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Shareholders of BBK Group have approved the board of directors’ recommendation to distribute the highest cash dividend in the bank’s history, equivalent to 40 per cent of the nominal value per share (40 fils per share), with a total distribution of BD72.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2025.
The announcement follows BBK Group’s annual general meeting (AGM) which convened with a legal quorum of 95.36pc.
The approved distribution reflects the bank’s continued ability to deliver sustainable returns to shareholders, underpinned by the strength and quality of its financial performance.
The dividend approval follows a year of historic financial results, with BBK reporting a record net profit of BD80 million in 2025, representing year-on-year growth of 11.1pc. The result was driven by the disciplined execution of a clear strategic roadmap focused on preserving the quality of the banking portfolio, diversifying income streams, and pursuing prudent lending growth despite a challenging economic and geopolitical backdrop.
The bank also delivered strong growth across key balance sheet indicators. Total assets increased by 18.6pc, while loans and advances rose by 31.5pc. In parallel, the investment and securities portfolio expanded by 26.8pc, and customer deposits grew by 18.3pc to BD2.9 billion, contributing to the bank’s total assets reaching BD5bn for the first time in its history.
Profitability was further supported by a 13.3pc increase in net fees and commission income, which rose to BD22.1m, reflecting prior investments in service enhancement and revenue diversification.
During the meeting, shareholders also elected a new board of directors of BBK for the term 2026–2029, with Tariq AlSaffar re-elected as chairman and Abdulla AlZain as vice-chairman.
The board also includes Mohamed Abdulmalek, Ghanem Al Fadhala, Khaled AlAsfour, Dr Ghaneya AlDerazi, Munther Al Kooheji, Aref Rahimi, Nada AlMojil, and Sara Noorudin.
BBK’s newly elected board brings together extensive experience and a broad range of specialist expertise. With backgrounds spanning finance, economics, law and technology, the board provides the bank with a comprehensive and forward-looking perspective to navigate the challenges of the global banking landscape. The new composition also reinforces BBK’s emphasis on strong governance and capable leadership as foundations for sustainable growth over the long term.
On the occasion, Mr AlSaffar said: “We are proud to welcome a board that brings together a wealth of experience and a broad range of expertise that will further strengthen BBK’s strategic direction in the years ahead. This diversity of backgrounds and perspectives will serve as a strong driver of the bank’s next phase of growth, enabling us to build on our achievements, respond effectively to global shifts, and continue delivering sustainable value to our shareholders and customers alike.”
Beyond the record dividend and earnings achieved in 2025, the AGM also approved a series of measures that highlight BBK’s financial strength and support the long-term value of the bank’s shares.
Among them was the allocation of BD3.1m to social responsibility and community initiatives, further reinforcing BBK’s standing as an active national partner.
Shareholders also authorised the repurchase of up to 10pc of the bank’s shares as treasury shares, reflecting confidence in the bank’s valuation and future prospects.
The meeting also approved the transfer of BD4.8m to retained earnings, further strengthening the bank’s capital base to support continued growth.
It was also highlighted during the AGM that the merger with the National Bank of Bahrain has reached an advanced stage, marked by constructive discussions that helped advance the process and accelerate progress towards completion.
The transaction continues to rank among BBK’s key strategic priorities in view of the significant value it is expected to generate. In addition, BBK disclosed the successful acquisition of the retail banking portfolio of HSBC Bank Middle East, Bahrain for a total consideration of BD27.7m.
Mr AlSaffar added that the bank’s exceptional 2025 performance, culminating in the AGM’s approval of an historic 40pc cash dividend, reflects the strength of BBK’s financial position and its proven ability to respond effectively to fast-moving economic conditions. These outstanding results are the outcome of a long-term strategy centred on creating value for shareholders while continuously enhancing customer experience.
“BBK has achieved the highest profit in its history since inception, and we are determined to sustain this upward trajectory in both performance and profitability.”
Mr AlSaffar affirmed that the bank’s ability to maintain strong momentum across all business segments reflects the resilience of its operating model and the strength of capital base.
“We look to 2026 with confidence and ambition, building on a strong track record of achievement that includes expanding our portfolio of high-quality assets and advancing our comprehensive digital transformation agenda, while continuing to play a leading role in social responsibility and governance. Our confidence in the bank’s future is driving a new phase of strategic initiatives designed to preserve these hard-won gains and carry us to even greater levels of excellence and leadership in shaping the future of banking in the kingdom.”
Yaser Alsharifi, group chief executive officer of BBK, congratulated the chairman and members of the newly elected board for the upcoming term, reaffirming the executive management’s commitment to working in close collaboration and under the guidance of the new board to ensure strong alignment between the board and management teams.
He affirmed that this integrated approach would support the delivery of further achievements, the effective execution of the bank’s ambitious plans as set by the board, the enhancement of operational efficiency, and the fulfilment of the expectations of partners and shareholders in the period ahead.
Mr Alsharifi added that BBK’s record profit performance was a direct outcome of the effective execution of its strategic roadmap, which has consistently prioritised employees’ empowerment and growth, digital efficiency, stronger customer trust and enhanced shareholder value, and said that 2025 represented a notable advance in the diversification of the bank’s revenue streams, supported by a solid increase in net fees and commission income and underpinned by prudent risk management. This allowed BBK to translate its strategic progress into attractive shareholder returns, while also improving the liquidity of its share and strengthening its standing in the market as a sound and sustainable investment.
Mr Alsharifi said: “We have invested significantly in strengthening our digital infrastructure and delivering innovative banking solutions that respond to the expectations of a new generation of customers, supporting the healthy and balanced expansion of our credit portfolio.
“We begin 2026 with a strong and well-prepared financial position, backed by a solid capital base that gives us the flexibility to capture promising investment opportunities. At the same time, we remain committed to our role as a key contributor to economic growth in the kingdom, while maintaining the highest standards of governance and service excellence.”
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