In a historic and strategic move, Kuwait Finance House (KFH) Group announced the launch of Ahli United Bank (Bahrain)'s new visual identity and the official change of its name to "Kuwait Finance House - Bahrain," under the umbrella of the Kuwait Finance House Group.

The announcement was made during a grand ceremony held in the Kingdom of Bahrain, attended by senior representatives from KFH Group, headed by the Chairman, Hamad Abdulmohsen Al-Marzouq; the Group Chief Executive Officer, Khaled Yousef AlShamlan; and the Group Chief Executive Officer of KFH - Bahrain, Shadi Zahran. The event also saw the presence of His Excellency Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and Sheikh Thamer Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Ambassador of Kuwait to Bahrain alongside members of the Group's Board of Directors, and representatives from the Central Bank of Bahrain.

Chairman of KFH Group, Hamad Abdulmohsen Al-Marzouq conveyed his delight at being in the Kingdom of Bahrain, underscoring the strong historical ties between the two nations. He highlighted that the rebranding of Ahli United Bank - Bahrain to "Kuwait Finance House - Bahrain" signifies a pivotal strategic transformation, solidifying the Bank’s position as a significant banking group with total consolidated assets of USD 126 bn, and reflecting its prominent role in Islamic banking.

Al-Marzouq underscored the symbolic importance of the Group's presence in Bahrain, affirming its status as a pivotal business hub and crucial starting point for their regional expansion strategy. He explained that this move, which represents a shift from conventional to Sharia-compliant banking, culminates the monumental merger of KFH Group and the formerly AUB Group. This merger was the largest in Kuwait's banking sector and a prominent deal regionally.

This project further strengthens the Bank’s position as the largest private sector company listed on both Boursa Kuwait and Bahrain Bourse, boasting a market capitalization exceeding USD 45 billion, and as the world's second-largest Islamic bank.

Al-Marzouq praised the diligent efforts of both institutional teams, highlighting their success in executing this strategic project. This initiative, he noted, has established a prominent banking entity, boasting a robust financial foundation and an expansive international footprint spanning ten countries, including key markets such as Kuwait, Bahrain, Turkey, Egypt, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

He elaborated that the new visual identity, featuring the slogan "Beyond Horizons" transcends mere rebranding; it rather represents an ambitious vision aimed at establishing KFH among the top 100 global banks within the next five years, bolstering its ability to offer innovative services meeting customer needs, and adapting to international trends in Islamic finance.

Al-Marzouq concluded: “We affirm KFH’s steadfast commitment to its leadership in fostering economic development and delivering substantial value to the local banking sector. KFH also remains committed to fulfilling its social responsibilities toward Bahrain, which has played a significant role in supporting the Group’s vision of global leadership.” He expressed gratitude to all who facilitated this pivotal transformation.

Integration and Excellence

During the ceremony, KFH Group CEO, Khaled Yousef AlShamlan, emphasized that the unveiling of Ahli United Bank's new visual identity and its rebranding to 'Kuwait Finance House - Bahrain' complements the achievements realized under the new brand slogan "Beyond Horizons".

AlShamlan explained that these achievements began in Kuwait, subsequently extending to the United Kingdom, the Arab Republic of Egypt, and now the Kingdom of Bahrain. These steps form part of KFH's broader strategy to expand and solidify its presence as a leading global Islamic banking group.

He emphasized that the launch of the new brand reflects a profound shift in vision and concept, through which KFH aims to usher in a new phase of integration and excellence in banking services, firmly supported by its strategic approach rooted in sustainability, innovation, and digital excellence.

AlShamlan articulated his pride in the bank's significant achievements and successes, pointing to its global standing, financial strength, and expansive geographical reach across eight countries, underpinned by an international network exceeding 600 branches. He further commended the bank's diversified financial solutions, sustainable profitability, strategic foresight, human talent, digital excellence, and all strong key performance indicators.

He underscored KFH's solidified standing as Kuwait's largest bank by market capitalization. AlShamlan further detailed that KFH holds the distinction of being the largest Kuwaiti private sector company listed on Boursa Kuwait, with its market capitalization exceeding USD 45 billion. He also confirmed KFH`s global rank as the world's second-largest Islamic bank.

In closing, AlShamlan conveyed his appreciation for the unwavering support of KFH`s Board of Directors, extending his gratitude to all colleagues whose contributions were instrumental in realizing this achievement.

A journey of achievements

In his speech, GCEO of KFH - Bahrain, Shadi Zahran, expressed his happiness at this historic and pivotal moment in the journey of Ahli United Bank Group, announcing the launch of a new phase under the name of KFH Group, following the successful completion of the acquisition. He noted that this step represents "the culmination of a journey full of achievements spanning more than twenty-five years."

Zahran drew attention to the substantial qualitative development and key achievements of recent years. These include a range of successful banking operations that have reinforced the Group's position as a leading regional banking entity.

He elaborated that the impact of these successes reached beyond the Group, contributing significantly to the national economy by stimulating growth, creating employment opportunities, and boosting local investments, thus enhancing Bahrain's role as a financial center.

He also emphasized the Group's consistent strong financial performance and sustainable growth, which has benefited shareholders and customers alike."

Zahran identified the comprehensive transition to Islamic banking services as a key milestone for the Group, enabling the provision of Sharia-compliant solutions with unparalleled quality and innovation.

He further affirmed the Group's resolute commitment to supporting national talent, stating that "Bahrainization is, and will remain, a strategic imperative rooted in our belief in investing in and empowering the nation's sons and daughters to drive development and success."

Zahran concluded by stressing that Bahrain's strong financial standing is mirrored in its robust banking sector and the confidence of both investors and international institutions. He added that the bank's current transformation will strengthen this position by "adding value to Islamic Sharia-compliant banking services, expanding operations, and boosting the Kingdom's competitiveness regionally and globally". He also pointed out that the Group has consistently drawn inspiration from Vision 2030, striving to enhance its performance and innovate banking solutions to contribute to the Kingdom's ambitious development goals."

It serves to note that the launch of the new 'Kuwait Finance House - Bahrain' visual identity is a pivotal moment for KFH Group, strengthening its position as a global Islamic banking leader. It reflects an ambitious strategic vision to provide innovative, Sharia-compliant banking solutions that meet customer needs and align with global trends. With KFH Group's ongoing commitment to economic development in Bahrain and its other markets, this step promises new opportunities for growth and innovation in Islamic banking.