The Bahrain Association of Banks (BAB), established by a Ministerial decree in 1979 and re-registered with the Central Bank of Bahrain in 2010, brings together banking institutions of all sizes and charters in the Kingdom of Bahrain and works towards enhancing Bahrain’s image as the financial hub of the Middle East.

Collectively providing the full range of financial services, the financial sector represents US$ 201.1 billion in total assets, contributes 25% towards Bahrain’s $25.8 billion GDP and employs over 14 thousand men and women. Of that number fully one-third are female.

Speaking for over 80 members, the Association provides an open forum where banks can come together to collectively discuss and solve their shared problems. BAB is also actively engaged in promoting banking conferences, exhibitions and seminars that bring overseas banking delegations to Bahrain and create business opportunities for all members. Finally, BAB also has the objective of promoting professional development and best practices among the banks’ male and female managers and staff.

In 2009 BAB launched a quarterly publication, The Bahrain Banker, which has established itself as the voice of Bahraini banking with an international readership. In 2010 BAB published The Handbook of Islamic Banking & Finance, the first in a series of such publications designed to inform a non-specialist audience.

Our Mission

The Bahrain Association of Banks represents and advocates the interests of all the various licensed financial institutions in Bahrain and works closely with the Central Bank of Bahrain and other government authorities at the highest levels on issues of banking policy and regulation, as well as actively promoting Bahrain as an international financial centre.

Our Objectives

The Association works on behalf of its members in many ways with the following objectives :
To represent and advocate the interests of the banking community in Bahrain nationally and internationally.
To promote Bahrain as an international finance centre of excellence overseas.
To work closely at the highest levels of government on banking policy and regulation affecting the banking and finance sector, in particular in cooperation with the Central Bank of Bahrain.
To assist in developing plans, proposals and strategies for the advancement of Bahrain’s banking sector.
To provide a forum for member banks to meet and hold open discussions, through regular meetings, hosting of overseas delegations, creation of task forces, conferences, seminars and other professional gatherings.

Visit: www.banksbahrain.org