Latest news with #YaserAlsharifi
Daily Tribune
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Tribune
BBK awarded Best Retail Bank in Bahrain for 2025
BBK, a leader in retail and corporate banking in the Kingdom of Bahrain, has been named the Best Retail Bank in Bahrain for 2025 by Global Banking and Finance Review Magazine. This prestigious accolade recognizes the Bank's outstanding performance throughout the year and its enduring leadership in the retail banking sector. This marks the third consecutive year BBK has received this recognition, following wins in 2023 and 2024 from World Economic Magazine, further solidifying its position as a trusted and innovative banking institution in the Kingdom. The judging panel praised BBK for its excellence across key pillars, including financial stability, market leadership, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to sustainability and community engagement. For over fifty years, BBK has remained at the forefront of Bahrain's banking industry, consistently delivering strong profitability and demonstrating resilience through prudent balance sheet management and a customer-centric growth strategy. BBK's advanced digital platforms and innovative product offerings have raised industry standards, enhancing customer experiences and setting new benchmarks for service excellence. Its comprehensive approach to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices—alongside initiatives that support local businesses and communities—underscores the Bank's role as a responsible contributor to Bahrain's economic and social development. These achievements reinforce BBK's legacy of excellence, leadership, and adaptability in an ever-evolving financial landscape. Yaser Alsharifi, BBK Group Chief Executive, stated: 'We are honored to be named the Best Retail Bank in Bahrain for 2025. This award reflects the collective efforts of our dedicated teams, the support of our strategic partners, and the strength of our leadership in retail banking. It also highlights our firm commitment to innovation and sustainable growth and stands as a testament to the long-standing trust and loyalty of our valued customers, cultivated over more than five decades of service.' Alsharifi added: 'Throughout the past year, we have remained focused on placing our customers at the heart of every initiative—reimagining their banking journey and streamlining access to financial services in ways that foster trust and satisfaction. Our efforts have seamlessly integrated digital transformation with a strong sense of social responsibility. The upcoming transfer of HSBC Middle East – Bahrain's retail banking operations to BBK further underscores the Bank's leadership in the sector. We will continue to raise service standards while upholding our core values and contributing meaningfully to the advancement of Bahrain's banking sector and the realization of Bahrain's Vision 2030.'
Gulf Insider
30-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Staying Ahead: Bank of Bahrain & Kuwait's Yaser Alsharifi
Yaser Alsharifi, Group Chief Executive of Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait, is leading it into the next phase with a strategy rooted in trust and technology. In this interview, he highlights how BBK is expanding its reach, embracing digital change, and positioning itself as a future-ready force in Bahrain's financial sector. Now in its third edition, Business Leaders in the Middle East brings together sharp insights from across the region. These aren't mere interviews; they're windows into how leadership is evolving in a world shaped by rapid digital transformation. Technology touches nearly every industry now, and these leaders show us how to navigate change with purpose. People are my top priority – our employees and our customers. BBK is a strong, successful institution, and change can be challenging when things are going well. I focused on understanding what drives our employees, identifying their pain points, and creating a workplace they can truly be proud of. That internal alignment lays the foundation for exceptional customer experiences and, ultimately, enduring value for our stakeholders. BBK has traditionally promoted leaders from within, so joining as an external hire meant I had to earn trust quickly. I made it a priority to invest in relationships, formally and informally. Thankfully, the team was welcoming, and we hit the ground running. Their professionalism ensured the bank never missed a beat. That consistency gave us a solid foundation to evolve and innovate without disrupting what already works well. This was a strategic fit. BBK has long had deep roots in Bahrain, serving individuals, SMEs, large corporations, and government-related entities. But Bahrain isn't just home to citizens, it's a vibrant, diverse expat community as well. HSBC's portfolio allowed us to strengthen our presence across both segments. We saw it as a natural extension of our mission: to serve the entire community with reliable, high-quality banking services. We are working to make the transition as smooth as possible. We are not just inheriting customers; we are welcoming new relationships. Many of HSBC's retail staff will join BBK, so familiar faces