Best bank 2025: National Bank of Bahrain
National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) demonstrated a series of notable achievements throughout 2024. Embracing innovation, the bank successfully introduced a suite of new digital and sustainability solutions designed to enhance customer experience and promote environmental sustainability.
NBB’s targeted expansion strategies in 2024 contributed to significant growth in asset management and profitability. Total assets increased by 7% to BD5.8 billion ($15.4 billion), while net profit grew by 11% to BD65.7 million, underlining the bank’s robust financial health.
The bank achieved a 16% rise in loans and advances, demonstrating impressive operational efficiency and strategic execution.
Digital transformation was a core focus. Digitally registered retail customers increased 23%, while new digital customers onboarding surged year-on-year, driven by high-performing platforms such as NBB DigiConnect and NBB DigiCorp.
NBB also deepened its commitment to sustainability. Its newly launched sustainable finance framework, renewable energy-powered branches, and Bahrain’s first Bitcoin-linked structured investment products highlighted its forward-thinking ethos.
Beyond financial metrics and new service rollouts, NBB’s diversified financing across multiple sectors is reshaping the Bahraini banking landscape, reinforcing the bank’s transformative effect.
Best bank for corporate responsibility 2025: National Bank of Bahrain
In its dedication to corporate responsibility, the National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) has set a soaring precedent for not only financial institutions in Bahrain but globally. The bank’s multifaceted commitment to social responsibility sourced through various innovative initiatives marks it as a deserving recipient of Euromoney’s award as Bahrain’s best bank for corporate responsibility.
Central to NBB’s approach is its distinctive focus on employees’ active participation in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability causes. The introduction of initiatives that reward employees for these engagements underpins a robust culture of internal CSR engagement that underscores the bank’s holistic incorporation of these values within its organisational fabric.
In 2024, NBB extended its societal impact through a diverse array of initiatives. Notably, the bank supported vulnerable groups at major social events, such as sponsoring cancer patients’ attendance at Comic Con, reflecting a novel and compassionate approach to inclusion. The bank’s engagement with the youth segment saw substantial contributions, including sponsorship for training young athletes in padel and backing an under-21 youth football league. These initiatives not only serve communal engagement but also foster an environment conducive to nurturing young talent in sports.
Moreover, NBB significantly enhanced educational opportunities through its investments in a university preparation programme. These initiatives directly enrich the youth and aspiring students, forming an integral part of the future economic fabric of Bahrain.
Complementing these engagements, the establishment of the Donations and Contributions Fund Wallet in 2024 further highlights NBB’s responsiveness to immediate societal needs. The fund provides targeted financial assistance to those in urgent need, whether for medical treatment, educational support or basic living necessities, demonstrating the bank’s palpable impact on individual lives across Bahrain.
Beyond individual contributions, NBB also led a tree planting campaign, aligning with global sustainability goals and underlining its commitment to environmental stewardship.
Best bank for diversity and inclusion 2025: SICO Bank
SICO Bank of Bahrain is recognised as the region’s leading financial institution in the field of diversity and inclusion in 2024.
The bank introduced mental health sessions that incorporate counselling, therapy and stress management techniques, reflecting their understanding of the importance of mental health in enhancing productivity and employee satisfaction.
Following insights gathered from employee surveys, the bank took significant strides in improving family support policies by enhancing maternity and paternity leave, demonstrating a responsive and employee-centric approach. These measures not only cater to the wellbeing of their employees but also serve to attract and retain top talent.
Moreover, SICO Bank set an ambitious target to balance gender representation within their workforce. From a significant increase, they achieved a commendable rise in the ratio of women employed, moving from 33% to 44% in just one year, which underscores their commitment to fostering an equitable work environment.
In its forward-thinking approach, the bank also launched diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) training in 2024 aimed at building a more inclusive workplace. This initiative educates and empowers all bank employees, ensuring that they are not only aware of the best practices in DEI but are also active participants in cultivating an environment where diversity is valued as a strength.
