About Us
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.
Habib Bank AG Zurich’s commitment to global expansion led to a significant milestone in South Africa with a R50 million investment, marking the Group’s inaugural venture in the country. Since its establishment in 1995, HBZ Bank Limited has developed a substantial footprint in South Africa, particularly in Kwa-Zulu Natal and Gauteng.
As a wholly-owned subsidiary of Habib Bank AG Zurich, HBZ Bank Limited upholds Swiss traditions, ensuring our customers receive the highest standards of service. As a local commercial bank, we adhere to South African regulations and the Reserve Bank’s guidelines while maintaining Swiss Banking standards of confidentiality and exceptional service.
Core Values
Trust
Trust is at the heart of everything we do. We prioritise 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 organisation.
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.
49 years heritage & profitability
8 Branches
475+ employees 20+ nationalities
Supporting 9,800+ Businesses
Growing Together
Swiss lineage, committed to UAE
Our History
1878
Habib Esmail, the visionary who laid the foundation of what would later become Habib Bank AG Zurich, was born in Bombay, 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 revolutionised 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.
Habib Bank AG Zurich ranked in the Top 1000 Banks Worldwide by The Banker Magazine.
- 1878
- 1891
- 1904
- 1912
- 1921
- 1941
- 1947
- 1952
- 1967
- 1974
- 1978
- 1979
- 1982
- 1989
- 1993
- 1994
- 1995
- 2000
- 2001
- 2004
- 2005
- 2006
- 2012
- 2013
- 2014
- 2015
- 2016
- 2017
- 2020
- 2021
- 2022
- 2023
- 2024
Board Of Directors
Muhammad H. Habib
- Non-Executive Director
Yvette Singh
- Chairman of the Board
- Independent Non-Executive Director
Pierre Fourie
- Chairman of the Audit Committee
- Independent Non-Executive Director
Nomavuso Mnxasana
- Chairman of the Social Ethics & Conduct Committee
- Independent Non-Executive Director
Disebo Moephuli
- Chairman of the Capital Adequacy & Risk Committee
- Independent Non-Executive Director
Sharoda Rapeti
- Chairman of Remuneration Committee
- Independent Non-Executive Director
Mohsin Ali Nathani
- Non-Executive Director
Anjum Iqbal
- Executive Director
Ashley Cameron
- Executive Director
Management In South Africa
Ashley Cameron
- Chief Executive Officer
Zaakir Mitha
- Chief Financial Officer
- Executive Committee Member
Farooq Anwar
- Chief Operating Officer
- Executive Committee Member
Michelle Sewchuran
- Head of Compliance
- Executive Committee Member
Kosheek Maharaj
- Chief Risk Officer
- Executive Committee Member
Internal Audit & Corporate
Anisa Maharaj
- Head of Internal Audit
Thabisile Luthuli
- Company Secretary & In-Charge Governance Affairs
Branch Management
Muhammad Ali Chaudhry
- Area Manager / Branch Manager,
- Rosebank Branch (Gauteng)
Rohinton Lim Meherjina
- Area Manager / Branch Manager,
- Durban Branch (KwaZulu-Natal)
Babur Zaidi
- Area Manager / Branch Manager,
- Laudium Branch (Tshwane & Limpopo)
Aasif Abba
- Branch Manager,
- Fordsburg Branch (Gauteng)
Farhan Balim
- Branch Manager,
- Lenasia Branch (Gauteng)
Ridwan Ismail
- Branch Manager,
- Pietermaritzburg Branch (KwaZulu-Natal)
Mohammad Mohsin
- Branch Manager,
- Overport Islamic Branch (KwaZulu-Natal)
Yusuf Shamssodin
- Branch Manager,
- Boksburg Branch (Gauteng)
Sirat Shariah Compliance Team
Mufti Muhammed Ismail Haffejee
- Shariah Advisor
Mufti Mahmood Suliman
- Shariah Quality & Assurance Officer
2023 Key Financials