will stay. We have prioritised seamless system integration and service continuity. We are also developing solutions that reflect global transaction needs, especially for customers who value HSBC's international reach. BBK already offers comparable products, and we are committed to enhancing them in ways that feel natural and genuinely useful. BBK is deeply rooted in the local community, and this bond influences how we operate, both digitally and in our physical branches. We take pride in offering services that are friendly, reliable, and tailored. As a smaller institution, we are agile. We adapt quickly, respond to change, and work hard to earn and retain customer loyalty. Our core values – trust, discretion, and professionalism – are non-negotiable. These are not abstract ideals; they are evident in every interaction, especially as we welcome new clients transitioning from HSBC. We are transforming our decision-making by using data and analytics to guide every move because, without measurement, there is no progress. Technology drives this evolution. Our goal is to become Bahrain's most responsive bank across all touchpoints. That includes embedded finance, smarter digital channels, and AI that personalises services without compromising security. We are building a bank that understands your needs before you even ask. We focus on three core areas. First, we are exploring digital assets, an emerging space where we are working closely with regulators and partners to learn how to serve our customers safely. Second, we are expanding embedded finance. This involves teaming up with fintech, telecom and retail companies to deliver seamless, intuitive services wherever customers are. To support this, we are investing in digital tools like API ready systems that make these partnerships effective. Third, we see tremendous potential in AI. From enhancing customer support and boosting productivity to detecting fraud, AI enables us to serve more intelligently. Our goal is to support customers throughout their financial journey, whether they are starting a savings account, buying a home or launching a business. We are also committed to helping SMEs thrive. They power the economy, and by equipping them with smarter tools for payroll, reconciliation and growth, we help turn their big ideas into lasting success. More Insights
Zawya
21-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
CBB approves transfer of HSBC Bahrain retail business to BBK
Bahrain - BBK, a leader in retail and corporate banking in Bahrain, has confirmed that the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) approved the transfer of HSBC Bank Middle East, Bahrain Branch's retail (consumer) banking operations to BBK and identified that completion of the transfer will take place by the fourth quarter of this year. The strategic transaction includes the transfer of all retail loans, deposits, credit cards and accounts of approximately 75,000 HSBC Bahrain retail customers, along with the HSBC employees who are supporting those customers. Commenting on the transaction, BBK Group chief executive Yaser Alsharifi emphasised the warm welcome HSBC customers and employees will receive as both banks continue to work together to ensure a smooth onboarding process for everyone concerned. 'We are actively engaged in the planning and integration work that will bring HSBC's customers and talented professionals into BBK's extensive product suite and dynamic working environment. Together, we will ensure best-in-class service and continued strong relationships for HSBC customers,' he said. Mr Alsharifi also highlighted BBK's comprehensive readiness to deliver on the transaction this year citing the bank's resilient operational framework, cutting-edge technological infrastructure and highly experienced workforce as the key elements to ensuring the smoothest possible transition. This robust foundation aims to ensure minimal service disruption while providing transferring clients with access to BBK's extensive suite of tailored banking products and solutions. For his part, Ahmed Taqi, general manager of retail banking at BBK, reaffirmed the bank's commitment to delivering innovative and high-quality financial solutions tailored to customer needs. 'Our vast network spans 17 retail branches, three BBK Lite branches, and 77 ATMs, including smart and interactive teller machines, alongside 24/7 call centre support and a growing digital offering through BBKPLUS branches and our mobile app. To enhance accessibility, we also provide 17 debit card issuance machines and 13 certificate issuance machines, ensuring customers can conveniently access essential banking services around the clock,' Mr Taqi said. Additionally, the bank uniquely offers secure safe deposit boxes, premium banking through 'Al Wajaha' and 'BBK Prive', and a range of deposit accounts – from Al Hayrat savings offering prize draws, to multi-currency and youth-targeted accounts. It also provides competitive lending solutions, including personal, auto, and housing loans with long-term repayment options. Instant insurance services 'Secura' is offered at all branches. Mr Taqi added: 'BBK remains fully committed to delivering outstanding financial solutions tailored to the