Through these impactful initiatives, SICO Bank exemplifies the cornerstone of modern banking philosophy, in which diversity and inclusion are not merely concepts, but actionable benchmarks that drive the institution’s operations and culture.
Best bank for ESG 2025: National Bank of Bahrain
National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) has set an exceptional standard in sustainable banking practices, distinguishing itself within the competitive financial sector and earning it the title of Bahrain’s best bank for ESG. The bank’s profound commitment to environmental, social, and governance principles is evident across several groundbreaking initiatives.
In 2024, NBB achieved a significant milestone by receiving LEED platinum certification for its new branch in Madinat Khalifa, setting a new benchmark in sustainable infrastructure in Bahrain’s banking sector. This branch stands as a testament to the bank’s dedication to reducing its carbon footprint and aligning its operations with global sustainability standards.
Further bolstering its ESG credentials, NBB has strengthened its governance structures by establishing a dedicated sustainability management committee in 2024. This committee plays a pivotal role in steering the bank’s ESG initiatives and ensuring their alignment with both local and international sustainability goals. Under its guidance, NBB has achieved impressive reductions in its operational impact, decreasing total energy consumption by approximately 28.5% and total emissions by about 38.9% between 2023 and 2024. These profound improvements underscore the bank’s effective strategies and technologies in energy management and emission control.
NBB has also demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting community-enhancing projects through its financial services. The bank extended BD16.9 million ($44.9 million) for the construction of a new senior school campus in Al Raffa, illustrating its investment in social infrastructure and the future of Bahrain’s youth.
In a pioneering move within the sector, NBB acted as hedge coordinator on a sustainability-linked interest rate swap. This innovative financial instrument, the first of its kind in Bahrain, not only reflects NBB’s leadership in green finance but also its role in shaping sustainable investment practices in the region.
Best bank for large corporates 2025: Mashreq
Mashreq has been crowned as Bahrain’s best bank for large corporates, a recognition that underscores its commitment to leading the banking sector’s digital transformation while sustaining robust financial growth.
The accolade is underscored by the successful launch of its Neo Corp online banking service in September 2024. The innovative platform represents a significant advance in corporate banking technology, signalling Mashreq’s pivotal role in shaping the future of digital banking in Bahrain and beyond.
This platform has been crafted to meet the needs of large corporates, offering a suite of services including AI integration and multi-bank interface. The fact that 85% of Mashreq’s users have adopted digital banking solutions is a testament to the platform’s intuitiveness, security and overall performance. First launched in Bahrain, it is now being implemented in Qatar, Kuwait, Egypt and UAE.
A new customer risk rating methodology platform launched internally also allowed for enhanced client onboarding and due diligence, improving processes throughout.
The bank’s outstanding performance is also showcased in its robust financial growth amid challenging economic conditions. Operating revenues and net profit for the business grew 24% and 42%, respectively, in 2024.
Through its strategic innovation and sustained growth, Mashreq has clearly established itself as a frontrunner in Bahrain’s banking sector, especially in services directed towards large corporates. Its ability to integrate technology with user-centric services is setting a benchmark in corporate banking environment.
Best bank for sustainable finance 2025: Bank ABC
Bank ABC has established itself as Bahrain’s best bank for sustainable finance through decisive action and strategic initiatives that embed sustainability across its operations and financing activities.
The bank launched an ambitious three-year programme in 2024 focused on measurably reducing its environmental footprint, demonstrating long-term commitment to operational sustainability.
Governance structures underpinning Bank ABC’s sustainability agenda have been significantly strengthened with the establishment of a sustainability steering committee chaired by the group CEO, positioning sustainability at the highest decision-making level. This governance framework supports the bank’s sustainability strategy built around five key pillars: governance; operations; risk management; financing the transition; and people and communities.
