Bringing a slew of ultra-long syndications for public sector issuers in the past year perfectly demonstrates Barclays’ world-class read of the debt markets.

BNP Paribas wins region’s best bank award and is named best bank for transaction services and wealth management in western Europe; Barclays takes best investment bank title; ING, Santander and CaixaBank win inaugural regional awards in digital, CSR and SME categories respectively; ABN Amro stages the best bank transformation.

Deutsche Bank’s John Cryan might have the toughest job in banking, but Jes Staley probably runs a close second. The Barclays CEO has had an impressive first six months, all things considered. As always, there is more to do.

Barclays CEO Jes Staley has moved quickly to fill the top positions of his management team, with one big exception.

Six months ago, Jes Staley took on a job that many of his peers said they did not envy. His task: to turn Barclays’ business performance around and create a clear strategic vision for a bank that had not adapted to a new regulatory and market environment. Work remains to be done, not least in agreeing a ring-fenced structure and improving returns at the investment bank. But the mood at Barclays appears to be brightening.

Best bank in the Middle East Emirates NBD Best investment bank in the Middle East HSBC Best digital bank in the Middle East Emirates NBD Best bank for financing in the Middle East Citi Best bank for advisory in the Middle East Barclays Best bank for markets in the Middle East National Bank of Abu Dhabi Best bank for transaction services in the Middle East Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank Best bank for wealth management in the Middle East Audi Private Bank Best bank for CSR in the Middle East Arab African International Bank Best bank for SMEs Bank of Alexandria Best bank transformation Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait Outstanding contribution to financial services Hisham Ezz Al Arab . Country Awards for Excellence 2016: Middle East Awards for Excellence Middle East press release