Latest news with #BBK
Zawya
3 days ago
- 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. (
Evening Standard
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Evening Standard
Wireless Festival review: big talk from Drake after the most bruising time of his career
Each day was curated with its own genre brief, a nod to his wildly diverse catalogue and sprawling career. After Friday's sultry R&B lineup tailored to fans of Take Care-era vulnerability, night two (controversially billed as 'Drake & the Mandem') sharply shifted gears into hip-hop, with the best of UK rap front-loading the day. Fast-rising stars like Len, Chy Cartier, Fimiguerro and YT took to the Old Spice stage to give mosh-starting performances to crowds of sweaty teenagers (the majority shirtless, thanks to the scorching 30-degree weather). Nemzzz brought the energy early on the main stage, running through tracks like 'Spinnin' – which samples Drake's 'Fancy' – and the Lil-Yachty-assisted 'It's Us'. Later on, Lancey Foux, the pied piper of London's underground, lured the crowd into his high-octane world with a bolshy trap set filled with crowd pleasers like 'Outtamymind!' and 'Lancey or Lancey,' as well as deeper cuts like 'Cursed' and the unreleased 'Daytona.' And after a day dominated by the new-gen, BBK's set brought the nostalgia out in full force – a 20-year anniversary moment for the grime collective, catering to the older heads with a run of hood classics like 'That's Not Me' and 'Are You?'.
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
09-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
BBK Sharpens Banking Talent Through ‘Grow'
TDT | Manama Six-month rotations with mentors • 20 graduates begin training • Six-month in-house programme • Rotations across key divisions A new generation of Bahraini banking professionals has entered BBK's elite 'Grow' programme, with 20 university graduates embarking on a six-month rotation that combines hands-on experience with advanced mentorship across the bank's divisions. Now in its third edition, the programme has already produced 40 skilled professionals who have gone on to build careers in Bahrain's financial services sector. The latest cohort is being trained in key areas such as risk management, IT systems, marketing, operations, information security, and anti-money laundering. Core Exposure Participants rotate through BBK's departments under the guidance of experienced professionals, building practical knowledge to complement their academic backgrounds. The programme also incorporates expert-led workshops in financial analysis and banking operations. Senior executives from the bank serve as mentors, offering one-on-one guidance to help graduates strengthen their leadership skills and understand the inner workings of modern financial institutions. Future Focus BBK's initiative reflects a long-term strategy to nurture Bahraini talent and prepare future leaders to contribute to the Kingdom's evolving banking landscape. By focusing on youth development, the bank aims to sustain its role as a key driver of innovation and economic growth.
Business Times
04-07-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone could get power-up with Indonesia's Bintan, Batam, Karimun
[SINGAPORE] The age-old vision of the Sijori growth triangle comprising Singapore, Johor, and the Riau Islands of Indonesia that was first proposed some three decades ago may be getting a jumpstart. The three South-east Asian neighbours held discussions to advance trilateral cooperation and floated plans to expand the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) to include the Riau Islands, revealed Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong on Thursday (Jul 3). DPM Gan, who is also minister for trade and industry, met Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto and Malaysia's Minister of Trade, Investment and Industry Tengku Zafrul Aziz last week. 'We discussed how we can strengthen Johor-Singapore and Singapore-BBK (Batam-Bintan-Karimun),' said DPM Gan. 'The idea is that three will be even stronger than two.' He added: 'We will continue to work with Johor on the JS-SEZ; we will work with BBK; and at the same time, explore how all three can work together as a grouping.' DPM Gan, who was speaking at a dialogue during the Asean Conference, said that this will enhance the region's attractiveness to businesses looking to invest. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 8.30 am Asean Business Business insights centering on South-east Asia's fast-growing economies. Sign Up Sign Up Titled 'Asean integration in the multipolar world', the panel featured Liew Chin Tong, Malaysia's deputy minister of investment, trade and industry; and Tirta Nugraha Mursitama, Indonesia's deputy minister for investment cooperation at the Ministry of Investment and Downstream Industry. The hour-long session was moderated by Singapore Business Federation chief executive officer Kok Ping Soon. '(Businesses will) look at not just Singapore, not just Johor, not just Indonesia, but all three regions together,' noted DPM Gan. 'This will offer them a lot more options, a lot more choices and, at the same time, more advantage to operate in this region.' The landmark JS-SEZ pact was inked in January, with the zone covering an area of more than 3,500 square kilometres, roughly four times the size of Singapore. Some four-fifths of the over 700 projects approved by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority in Johor last year were located in the zone, underscoring its attractiveness, the agency's chief executive told The Business Times in April this year. Read more stories on the Johor-Singapore SEZ