Bank ABC has translated these commitments into concrete market transactions, building on a successful track record. In 2023, the bank acted as co-lead manager for a $500 million green sukuk issuance for a regional shopping mall operator and arranged a multi-million-dollar financing agreement with Yellow Door Energy for 25 solar PV assets totalling over 42MW across the UAE, Bahrain and Oman, with more successful transactions from 2024 due to be announced soon in its next report.
The bank also participated as an arranger and hedge provider in a $1 billion sustainability-linked syndicated loan facility for RGE’s agribusiness group, recognised as the “Natural resources finance deal of the year” at the Bonds, Loans & Sukuk Middle East Awards 2024.
Notably, almost 90% of the bank’s earlier sustainable finance was directed toward developing countries, including regions such as the GCC, Tunisia, Egypt, Jordan and Brazil, addressing the climate financing gap in emerging markets. This stands in contrast to global trends, where the International Energy Agency reported only 15% of global climate finance going to emerging markets in 2024.
Through its balanced approach to governance, capacity building and transaction leadership, Bank ABC has established itself as a driving force for sustainable finance in the Bahraini banking sector.
Best digital bank 2025: Bank ABC
Bank ABC has distinguished itself in Bahrain’s digital banking sector, earning Euromoney’s award of Bahrain’s best digital bank. Its achievements are numerous and significant, highlighted by their neobank, ila Bank, recording a remarkable 530% increase in customer sign-ups.
Ila Bank’s growth is particularly notable among users aged 50+, where there was a 679% rise, underscoring the bank’s success in appealing to a broader and more diverse demographic through rapid digital onboarding processes.
One of Bank ABC’s standout innovations is the rollout of its AI-powered corporate portal for wholesale banking. This strategic development has not only streamlined operations but also enhanced client satisfaction by increasing transactions by 50% and boosting transaction value monthly by 15%.
Further highlighting its role as a leader in digital banking innovation, Bank ABC has revolutionised trade finance with the ABC Trade Platform. This platform has dramatically reduced the processing times for letters of credit by 70%, achieving turnaround times of under 48 hours, thus providing unprecedented efficiency in trade operations.
In collaboration with JP Morgan and the Central Bank of Bahrain, Bank ABC has pioneered a blockchain-based cross-border payment solution. This initiative has improved transaction speeds and security, positioning the bank at the forefront of financial technology. Additionally, the bank has made significant strides in AI, enhancing its AI-powered assistant, Fatema, and launching a GenAI-driven that delivers hyper-personalised relationship management.
Not to be overlooked is the substantial improvements in the ABC Cash platform, which now integrates real-time FX and Swift GPI tracking. This has propelled a 30% growth in transaction volumes and achieved a full transition to 100% digital payment processing.
Bank ABC’s ambitious expansion of ila Bank into Jordan – which saw an 8,627% surge in onboarding – along with plans to expand into Egypt, Algeria and Tunisia, further cement the bank’s strong position in the Middle Eastern banking sector and exemplify its scalable and impactful digital-first strategy.
As Bank ABC continues to break new ground and set benchmarks in digital banking, it undoubtedly sets the standard for what innovation and customer-centric digital banking should look like.
Best digital bank for consumers 2025: ila Bank
ila Bank has distinguished itself as Bahrain’s best digital bank for consumers, a title earned through its innovative cloud-based, mobile-only approach that has dramatically transformed how customers interact with their finances in a region traditionally reliant on physical branches.
The bank’s consumer-centric strategy has delivered exceptional growth metrics, with customer onboarding increasing by 530% since January 2023 and monthly app users growing by over 100% since May 2023. These impressive figures have translated into ila capturing more than 35% of Bahrain’s bankable population in less than five years, while achieving an excellent net promoter score of 59 in 2024.
Financial inclusion has been a cornerstone of ila’s success, evidenced by a remarkable 679% growth in customers aged 50+, demonstrating the bank’s ability to serve demographics traditionally underserved by digital services. Its intuitive interface has earned exceptional user ratings (4.8/5 on both iOS and Google Play), with the average customer accessing the app six times monthly and total mobile sessions increasing by 120% since May 2023.
