Al Salam Bank marks 20 years of leadership and innovation in Bahrain’s Banking sector

Al Salam Bank is celebrating its 20th anniversary, commemorating two decades of strategic growth, market leadership, and innovation in Bahrain’s financial landscape. Since its establishment on 19 January 2006, the Bank has evolved from a nascent institution into Bahrain’s largest and fastest-growing financial entity, demonstrating resilience and a commitment to long-term value creation. 

Over the years, Al Salam Bank has maintained its position at the forefront of Bahrain’s banking sector, driven by its strategic focus on consolidation, digital transformation, and diversified asset management. The Bank’s early milestones, including its record-breaking Initial Public Offering in 2006 and successful acquisitions, including those of Bahrain Saudi Bank in 2009 and BMI Bank in 2014, positioned it as a leader in the regional banking consolidation wave. 

The Bank’s transformative journey reached a key turning point in 2018 with the launch of an ambitious transformation strategy aimed at achieving large-scale growth. By focusing on market consolidation, digital scalability, and a diversified asset base, Al Salam Bank expanded its client base and footprint exponentially. This included the successful acquisitions of Ithmaar Bank’s consumer banking portfolio in 2022 and Kuwait Finance House – Bahrain in 2024, further cementing its position as a dominant force in the sector. 

“Reaching our 20th anniversary is not merely a reflection of time, but a testament to the strategic clarity, disciplined execution, and unwavering trust of our clients and stakeholders,” said Rafik Nayed, Group CEO of Al Salam Bank. “Our journey has been built on strong values and a shared commitment to excellence. As we celebrate this milestone, we are focused on continuing our pursuit of sustainable growth and innovation, with a vision to remain a trusted partner for our clients, now and in the future.” 

Underpinned by a robust financial performance—total assets tripling, market capitalization growing threefold, and profitability expanding nearly four times—Al Salam Bank’s success is a direct result of its efficient cost structures, disciplined execution, and strong focus on technology. The bank’s digital transformation has provided customers with seamless, always-on banking experiences, enhancing convenience and accessibility. 

As part of its year-long anniversary celebration, Al Salam Bank is launching the “20 Years Written by You” campaign, inviting clients and stakeholders to reflect on the Bank’s growth and shared milestones. This initiative underscores the Bank’s commitment to its human-centric and digitally native approach, building on its rich heritage while focusing on delivering innovative, customer-focused solutions in the years ahead.