Analyzing the role of business managers in current environment, Dr. R Seetharaman said, “The role of Bankers must evolve to next higher level from customer perspective. He must be perceived as a financial advisor and consultant rather than a product banker. Business managers must aim for a clear differentiating strategy, continuous product innovation, and customer-centric technology integration with the business and effective development of knowledge-based workforce. Today we live in a Global Village and our products and services must have a global appeal”. Sharing the success story of Doha Bank, he explained how the bank has transformed with product differentiation, collaboration and aggregation towards convergence as a one stop financial service provider.

Replying to a question on Qatar acquiring 20% stake in London Stock Exchange, Dr. R. Seetharaman said Qatar Investment Authority always looks for investment opportunity globally on sound institutions, and, these investments are in line with that. On the reasons what the foreign banks find surprising about the regional banks, Dr. R Seetharaman said, “Foreign banks find that GCC economies are in highly liberalized environment. They are appreciative of our intensity, competitive environment and State of Art Banking. They find our rapid response to market needs highly dynamic. They find the totality of our relationship with customers covering all aspects of financing very unique.”