978
Habib Bank AG Zurich began its operations in Kenya while strengthening its presence in the UAE and the UK by opening additional branches.
1979
Habib Bank AG Zurich Finance Limited was incorporated in Hong Kong as a deposit-taking company (DTC), marking its foray into the Asian market.
1982
Habib Bank AG Zurich relocated its head office to 21 Bergstrasse, Zurich, marking a new chapter in its commitment to growth, innovation, and exceptional service.
1989
Habib Bank AG Zurich opened a branch in Pakistan to strengthen its commitment to serving the local market and fostering economic growth.
1993
Habib Bank AG Zurich launched hPLUS, a cutting-edge solution that revolutionized the Bank’s technology and operational systems, setting new industry benchmarks.
1994
Habib Bank AG Zurich moved to its present headquarters at 59 Weinberg Strasse, Zurich, reflecting its ongoing growth and success.
1995
Habib Bank AG Zurich made the first major investment in South Africa by a Swiss banking group.
2000
Habib Bank AG Zurich launched its digital banking platform, showcasing innovation and customer focus. It gained global recognition, ranking in the top 1000 banks and receiving high marks for performance and soundness.
2001
Habib Canadian Bank (HCB) was founded as a subsidiary of Habib Bank AG Zurich, establishing the Bank’s presence in North America.
Habib Bank AG Zurich became the first bank in the Middle East to offer WAP-based banking services.
2004
To meet the growing demand for Sharia-compliant financial services, Habib Bank AG Zurich launched its Islamic Banking services.
2005
Habib Bank AG Zurich won the prestigious ComputerWorld Award in recognition of its advanced banking systems.
HBZ launched HBZtrade, the region’s first online securities trading platform for the US capital markets.
2006
Habib Bank AG Zurich’s Pakistan operations merged with Metropolitan Bank to form Habib Metropolitan Bank (HABIBMETRO).
2012
The year marked a hundred years of international business for the Habib Family & Group.
2013
Habib Bank AG Zurich relocated its UAE Zonal Office and SZR branch to a modern premises at Umm Al Sheif, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE.
2014
The Group launched ‘Sirat’, its Islamic Banking brand, on 14th July, in Pakistan.
2015
Habib Bank AG Zurich Finance Limited was renamed as Habib Bank Zurich (Hong Kong) Limited.
2016
Habib Bank Zurich plc became a subsidiary of Habib Bank AG Zurich.
2017
Habib Bank AG Zurich enhanced its offerings in the UAE by introducing ‘Sirat’ Islamic Banking. HBZ UAE also launched its mobile banking application for seamless on-the-go banking.
Habib Bank AG Zurich celebrated 50th anniversary of its global banking operations, marking half a century of excellence and innovation in serving customers worldwide.
2020
Habib Bank AG Zurich’s representative office in Shanghai commenced operations.
2021
The year marked 100 years of banking for the Habib Group.
2022
Habib Bank AG Zurich opened a branch in Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC), further strengthening its presence in one of the leading financial hubs of the world.
2023
Habib Bank AG Zurich established a representative office in Türkiye.
2024
Habib Bank AG Zurich celebrates the 50th Anniversary of its banking operations in the UAE and the UK.
Habib Bank AG Zurich and HABIBMETRO Bank celebrate the 10th Anniversary of ‘Sirat’ in Pakistan.
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