THE Bahrain Association of Banks (BAB) has pledged to ramp up its role as a unified platform for the kingdom’s financial sector following its annual general assembly.
The meeting, held via video conference and chaired by BAB chairman Yaser Alsharifi, saw members approve the annual report and audited financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2025, alongside the appointment of the external auditor for 2026.
Mr Alsharifi highlighted that 2025 was a year of “prioritising objectives and delivering results.” Since the appointment of a new board in late 2024, the association has undergone a significant strategic review to better represent a rapidly evolving sector.
This agenda included several structural enhancements, such as the appointment of a new management team, the strengthening of the governance framework, and the reconstitution of specialised committees aligned with current industry priorities.
These changes have established a more coherent structure designed to strengthen accountability and coordination across the association’s various workstreams.
The chairman emphasised that BAB will continue to operate under Central Bank of Bahrain directives, supporting members as they navigate changing priorities in financial services. He noted the central role played by specialised committees in addressing strategic issues, including financial market infrastructure, payment systems, Sharia standards, and consumer transparency.
On an international level, the association has boosted its collaboration with peer institutions and global platforms, contributing to the exchange of expertise and showcasing the leadership of Bahrain’s financial sector on the world stage.
Looking ahead, the board remains focused on maintaining robust governance and structured engagement aligned with evolving financial priorities.