Latest news with #GFH
Trade Arabia
2 days ago
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Al Salam Bank announces sale of key stake in Seef Properties
Al Salam Bank, the largest Islamic bank in Bahrain, has announced the sale of its 15.6% shareholding in Seef Properties to GFH. The exit of Seef Properties forms part of a broader Group optimization strategy designed to expand and reinforce focus on core banking operations and the Group's strategic holdings in banking, takaful, and asset management. ASB Capital, the Group's asset management arm, was appointed by Al Salam Bank as sell-side advisor. Under this, ASB Capital's key role will be to assist in sourcing, structuring and executing the exit of its significant minority stake in Seef Properties. Launched earlier this year with a starting assets under management (AUM) of $4.5 billion, ASB Capital recently launched its investment banking offering covering advisory, transaction mandates, capital market solutions, and other bespoke offerings across various asset classes. On this transaction, Rafik Nayed, Group Chief Executive Officer of Al Salam Bank and Managing Director of ASB Capital, said: "This transaction represents our continued commitment to exit non-strategic holdings as part of a group-wide optimization initiative." "Aligned with our strategy, we are reallocating capital and focus towards growing core banking operations and expanding our strategic holdings in banking, takaful, and asset management- sectors that offer long term value and operational synergies within the context of the Group," he noted. Additionally, Nayed said: "ASB Capital's role in facilitating the transaction, despite global market volatility, underscores the strength of our expertise and execution capabilities in transaction advisory and capital markets."
Zawya
7 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Al Salam Bank exits 15.6% stake in Seef Properties
Manama, Bahrain: Al Salam Bank (Bahrain Bourse trading code 'SALAM', Dubai Financial Market trading code 'SALAM_BAH'), the largest Islamic bank in Bahrain, announced the sale of its 15.6% shareholding in Seef Properties (Bahrain Bourse trading code 'SEEF') to GFH (Bahrain Bourse trading code GFH). ASB Capital, the Group's asset management arm, was appointed by Al Salam Bank as sell-side advisor. The exit of Seef Properties forms part of a broader Group optimization strategy designed to expand and reinforce focus on core banking operations and the Group's strategic holdings in banking, takaful, and asset management. ASB Capital was mandated by Al Salam Bank to assist in sourcing, structuring, and executing the exit of its significant minority stake in Seef Properties. Launched earlier this year with a starting AUM of USD 4.5 billion, ASB Capital recently launched its investment banking offering covering advisory, transaction mandates, capital market solutions, and other bespoke offerings across various asset classes. Commenting on this transaction, Rafik Nayed, Group Chief Executive Officer of Al Salam Bank and Managing Director of ASB Capital, said: 'This transaction represents our continued commitment to exit non-strategic holdings as part of a group-wide optimization initiative. Aligned with our strategy, we are reallocating capital and focus towards growing core banking operations and expanding our strategic holdings in banking, takaful, and asset management- sectors that offer long term value and operational synergies within the context of the Group.' Additionally, he stated: 'ASB Capital's role in facilitating the transaction, despite global market volatility, underscores the strength of our expertise and execution capabilities in transaction advisory and capital markets. Backed by a strong pipeline from both local and regional institutional clients spanning private equity, syndications, capital instruments, and advisory services, ASB Capital is well positioned to capitalize on the growing momentum in regional deal activity.
Biz Bahrain
28-05-2025
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
GFH Owns Major Stake (27.98%) in Seef Properties
GFH Financial Group (GFH) announced increasing the Group's ownership in Seef Properties B.S.C., one of the leading real estate development and commercial centres management companies in the Kingdom of Bahrain, acquiring an additional 15.63% of shares and increasing its total shareholding to 27.98%. This strategic move aligns with GFH's vision to reinforce its ownership in Seef Properties, recognising its appeal as a strategic asset within the Group's expanding investment portfolio. Commenting on the acquisition, Mr. Hisham Alrayes, CEO and Board Member of GFH, said: 'We are delighted to deepen our investment in Seef Properties, a prominent player in Bahrain's real estate sector. This step aims to create additional value for our shareholders within the real estate portfolios operating in the same sector.' He added: 'Seef Properties has demonstrated resilience and growth over the years, and we see significant potential for further value creation. We aim to contribute to Seef Properties' continued success by leveraging our resources and expertise to unlock new growth opportunities.' Currently, GFH manages over US$22.48 billion of assets and funds including a global portfolio of investments in logistics, healthcare, education and technology in the MENA region, Europe and North America.
