The 17th edition of the Finance, Banking and Insurance (FBI) magazine was launched at the Churchill Hall, in the House of Commons on Thursday, 13th July. The room bustled with enthusiasm and energy as hundreds of professionals interacted with one another just before the formal launch of this special magazine.
The annual FBI magazine published by Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar covers a range of financial products and services. With Brexit worries looming large over Britain, this theme based magazine tackles some very important subjects, with articles contributed by experts from various areas of the financial world. The magazine has a unique distinction, being the only recognised finance and business publication tailored to meet the needs of the Asian community.
Rt Hon Keith Vaz, MP, the longest serving Asian MP, co-hosted the launch along with CB Patel, Publisher/Editor of the Asian Voice newspaper.
Rt Hon Michael Ellis, Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, was the Chief Guest and he applauded the contributions of Asian Voice to the community and its commitment to the diaspora's progress. “I know Asian Voice is 45 years old, and it's going strong. CB Patel is a pioneer, an international personality, and I know of many who have very fondly spoken of him not only in the Asian community but throughout the country. And I would like to thank him for his tireless work,” he said.
Dhimant Trivedi, the former Chief Executive of European operations, Bank of Baroda (BoB), thanked Asian Voice for this opportunity and said that the publication was a guiding force and an eminent example of community cohesion. He announced the opening of a local bank in the UK as part of their 'new innings'. The new bank which will be owned by the Indian authorities, will function as a UK registered local bank.
Bank of Baroda has operated in the UK for the last 60 years as a subsidiary of their Indian operation and this step promises to be a great initiative towards the future of Indian banking industry and UK-India relationship. The bank at the moment has over 107 branches in 24 countries outside India.
Britons, especially British Asians, have excelled in several areas of the financial world. In recognition of their unique services, a few select organisations were presented special awards during the evening.
Rational FX, a company that was founded in 2005 by the now Deputy Mayor of London for business Rajesh Agrawal along with the current CEO Paresh Davdra, was the recipient of the ‘Forex Company of the Year’ award. Davdra was present to receive the award.
The next award was the 'Mortgage Broker of the Year Award', which was given to Dinesh Shonchhatra from Major Estates Financial Sevices and Major Estates Sales and Lettings.
A third award for the ‘Financial Institution of the Year’ category was presented to Managing Director Freddy David and Kishan Devani from HBFS.
The compere for the evening was Rakesh Shah, Managing Director and Head of Trading Strategies, Kingly Capital.
