Reaffirming its commitment to actively partner in Oman’s Vision 2040, ahlibank has announced the launch of ‘A’maali’, the SME Value Plus Account, to empower small and medium enterprises with financial solutions that enhance business potentials and support new ventures.

Based on the premise that a standard offering is not enough, ahlibank has designed ‘A’maali’ to set a newer paradigm of growth for SMEs in the country, offering four distinct categories – Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum – that suit business requirements of enterprises with varying requirements.  Depending on the classification, SMEs can avail benefits such as free cheque transactions, free remittances, and free set up of standing instructions. The Account Maintenance criteria is also commensurate with the chosen category, with minimum average monthly balance of OMR 5,000 for Bronze, OMR 10,000 for Silver, OMR 15,000 for Gold and OMR 20,000 for Platinum accounts.   

Additionally, A’maali Business Debit Card has inbuilt features to provide access to company accounts 24 hours a day, enable separation of company and personal expenses, and simplify accounting processes. It also offers a convenient and easy-to-use payment method, along with higher spending limit, to cater to the spending patterns of SMEs and corporates. The safe and secure card can be used to make purchases, and pay bills and make withdrawals; it has worldwide acceptance; is equipped with 3D secure OTP service; and allows account holders to view card usage through online account statement using corporate channels.

Describing the account as an incentivized platform for SMEs in the country, Muneer Al Balushi, AGM – Head of Retail Distribution, ahlibank, said, “SMEs have and will continue to play a prominent role in the country’s economy, Vision 2040 to be specific, and we at ahlibank have recognised the vast potentials of this sector in achieving the government’s economic diversification agenda. Through ‘A’maali’ we will fuel this role and augment the sector’s successes with our innovative and effective banking solutions. 

“Our primary objective is to enhance opportunities for existing and new small and medium enterprises through our SME Banking division, which is helmed by a team of experienced customer-focused relationship managers. They bring to the table their vast experience in the sector, offering customers a range of products that are structured to meet specific needs and profiles.”

It is imperative to see the launch of ahlibank’s Value Plus Account in the light of rapid economic growth in Oman and the enhanced trade relations with GCC countries and the world, which have spurred several entrepreneurs in the country to set up new businesses as well as expand existing ones. Oman’s Vision 2040 document has outlined plans to support SMEs by building strategic relationships with larger corporations, including financial institutions. And ‘A’maali’ reflects the Bank’s conscious efforts to align its operations with the Vision 2040, which places specific emphasis on the SME sector.

ahlibank understands how each SME is unique in terms of activity and needs, whether it is startups, family businesses or small and medium entrepreneurs, and has, through its secure and convenient digital platforms like ahliNET, ahliB2B, ahliRDC, ensured growth opportunities for SMEs.