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The Qatar Investment Authority's Banking Unit (QCB) has been honored with Citibank New York's '2026 Straight Through Processing (STP) Excellence Award' for international payments, affirming the organization's remarkable operational capabilities and the efficiency of its payment processing. The recognition ceremony took place at the QCB headquarters, with QCB Chief Operating Officer Mohammed Khair Barhoumeh receiving the award from Citibank Head of Financial Institutions Sales for the Middle East, Seemanti Considine.

Accompanying Barhoumeh were QCB Head of Payments and International Operations Najeeb Ahmed Nasiruddin, along with senior Citibank representatives. This award underscores QCB's dedication to automating processes, bolstering its payment infrastructure, and enhancing customer experience, all in adherence to the highest global standards.

It also highlights the company's unwavering accuracy and speed in handling incoming and outgoing transfers, as well as its impressive straight-through processing (STP) rates. The award reflects the robust systems in place to manage the escalating volume of international financial transactions. Barhoumeh expressed his pride in the award, stating that it demonstrates the consistency of QCB's performance and the significant strides made in improving the efficiency of international payment services, aligning them with the leading global financial institutions' standards.

He further emphasized that their investments in digital systems and team capabilities have significantly improved operational efficiency. QCB's vision extends beyond mere payment processing; it aims to provide customers with absolute confidence that their funds will reach their intended destinations worldwide swiftly, transparently, and securely.

Looking ahead, Barhoumeh revealed that QCB is committed to continuous innovation, integrating cutting-edge automation and analytics technologies to maintain a global standard for speed and reliability. Barhoumeh highlighted the value of QCB's longstanding partnership with Citibank, which offers customers seamless access to the global payments network, while actively supporting the company's progress towards a digitally advanced future.