Zawya
27-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
GFH Capital announces a partnership with Al Tijaria in the GCC Logistics Sector
GFH Capital ('GFHC'), a KSA based Subsidiary of GFH Financial Group ('GFH' or 'the Group'), a leading regional financial institution, has announced a strategic partnership with The Commercial Real Estate Company K.P.S.C. ('Al Tijaria'). Under the agreement, Al Tijaria, a prominent Kuwait-based real estate company will act as a technical advisory for one of GFHC's Logistics Funds and will gain exposure to the Group's growing investments and exposures in the warehousing and logistics sector across Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region. GFH Capital is delighted to work with Al-Tijaria as an experienced real estate company on this opportunity and is confident that this partnership will lead to developing a successful logistics platform regionally. This partnership underscores GFH Group's growing reputation in structuring and delivering investment opportunities to its partners. GFH Financial Group has significantly expanded its investments in the logistics sector, with an estimated exposure of approximately US$2 billion diversified across various logistics facilities, including cold storage, last-mile delivery hubs, and fulfillment centers, ensuring a diversified presence across the logistics value chain. Al Tijaria remains committed to enhancing performance and delivering strong results by creating new opportunities and diversifying income sources across KSA, the GCC, and international markets. With a proven track record of delivering landmark projects, the company continues to pursue sustainable growth, strengthen shareholder value, and reinforce its financial position. Through this collaboration, Al Tijaria leverages GFH's market expertise to capitalize on the growing opportunities within the logistics sector, further solidifying its strategic growth trajectory. Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Razi Al Murbati, CEO of GFH Capital, said, 'We are pleased to partner with Al Tijaria in this critical sector. It reflects the growing importance of logistics as a key driver of economic development in KSA and the wider Gulf and the strong opportunities this expansion is creating. This partnership aligns with our strategy to offer high-growth investments that deliver sustainable returns while also supporting regional development goals.' Eng. Abdulmutaleb Marafie, CEO of Al Tijaria, added: 'Foreseen partnership with GFH Capital provides us with unique access to the region's rapidly expanding logistics market. Together, we aim to develop state-of-the-art infrastructure and create value for the investors.' The collaboration reaffirms the commitment of both organizations to advancing logistics infrastructure, fostering innovation, and supporting the region's economic diversification goals. About GFH Group GFH Financial Group, licensed as an Islamic wholesale bank by the Central Bank of Bahrain and headquartered at GFH House, P.O. Box 10006, Manama Sea Front, Kingdom of Bahrain is one of the most recognised financial groups in the Gulf region. Its businesses include Investment Management, Treasury & Proprietary Investments, Commercial Banking and Real Estate Development. The Group's operations are principally focused across the GCC, North Africa and India, along with strategic investments in the U.S., Europe and U.K. GFH is listed on four stock exchanges in the GCC, including the Bahrain Bourse, Boursa Kuwait, Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and Dubai Financial Market (DFM) where it is one of the most liquid and actively traded stocks. About Al Tijaria Established in 1968, The Commercial Real Estate Company K.P.S.C. 'Al Tijaria' has evolved as one of the highly reputed brands in the Real Estate landscape of Kuwait. Al Tijaria is listed on Kuwait Boursa and was promoted to Priemer market in 2023 and was included into FTSE Russell Index in September 2024. With one of the largest paid-up capitals in real estate sector of Kuwait and a solid business activity base in Kuwait featuring multiple prestigious office, residential, hospitality, commercial & entertainment projects, Al Tijaria has diversified and expanded its footprints both regionally in GCC and globally into MENA, USA and Europe through strategic investments into recurring assets as well as development projects.
Biz Bahrain
22-05-2025
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
GFH Launches Next Generation of Conversational AI Assistant
GFH Financial Group (GFH) recently announced the launch of the next generation of its investment app with the release of a conversational voice feature for its AI-powered assistant, the GFH AI Assistant, becoming the first investment bank in the region to roll out a fully voice-operated conversational AI assistant, enabling users to manage their investments simply by speaking to the app. The initiative comes within GFH's constant strive to embrace cutting-edge financial technologies and industry-leading security measures, ensuring clients enjoy a seamless and highly protected investment journey, from registration and onboarding to real-time portfolio management. The enhanced AI assistant is powered by OpenAI and offers instant intelligent responses, creating a highly intuitive and responsive user experience, and offering an all-in-one fully digital investment experience. The launch of the upgraded AI assistant builds on the Group's ongoing digital transformation strategy and further enhances its position as one of the leading investment banks in the GCC region, where it was recently honoured with two prestigious regional awards for leadership in digital banking and fintech solutions Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Osama Nasr, Chief Digital Banking Officer of GFH, said: 'We are delighted to introduce the next generation of the GFH AI Assistant — the first voice-enabled AI assistant of its kind among investment banks in the GCC. This enhanced version allows users to engage in natural, hands-free conversations to check their portfolio performance, inquire about expected returns, or explore new investment opportunities – anytime, anywhere. We're excited for our clients to experience the future of intelligent investing with the GFH AI Assistant.' He added: 'Our goal is to lead the region in digital innovation by bringing the future of investing into our clients' hands today. With this new conversational AI feature, we're removing barriers and making digital investing as simple and intuitive as having a conversation. It's about creating a more connected and effortless experience for our investors – in line with our commitment to delivering solutions that align with their needs and how they choose to engage with their finances.' Additionally, investors can access the GFH Wakala Account through the app, offering expected monthly returns of up to 7% per annum with monthly profit distribution exclusively available to individual investors. The app also supports a wide range of secure payment methods, including cryptocurrency, providing users with maximum flexibility in how they invest. The upgraded GFH AI Assistant is now available through the updated GFH app, downloadable via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, and it is open to all GCC nationals and residents.
