Ali Raza gets a year extension as NBP president

Syed Ali Raza spent 27 years with Bank of America when he took charge as President & Chairman NBP in July 2000. Since than, NBP has witnessed tremendous progress and a public service organisation has been redefined as the most modern commercial bank of the country. Profits of the bank have risen from one billion in 2000 to 28 billion 2007.
The business results speak of the complete turnaround made by NBP. This transformation to one of the most profitable banks of Asia was made possible by the institutional re-structuring, corporate governance, merit culture, talent management and unique business strategies introduced and implemented by Syed Ali Raza.
During his tenure the bank has also contributed significantly towards the betterment of society through its Corporate Social Responsibility programs focusing mainly on substantial sponsorships of sports, culture, literature and education. Since 2003 NBP has started a regular MBA induction program and has currently employed over 850 MBAs selected purely on merit from business schools all over the country. National Bank is also making substantial investments in information technology to improve its customer service and achieve operational efficiencies.
In recognition of the progress made over the past few years, various national and international awards have been given to NBP including the highest credit rating in the banking sector. JCR-VIS awarded the highest standalone credit rating of AAA/A-1+ to NBP.
NBP has been the recipient of "The Bank of the Year" 2001, 2002, 2004 2005 and 2008 Award by The Banker Magazine, The Best Foreign Exchange Bank - Pakistan for 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 by Global Finance, Best Emerging Market Bank from Pakistan for the year 2005, Global Finance, Best Return on Capital amongst all banks in Asia, 2006 and 2007, The Banker Magazine, Kissan Time Awards - 2005 for NBP's services in the agriculture field.
Syed Ali Raza has been the recipient of a number of prestigious awards. He was awarded The Asian Banker Leadership Achievement Award in 2007 by the Asian Banker. A Silver Plaque was presented to him by the Jinnah Society Karachi in 2006. In August 2005 Sitara-e-Imtiaz was conferred upon him by the Government of Pakistan for his outstanding contribution in the field of banking. He was also recognised as one of Asia's top bankers over the last decade in a recent book published by Peter Holfich of the Asian Banker Magazine.
Business Week of the McGraw Hill Companies in 2005 adjudged him as one of the 25 Leaders of Asia at the Forefront of Change by referring these leaders as Stars of Asia. Raza's capabilities were also recognised by The Institute of Bankers, Pakistan when he was awarded a Gold Medal in 2003.