OCBC has been named the winner of the Best SME Banking Business Award for 2011.

It received the award during the 11th International Excellence in Retail Financial Services Awards Programme on March 23, in conjunction with the Excellence in Retail Financial Services Convention held at the Marina Bay Sands.

Mr Linus Goh, Global Head of Enterprise Banking and Financial Institutions, OCBC Bank said: "This international award for Best SME Banking is a strong affirmation of the journey we have taken with our customers - to understand their needs and to help them achieve their ambitions at each phase of the SME life cycle.

"In winning, we recognise our customers who have collaborated with us on many of our service innovations, whether in delivering simple, fast and convenient banking or in supporting them in their regional expansion."

About 150 senior bankers from award-winning banks in 29 countries across the Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Central Asia and Africa attended the event that recognises their efforts in bringing superior products and services to their customers.

The awards programme is administered by The Asian Banker and refereed by prominent global bankers, consultants and academics.

A stringent three-month evaluation process based on a balanced and transparent scorecard used to determine the winners and the positions of various retail banks in the region.

ellenja@sph.com.sg