unique needs of customers in Bahrain, including those who will transfer to us later this year. We are confident that our offerings will not only meet but exceed expectations, reflecting our unwavering pursuit of service excellence and innovation.' In a related context, Mr Alsharifi underscored BBK's pride in its wholly owned subsidiary, CrediMax, for pioneering credit card products that deliver advanced electronic services, secure payment solutions and a comprehensive suite of rewards programmes. He also reiterated BBK Group's commitment to delivering an elevated banking experience to transferring HSBC customers. Concluding his remarks, Mr Alsharifi acknowledged the pivotal role played by the Bahraini government and the CBB in strengthening the nation's financial and banking ecosystem, noting how their support has empowered initiatives that drive sectoral growth and resilience, and said: 'The transfer of HSBC's retail banking operations in Bahrain represents a key achievement in our pursuit of strategic objectives, enhancing our market reach and shareholder value. This milestone aligns with BBK's broader vision of strengthening its foothold in the banking sector by leveraging strategic opportunities that support the bank's long-term ambitions.' Copyright 2022 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
14-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Bahrain: BBK successfully closes $500mln three-year club loan facility
Bahrain - BBK, a leader in retail and corporate banking in Bahrain, has successfully closed a $500 million three-year club loan facility, coordinated by the Arab Banking Corporation (Bank ABC). The facility will be used to fund BBK's strategic initiatives, support the growth of its business lines, and refinance its 2023 facility. In line with BBK's sustainability goals and its efforts to diversify its funding sources, the bank has structured the facility to include an option to convert the financing into a sustainability-linked loan. Bank ABC, DenizBank AG, Emirates NBD Capital Limited, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Gulf International Bank, and Standard Chartered Bank acted as Initial Mandated Lead Arrangers and Bookrunners (IMLABs) and Bank Muscat and Mashreqbank PSC as Initial Mandated Lead Arrangers (IMLAs) and Emirates NBD Bank (PJSC) acted as facility agent. On the occasion, Yaser Alsharifi, BBK's group chief executive, stated: 'The successful closing of this facility underscores BBK's robust financial standing and commitment to sustainable growth.' He noted that this is a major milestone considering the size of the facility, which doubled when compared to the $250m facility closed in 2023, with an extended three-year tenor when compared to the previous two-year tenor. Mr Alsharifi further expressed his gratitude to the participating banks and highlighted the strong relationship BBK maintains with its counterparts. He further emphasised that the larger size of the new facility reflects the bank's strong financial performance and market confidence in BBK's growth strategy. The participating banks also expressed their satisfaction with the successful closure of the transaction and wished BBK continued growth and prosperity. The facility is a testament to BBK's strategic vision and its ability to attract significant investment to support its long-term objectives. Copyright 2022 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Daily Tribune
03-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
BBK launches largest-ever Al Hayrat Prizes
BBK, a leader in retail and corporate banking in the Kingdom of Bahrain, has announced the launch of the largest edition ever of its Al Hayrat Prize scheme in the Bank's history and which includes a total of BD 5 million awarded in cash prizes to more than 2,000 winners. Over the span of the scheme, BBK will continue to deliver an extensive array of weekly, monthly and grand prizes draws. This also includes additional loyalty prizes, women's prizes, youth prizes and senior citizens and residents' prizes. Mr. Yaser Alsharifi, Group Chief Executive of BBK, commented, 'The scheme consists of prizes worth BD 5 million to over 2,000 winners. This significant enhancement to the scheme was largely driven by customer feedback, ensuring it is tailored to meet their specific needs. This initiative represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our customers to win life-changing prizes and fulfil their aspirations.' Mr. Alsharifi further added, 'This initiative reflects our ongoing strategy to foster meaningful, long-term relationships with our valued customers while encouraging a culture of saving through Al Hayrat account.' Mr. Ahmed Taqi, General Manager of Retail Banking at BBK, stated, 'We are proud to unveil the largest edition ever of the Al Hayrat scheme to date, representing a defining milestone in the evolution of this flagship account.' Every BD 50 deposited in the Al Hayrat account enables you to get a chance to win the weekly, monthly and grand cash prizes. The multiple grand prizes throughout the scheme consist of prizes that exceed BD 1 million in value per grand draw and include individual prizes worth BD 500,000, BD 200,000, BD 100,000 and many other prizes.