In 2024 alone, ila Bank introduced an impressive array of enhancements designed to deliver greater convenience and personalised financial solutions. The Easy Payment Plan allows credit card purchases to be paid in instalments with 0% interest, while the bank’s pioneering government securities investment solution – the first of its kind in Bahrain – provides customers with direct access to treasury bills, development bonds and sukuk through a seamless in-app experience.
ila’s commitment to fostering savings is exemplified by initiatives such as Al Kanz, which incentivises saving with cash prizes totalling $2.67 million in 2024, alongside innovative features such as Hassala (digital savings pots) and Jamiyah (collaborative savings). The newly launched ila rewards programme allows customers to customise their benefits by allocating points to cashback, air miles or lifestyle vouchers.
The bank’s strategic partnerships enhance customer value, including a landmark collaboration with Gulf Air offering bonus miles and airport lounge access, alongside arrangements with over 250 merchants providing personalised discounts.
Beyond Bahrain, ila has expanded successfully into Jordan, where customer onboarding has increased by an astonishing 8,627% and deposits have grown by 71,612% since its launch in 2022. With its white-label solution now operating in Egypt and plans to enter Algeria and Tunisia, ila is positioned to redefine digital banking across the MENA region.
Best digital bank for large corporates 2025: Kuwait Finance House – Bahrain
Kuwait Finance House – Bahrain has set a new benchmark for digital banking excellence in Bahrain, particularly for large corporate clients, securing its recognition as Bahrain’s best digital bank for large corporates.
The bank adeptly managed to undergo a significant transformation, transitioning to an Islamic bank in December 2023. Remarkably, this massive transition was achieved without any disruption to client services, a testament to the bank’s robust strategic planning and operational efficiency.
This shift ensured that all corporate financial dealings adhered to Shariah principles without compromising service continuity or customer satisfaction.
In a pioneering move during 2024, Kuwait Finance House – Bahrain launched Bahrain’s first Shariah-compliant supply chain finance programme. This innovative programme is not only aligned with Islamic financial principles but also sets a record in operational efficiency by enabling disbursements in a mere nine minutes. This rapid processing capability underscores the bank’s commitment to leveraging digital technology to enhance financial fluidity and efficiency, offering an unprecedented level of service to its corporate clients.
Further solidifying its position as a leader in digital innovation, Kuwait Finance House – Bahrain introduced its Trade Finance Portal. This digital platform has proven to be a resounding success, evidenced by a substantial 40% growth in transaction volumes issued in 2024. The portal facilitates streamlined and more accessible trade finance operations, catering effectively to the dynamic needs of large corporates engaged in both local and international trade.
These strategic initiatives reflect Kuwait Finance House – Bahrain’s dedication to providing cutting-edge digital solutions that cater to the sophisticated needs of large corporates in Bahrain.
Best international bank 2025: Mashreq
Mashreq has been named Bahrain’s best international bank, reflecting its impressive financial growth and commitment to technological innovation alongside environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards over the past year.
The bank demonstrated exceptional financial performance in 2024, with a 25% increase in lending portfolio (excluding underwriting positions), a 24% rise in operating revenues and a 53% growth in net profits. This success stems from strategic market positioning and a deep understanding of both local and international banking landscapes.
Mashreq strengthened its capital markets presence by serving as joint lead manager and bookrunner for the Government of Bahrain’s sovereign bond/sukuk issuances totalling $3.25 billion and as joint arranger for a $1.5 billion murabaha loan facility. The bank also acted as lead arranger, underwriter and account/security agent for Bahrain’s largest commercial real estate loan transaction ($340 million) with Eagle Hills Diyar.
