Bahrain Development Bank A Comprehensive Guide

The Bahrain Development Bank is a key player in the country's economic growth. Established in 1972, it has been providing financial support to various sectors, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), tourism, and industry.

Its primary objective is to promote economic development and diversification in Bahrain. The bank achieves this by offering a range of financial products and services that cater to the needs of different businesses and individuals.

One of the bank's main initiatives is to support SMEs, which are the backbone of Bahrain's economy. By providing them with access to finance, the bank helps these businesses grow and contribute to the country's economic development.

The bank's efforts have been successful, with a significant increase in the number of SMEs in Bahrain over the years.

A unique perspective: National Bank of Bahrain

The Bahrain Development Bank, or BDB, was established by Legislative Decree number 19 on 11 December 1991. Its main agenda was to promote investments in Bahrain, especially in crucial industries.

The bank's initial paid-in share capital was BD 10 million, with BD 7.25 million subscribed by Government agencies and the balance coming from local commercial banks and the private sector.

In 1993, the bank had 19 staff in post and had approved 49 projects with an expected total cost of BD 27.829 million for investment.

The bank's authorised contribution to this cost was BD 4.990 million, which is 17.9% of the total cost.

The bank's 1993 annual report contains much information on its organisation and operations.

By 1994, the bank had become the first Gulf financial institution to qualify as a European Community Investment Partner (ECIP).

The Bahrain Development Bank's structure is designed to support the country's economic growth. It has a strong presence in the market with a network of branches and a team of experienced professionals.

One key aspect of the bank's structure is its focus on providing financial services to small and medium-sized enterprises. The bank has a dedicated department for SMEs, which offers tailored solutions to help them grow and succeed.

The bank's structure also includes a robust risk management framework, which ensures that all lending decisions are made with caution and prudence. This framework has been instrumental in maintaining the bank's stability and reputation in the market.

The ownership structure of Bahrain Development Bank (BDB) is quite straightforward. The shares of the BDB stock are all held by the Government of Bahrain, making it a government parastatal. This means the government has complete control over the bank's operations and decision-making processes.

The Bahrain Development Bank has a diverse range of subsidiaries and investments that help it achieve its objectives.

BDB has a significant presence in Bahrain through its subsidiaries and investments, with some notable examples including the Bahrain Business Incubator Centre and the BDB SME Fund Company.

The Bahrain Business Incubator Centre is a key player in supporting emerging entrepreneurs, with BDB holding a 100 percent shareholding in the company.

The BDB SME Fund Company manages SME funds, with BDB holding a 99 percent shareholding.

BDB also has investments in the Middle East Corner Consultancy, Arabian Taxi Company, and EBDA Bank.

Here are some of the key subsidiaries and investments held by BDB:

Bahrain Development Bank offers a range of convenient features and benefits to its customers, including the use of the Tijara platform, which provides a comprehensive suite of financial services tailored specifically to the needs of startups and entrepreneurs.

This platform offers flexible banking solutions to support the growth and development of startups in Bahrain's thriving fintech ecosystem.

To open an account with BDB, you can call 17511111 or visit the nearest Bahrain Development Bank branch.

By opening an account with BDB, sandbox companies will gain access to a range of convenient features and benefits, including the use of the Tijara platform.

The Tijara platform is the first platform of its kind that provides banking services to startups and SMEs in the Kingdom, making it a unique and valuable resource for entrepreneurs.

BDB's commitment to delivering exceptional banking solutions to startups and SMEs is evident in its initiative to enable account opening for CBB sandbox companies.

This initiative aims to provide convenient and flexible banking solutions to support the growth and development of startups in Bahrain's thriving fintech ecosystem.

By empowering these innovative ventures with flexible banking options that cater to their unique needs, BDB is playing a pivotal role in accelerating the growth and success of Bahrain's fintech ecosystem.

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