BBK launches its Sustainable Finance Framework in collaboration with Standard Chartered, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable growth

07 Jan 2026

BBK, a leader in retail and corporate banking in the Kingdom of Bahrain, has announced the launch of its Sustainable Finance Framework (SFF), marking a major milestone in the Group’s ambition to advance sustainable finance and support Bahrain’s transition towards a more sustainable and inclusive economy. Developed in collaboration with Standard Chartered, a global leader in sustainable finance, the Framework follows the receipt of a positive Second Party Opinion (SPO) from Morningstar Sustainalytics.

Morningstar Sustainalytics’ SPO confirms the Framework’s alignment with the Green Bond Principles 2025, Social Bond Principles 2025, Sustainability Bond Guidelines 2021, Green Loan Principles 2025, and Social Loan Principles 2025. The agency has assessed the sustainability contribution of the Framework as significant, based on the average contribution of its twelve eligible use-of-proceeds categories. Sustainalytics expects the projects, programmes, and activities financed under the Framework to deliver positive environmental and social outcomes.

The Sustainable Finance Framework enables BBK to issue Green, Social, and Sustainability Bonds, Sukuk, and Loans, supporting projects across a wide range of eligible sectors including renewable energy, energy efficiency, clean transportation, green buildings, affordable housing, access to essential services, SME financing, and climate adaptation and resilience.

Fully aligned with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the Kingdom’s pathway to net-zero emissions by 2060, the Framework reinforces BBK’s role as a strategic enabler of sustainable economic growth. It also supports national efforts to attract investment, stimulate innovation, and accelerate environmental and social progress.

“The launch of our Sustainable Finance Framework represents a defining moment in BBK’s sustainability journey and reinforces our commitment to responsible growth and long-term value creation,” said Mr. Yaser Alsharifi, Group Chief Executive of BBK. “As Bahrain accelerates its transition toward a more sustainable and diversified economy, we are committed to supporting our clients and communities with innovative financial solutions that foster resilience, inclusion, and environmental stewardship. The ‘Significant’ external validation score from Sustainalytics reflects the credibility and ambition of our approach, and we look forward to mobilising capital towards impactful projects that contribute meaningfully to Bahrain’s sustainable development agenda.”

Mr. Mohamed Alaali, Chief Strategy & Sustainability at BBK, added: “With this Framework, we are embedding sustainability into the core of our financing strategy, governance approach, and client engagement model. It provides a clear and rigorous structure for classifying, evaluating, and reporting on sustainable financing activities across the Group. Importantly, this enables us to scale our support for clients across sectors as they navigate transition pathways and seize new opportunities created by the shift toward sustainable economic growth. We will continue strengthening our internal capabilities and partnerships to drive meaningful impact over time.”

Our collaboration with Standard Chartered brings global expertise and best practices to BBK’s sustainable finance strategy, ensuring robust governance and impactful outcomes.

“We are delighted to have collaborated with BBK in developing its Sustainable Finance Framework, which will help to provide a clear and credible foundation for mobilising capital toward high-impact environmental and social projects,” said Dr Boutros Klink, CEO of Standard Chartered Bahrain. “By aligning with global standards and embedding best practices, BBK is well positioned to lead in advancing sustainable finance in Bahrain and to support the Kingdom’s transition to a more resilient and inclusive economy.”

Shreeya Garg, Morningstar Sustainalytics’ Sustainable Fixed Income EMEA Regional Lead, said: “We have assessed BBK’s Sustainable Finance Framework as aligned with the Green Bond Principles 2025, Social Bond Principles 2025, Sustainability Bond Guidelines 2021, Green Loan Principles 2025 and Social Loan Principles 2025, and the sustainability contribution of the framework as significant. Projects financed under the Framework are expected to support a low-carbon economy and advance socio-economic development in Bahrain and other countries where financing will be directed.”

The Framework is anchored in BBK’s core sustainability pillars — Good Corporate Governance, Positive Customer Relationships, Responsible Employer, Social Responsibility, and Climate Action & Responsibility — and represents an important step in expanding sustainable finance offerings, empowering clients on their ESG journeys, and driving economic and social progress across Bahrain and the region.

Under the Framework, BBK will publish annual allocation and impact reporting, demonstrating how proceeds are deployed and the positive outcomes achieved across eligible project categories. This commitment to disclosure underscores BBK’s focus on good governance, transparency, and international best practice.

The Sustainable Finance Framework and the Morningstar Sustainalytics’ Second Party Opinion are available on BBK’s website www.bbkonline.com/sustainability/ .