Habib Esmail
Mohammadali Habib
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Founders of the Bank
The Habib Family ... Whilst the official history of Habib Bank AG Zurich is recorded since it's
establishment in Zurich, Switzerland in 1967, the roots go back to mid 19th century, traced to the
Indian Subcontinent with the copper and brass utensils manufacturing business established in 1841
by its founder Habib Esmail. Initially established as a company trading in metals and other commodities,
it soon expanded into Trade Finance and Merchant Banking, a result of the integrity and entrepreneurial
spirit of its founder. The success of this business led to the establishment of a fully-fledged
commercial bank in 1941, operating as "Habib Bank Limited".
The partition of
India in 1947 resulted in Habib Bank Limited, with its Head Office in Karachi, expanding its branches
in East and West Pakistan. Upon the death of Habib Esmail, his son Mohamedali Habib, a
talented businessman who ensured further rapid growth of Habib Bank Limited, assumed
management of the Bank.
January the 1st 1974 witnessed the nationalisation of all
Pakistani Banks, including Habib Bank Limited, which at the time was amongst the worlds top 200
Banks with 927 Branches in Pakistan and 42 Foreign Branches in 12 countries. The only asset left to
the Habib Family was Habib Bank AG Zurich, which at that time was a modest operation with assets
of 25 million Swiss Francs. This humble beginning, by the grace of God, became the basis from which
the present global operation has risen.
A Swiss Bank now in South Africa
HBZ Bank Limited represents the first major investment in South Africa by a Swiss based Banking Group.
HBZ Bank was launched in South Africa in 1995 with an initial capital investment of R 50 million.
It currently operates branches in Kwa-Zulu Natal and Gauteng and has a division specialising
in Islamic Banking. HBZ Bank Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Habib Bank AG Zurich.
This ensures that services in the best Swiss traditions are provided
to its South African customers. Whilst HBZ Bank Limited, registered in South Africa as a local commercial
bank, diligently conforms to the requirements of the South African Reserve Bank; it also adheres
and lives up to the Swiss Banking tradition of confidentiality and legendary service.
A truly International Bank
Since its establishment in Switzerland in 1967, Habib Bank AG Zurich has expanded into a truly
international bank whose operations encompass over 40 branches, affiliates, subsidiaries and
representative offices that span 4 continents including countries such as Switzerland, United Kingdom,
Isle of Man, United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Hong Kong, Kenya, South Africa and Canada.
Over 50 Years of Consistent Growth
With a track record of over 50 years of consistent growth across the globe, by the Grace of God the total
assets of Habib Bank AG Zurich have grown substantially. With a staff of dedicated professionals, it
has accumulated a wealth of experience and expertise in dealing with the daily changing demands of
Global Banking ensuring that it remains a force in International Banking.
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