The Housing Bank for Trade and Finance (HBTF) was established in 1973 as a public shareholding limited company with a capital amounting to half a million JD. The primary focus of the Bank was to provide housing finance, and hence the name. After 24 years of operations, the Bank embarked on a new era, when it diversified its scope and became a comprehensive bank, providing full commercial banking services. The Bank's capital was increased several times, and currently amounts to JD 252 million; the equivalent of USD 355 million, the Bank's management has continuously focused on strengthening its capital base year by year, the total equity amounted to JD 1047 million(USD 1.5 billion) at the end 2012. The Bank's successful journey has paid off, and it has earned many high credit ratings from international institutions (Moody's, Standard & Poor's, Fitch, and Capital Intelligence), in addition to winning the prestigious "​ Bank of the year – Jordan"​ award from The Banker (2003, 2011, and 2013 ) and from Euromoney (2007). In addition, it has also received several other awards and certificates.