Ahli United Bank, a leading Islamic bank in Bahrain, has announced the start of a new chapter in its banking history under the name ‘Kuwait Finance House’.
This follows the successful completion of the acquisition process by the parent group, marking a significant milestone in the bank’s 25-year journey of growth and excellence.
Under the new identity, Ahli United Bank, owned by Kuwait Finance House, will undergo a significant transformation of its brand identity, aligning with the group’s structure. This will be achieved by officially adopting its new name, ‘Kuwait Finance House’, across all its operational channels in Bahrain, including branches, digital platforms and smartphone applications.
The new identity was announced during an official ceremony attended by Finance and National Economy Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa and Kuwaiti Ambassador Shaikh Thamer Jaber Al Ahmed Al Sabah as well as several of high-ranking officials representing the government, the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB), the bank’s strategic partners, major clients, and the bank’s board of directors and executive management team.
By launching its new identity under the Kuwait Finance House name, the bank aims to unify the group’s brand and elevate the integration of its Islamic banking operations and services. It will offer a comprehensive and interconnected banking experience that complies with the rules and principles of Shari’a and meets the needs of various customer segments, both through its branches across the kingdom and its digital channels.
Kuwait Finance House chairman Hamad Abdulmohsen Al Marzouq expressed his pride in launching the new identity in Bahrain, stating, “I am delighted to be with you today in Kingdom of Bahrain to witness a new chapter in the journey of Kuwait Finance House with the launch of the new brand identity of Ahli United Bank – Bahrain, which, as of today, becomes Kuwait Finance House – Bahrain. This strategic step reinforces the bank’s position as an influential banking group with consolidated assets of $126 billion, underscoring our leading role in the Islamic banking sector.”
Mr Al Marzouq extended his thanks and appreciation to His Majesty King Hamad, and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for their generous support and continued patronage of the kingdom’s banking and economic sector, which strengthens Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region.
“Our presence in Bahrain today holds special significance, as the kingdom has always been and remains a core centre for our business and a pivotal launchpad within our regional expansion strategy. It was here that the first steps of the historic merger between Kuwait Finance House Group and Ahli United Bank – Bahrain, marking the largest merger in the Kuwaiti banking sector and one of the biggest consolidation deals in the region.”
“The new identity, unveiled under the slogan ‘Beyond Horizons’, is far more than a just a rename. It reflects an ambitious vision to realise our greater aspiration of ranking among the world’s top 100 banks within the next five years, while enhancing our ability to offer innovative products and services that meet the expectations of our customers and partners and keep pace with global developments in Islamic banking,” Mr Al Marzouq added.
Kuwait Finance House Group chief executive Khaled Yousef Al Shamlan voiced his pride in witnessing this historic occasion, saying: “I am honoured to be once again in the Kingdom of Bahrain to continue a series of successes in launching our new brand under the slogan ‘Beyond Horizons’, which began in Kuwait, then the United Kingdom, Egypt, and now Bahrain, as part of our expansion and outreach strategy as a leading global Islamic banking group.”
He stressed that unveiling the new brand represents a transformation in concept and vision: “The new identity is a phase of integrated, high-quality banking services, underpinned by KFH’s commitment to sustainability, innovation and digital excellence.”
Mr Al Shamlan further said: “We are proud of the major achievements and successes attained on every front, including our global standing, financial strength and wide geographic footprint spanning 10 countries through a vast international network of more than 600 branches, in addition to our diversified financial services, sustainable profitability, digital excellence, strategic vision, talented workforce and all performance indicators that firmly establish Kuwait Finance House as the largest bank in Kuwait by market capitalisation, the largest privately-owned company listed on Boursa Kuwait and Bahrain Bourse with a value exceeding $45 billion, and the world’s second-largest Islamic bank.”
Kuwait Finance House - Bahrain Group CEO Dr Shadi Zahran extended his thanks and gratitude to His Majesty, and HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for their great attention and continuous support for the banking and economic sectors.
Dr Zahran said, “Today, we are at a pivotal moment in the bank’s history, as we launch with a new identity under the umbrella of ‘Kuwait Finance House,’ within a unified strategic vision based on strengthening our position as a leading Islamic financial institution in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the region, and achieving integration with the Group at all levels.”
“The past years have constituted a series of institutional achievements whose impact has extended beyond the group’s borders, contributing to supporting the national economy, expanding the financing base, and cementing the confidence of customers and investors. Today, we affirm our commitment to continuing this prosperous journey, enhancing innovation in banking, developing our digital ecosystem, and providing services that meet the aspirations of our valued customers, without any change to the distinguished banking experience we have always provided them,” he added.
Dr Zahran confirmed that all customer accounts, services, and digital data will remain unchanged, explaining that branches will continue to operate regularly. He also affirmed continuous communication with customers regarding any future steps within the transformation plan and the new identity.
He also stressed the bank’s commitment to supporting local Bahraini talent, saying, “Investing in the local talent has always been a cornerstone of our strategy. Bahrainisation is not just a goal for the group, but a firm conviction that the people of Bahrain are the fundamental driving force behind our banking initiatives.”
“Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030 is a constant source of inspiration for us, as we work to translate its goals by expanding the base of Islamic finance, promoting innovation, and contributing to consolidating Bahrain’s position as an advanced financial and banking centre in the region,” he explained.
The new transformation of Ahli United Bank Group’s identity comes within a unified plan for the Kuwait Finance House Group aimed at enhancing the bank’s presence in regional and international markets and unifying the group’s subsidiaries under a single corporate umbrella, thereby solidifying its position as a leading global brand in the Islamic banking sector.
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