Total Assets – In ZAR “000”
Annual Report 2023
Total Capital & Reserves – In ZAR “000”
Annual Report 2023
Total Loans And Advances – In ZAR “000”
Annual Report 2023
Customer Deposits – In ZAR “000”
Annual Report 2023
Capital Adequacy Ratio
Annual Report 2023
Net Profit For The Year – In ZAR “000”
Annual Report 2023
Financial Records & Reports
- Biannual Disclosure June 2024
- Quarterly Disclosure March 2024
- Annual Disclosure December 2023
- Quarterly Disclosure September 2023
- Biannual Disclosure June 2023
- Quarterly Disclosure March 2023
- Annual Disclosure December 2022
- Quarterly Disclosure September 2022
- Biannual Disclosure June 2022
- Quarterly Disclosure March 2022
- Annual Disclosure December 2021
- Quarterly Disclosure September 2021
- Biannual Disclosure June 2021
- Quarterly Disclosure March 2021
- Annual Disclosure December 2020
- Quarterly Disclosure September 2020
- Biannual Disclosure June 2020
- Quarterly Disclosure March 2020
- Annual Disclosure December 2019
- Quarterly Disclosure September 2019
- Biannual Disclosure June 2019
- Quarterly Disclosure March 2019
- Annual Disclosure December 2018
- Quarterly Disclosure September 2018 Key metrics
- Quarterly Disclosure September 2018 Leverage Ratios
- Quarterly Disclosure September 2018 Liquidity Coverage Ratio
- Quarterly Pillar 3 Disclosures - September 2018 RWA
- Biannual Disclosure June 2018 - Annexure B
- Biannual Disclosure June 2018 - Annexure A
- Biannual Disclosure June 2018 - LCR
- Bi-annual Disclosure June 2018 - Key Metrics
- Bi-annual Disclosure June 2018 - Leverage Ratios
- Quarterly Disclosure March 2018 - Annexure B
- Quarterly Disclosure March 2018 - Annexure A
- Quarterly Disclosure March 2018 - LCR
- Pillar 3 Disclosures - March 2018
- Annual Disclosure December 2017 - Annexure A
- Annual Disclosure December 2017 - Annexure B
- Pillar 3 Disclosures - December 2017
- Quarterly Disclosure September 2017 - Annexure B
- Quarterly Disclosure September 2017 - Annexure A
- Quarterly Disclosure September 2017 - LCR
- Pillar 3 Disclosures - September 2017
- Biannual Disclosure - June 2017 - Annexure B
- Biannual Disclosure - June 2017 - Annexure A
- Biannual Disclosure - June 2017 - LCR
- Quarterly Disclosure March 2017 - Annexure B
- Quarterly Disclosure March 2017 - Annexure A
- Quarterly Disclosure March 2017 - LCR
- Pillar 3 Disclosures - March 2017
- Annual Disclosure - December 2016 - Annexure B
- Annual Disclosure - December 2016 - Annexure A
- Pillar 3 Disclosures - December 2016
- Quarterly Disclosure - September 2016 - Annexure B
- Quarterly Disclosure - September 2016 - Annexure A
- Quarterly Disclosure - September 2016 - LCR
- Biannual Disclosure - June 2016 - Annexure B
- Biannual Disclosure - June 2016 - Annexure A
- Biannual Disclosure - June 2016 - LCR
- Quarterly Disclosure March 2016 - Annexure B
- Quarterly Disclosure March 2016 - Annexure A
- Quarterly Disclosure March 2016 - LCR
- Biannual Disclosure December 2015 - Annexure B
- Biannual Disclosure December 2015 - Annexure A
- Quarterly Disclosure September 2015 - Annexure B
- Quarterly Disclosure September 2015 - Annexure A
- Quarterly Disclosure September 2015 - LCR
- Biannual Disclosures - June 2015 - Annexure A
- Biannual Disclosures - June 2015 - Annexure B
- Quarterly Disclosure March 2015
- Biannual Disclosure December 2014 - Annexure B
- Biannual Disclosure December 2014 - Annexure A
- Quarterly Disclosure September 2014
- Biannual Disclosure June 2014
- Biannual Disclosure June 2014 - Annexure A
- Quarterly Disclosure March 2014