Digitally, Mashreq launched Neo Corp, its new online banking platform providing advanced cash management and trade services. The API-enabled platform allows clients to manage cashflows across multiple banks and connects trade services to clients’ internal systems, enhancing operational efficiency.
In the ESG sphere, Mashreq serves as ESG adviser/coordinator to two of Bahrain’s largest commercial entities, Bapco Energies and Bahrain Steel, for their syndicated loan transactions. The bank has also expanded its cross-border services, supporting regional clients with cash management and trade facilities for companies including Lulu Hypermarket Group and Eagle Hills.
Alongside its stellar performance in regional markets, these achievements cement Mashreq’s position as Bahrain’s premier international banking institution.
Best investment bank 2025: SICO Bank
Bahrain-headquartered SICO Bank‘s recognition comes on the heels of a year marked by notable innovations and strategic expansions that have significantly contributed to the wider region’s financial landscape.
The bank launched several pivotal initiatives, including the Tanmia Liquidity Fund on the Muscat Stock Exchange, in collaboration with Oman national investment development company Tanmia. This fund was designed to bolster market liquidity and align with Oman’s economic aspirations under the Oman 2040 vision.
SICO’s product innovation did not stop there. The bank introduced the Dilmun Compounders Fund, the first Bahrain-domiciled international Islamic equity fund, and expanded its highly successful SICO Kingdom Equity Fund with a new fund launch in Saudi Arabia.
Further, it brought fractional bond trading to its clientele, dramatically lowering the entry point for investments in international bonds and sukuk, thus democratising access to these financial instruments.
On the transactional front, SICO played an integral role in the IPO of Al Abraaj Restaurants Group on the Bahrain Bourse. This IPO was not only oversubscribed by 2.6x but also set new precedents in the region, such as the introduction of quarterly dividend payments and an online application process utilising biometric KYC.
The bank also acted as a joint lead manager and joint bookrunner for BBK’s $500 million bond issuance, successfully generating significant investment interest.
Best bank for consumers 2025: Al Salam Bank
Al Salam Bank of Bahrain distinguished itself as a frontrunner for the title of Bahrain’s best bank for consumers through a series of innovative initiatives and community-centred schemes, becoming a linchpin in everyday financial activities and major life purchases for its clients.
To cultivate prudent financial habits among the younger generation, Al Salam Bank launched a novel Youth debit card. This programme not only encourages saving from an early age but does so innovatively through exclusive discounts and loyalty rewards, aligning perfectly with modern consumer trends that favour immediate benefits tied to financial products.
Enhancing the home-buying journey, Al Salam Bank rolled out exclusive property financing offers. This move, in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Eskan Bank, supported under the Tas’heel and Enhanced Mazaya schemes, reflects Al Salam’s commitment to facilitating home ownership, a cornerstone of financial security for many families in Bahrain.
The bank’s strategic decision to merge the Danat and Libshara savings structures resulted in Bahrain’s largest prize-based savings scheme. With prizes totalling over BD4 million ($10.64 million), the initiative has not only scaled up in its appeal but also in its capacity to yield significant benefits to a broader client base.
In addition, Al Salam’s enhancements to its Loyalty Rewards programme demonstrate a keen insight into consumer behaviour, broadening the ways in which clients can earn and redeem points. This strategy caters to a lifestyle-centric approach to banking, offering tangible benefits across various transactions – from banking activities to daily expenditures.
The introduction of Al Salam Takaful, in partnership with Solidarity Bahrain, offered clients exclusive discounts and comprehensive insurance benefits, showcasing the bank’s proactive stance in providing financial security and value-added services.
Al Salam Bank also marked seasonal festivities as opportunities to engage clients, offering Ramadan cash prizes and a summer raffle featuring enticing rewards such as a trip to Istanbul and 300% cashback, thereby strengthening customer loyalty.
Finally, the bank’s promotion of digital transformation through incentivised adoption of their mobile banking app during credit card issuance highlights its alignment with global shifts towards digital-first banking solutions.
