BBK Awarded ‘Best ESG Strategy in the Middle East’ at MEED’s MENA Banking Excellence Awards

11 Nov 2026

BBK, a leader in retail and corporate banking in the Kingdom of Bahrain, has been awarded ‘Best ESG Strategy in the Middle East’ at the MENA Banking Excellence Awards.

Organized by MEED, a leading provider of business intelligence and market analysis in the Middle East, the accolade recognizes BBK’s disciplined approach to responsible banking and its track record of translating environmental and social commitments into measurable outcomes.

BBK secured the award following an extensive evaluation of its sustainability framework by an independent panel of senior banking analysts and industry specialists. The panel assessed institutions on the ambition and clarity of their ESG roadmaps, tangible progress against stated milestones, and how effectively environmental, social, and governance standards are built into everyday client solutions.

In its citation, the judging panel noted that BBK has moved sustainability from a peripheral initiative to the core of its corporate culture, anchoring ESG principles directly into its governance, risk management, and decision-making across every market in which it operates. The judges particularly highlighted the Bank’s role in guiding clients and local communities through the transition to a low-carbon economy, approaching ESG not merely as an exercise in regulatory compliance, but as a strategic driver of long-term economic and societal value.

Commenting on the milestone, Mr. Mohamed Alaali, Group Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer at BBK, said: “This international recognition is a testament to our success in building a banking model where strong financial performance drives sustainable impact. Financial institutions bear a vital responsibility in channeling investments toward sustainable economic activity, which demands a sharp reading of market transformations and a prudent approach to balancing growth with risk management.”

“We will continue to refine our capabilities and funding solutions, empowering our clients to adapt to environmental and economic shifts while generating long-term value for our shareholders, partners, and society.”

The award is backed by substantial milestones across BBK’s sustainable finance and corporate responsibility agenda. By the end of Q3 2026, the Bank’s sustainable finance portfolio had grown to BD 400 million, funding critical projects in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable infrastructure. Over the same period, BBK directed BD 3 million into community investment initiatives and further strengthened its climate risk frameworks and ESG disclosures. Together, these efforts directly support the Kingdom’s national development priorities under Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 and its commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2060.