
Brunei has a well-established banking system with a range of local and international banks. There are several banks in Brunei that offer a variety of financial services.
Here's a list of some of the major banks in Brunei: Baiduri Bank, Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam, Bank Negara Brunei Darussalam, and Bank of China Brunei. Each of these banks has its own unique features and services.
Baiduri Bank is one of the largest banks in Brunei, offering a wide range of personal and corporate banking services.
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Top Banks in Brunei
Brunei has a total of three major domestic banks, namely Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam, Baiduri Bank, and TAIB.
Baiduri Bank is considered the best bank in Brunei due to its financial growth and commitment to digitalization.
Some of the foreign banks operating in Brunei include Maybank, RHB Bank Berhad, Standard Chartered Bank, Bank of China (Hong Kong), and United Overseas Bank.
Perbadanan Tabung Amanah Islam Brunei is one of the oldest banks in Brunei, founded in 1991, with its headquarters located in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam.
It has 8 branches and offers various services such as term deposits, savings, home improvement financing, and motor vehicle loans.
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Banking Structure
The banking sector in Brunei is dominated by three local banks: Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD), Baiduri Bank, and TAIB. These domestic banks are regulated by the BMDA.
The local banks in Brunei are known for their commitment to safety and security, adhering to strict guidelines to protect clients' deposits. Baiduri Bank is a standout bank for its digitalization efforts, enhancing its capabilities in data analytics and customer service.
Brunei also has several foreign banks, including Maybank, RHB Bank Berhad, Standard Chartered Bank, Bank of China (Hong Kong), and United Overseas Bank, which offer a range of financial products and services to customers.
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Structure of Brunei's Banking System
Brunei's banking sector is dominated by three local banks: Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD), Baiduri Bank, and TAIB.
These banks are regulated by the Brunei Monetary and Financial Authority (BMDA), which ensures the safety of clients' deposits.
Baiduri Bank stands out for its commitment to digitalization, enhancing its capabilities in data analytics and customer service.
Foreign banks like Maybank, RHB Bank Berhad, Standard Chartered Bank, Bank of China (Hong Kong), and United Overseas Bank also operate in Brunei, offering a range of financial products and services.
Brunei's banking system is known for its stability, efficiency, and transparency, making it a secure and accessible environment for customers to manage their finances.
Notable Mergers & Acquisitions
The banking structure in Brunei has undergone significant changes in recent years, thanks to notable mergers and acquisitions. One of the most significant mergers was the creation of Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) in 2020, resulting from the merger between the Islamic Development Bank of Brunei Berhad and the Islamic Bank of Brunei Berhad.
Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam is now the largest Islamic bank in the country, driven by the need to improve operational efficiency and strengthen its market position. The consolidation was a strategic move to stay competitive in the highly competitive banking industry.
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The acquisition of the Islamic Bank of Brunei by the Bank of China (Hong Kong) in 2018 marked the Bank of China's entry into Brunei's banking sector and strengthened its foothold in the Asian market. This move demonstrated the growing interest of foreign banks in Brunei's banking industry.
These mergers and acquisitions have led to increased competition, improved customer experience, and the emergence of larger, more diversified banks offering a broader range of products and services.
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Perbadanan Taib
Perbadanan Taib is a licensed domestic bank in Brunei that provides Sharia-compliant banking products and services. It offers a range of financial services, including deposit accounts, financing services, and foreign currency services.
Perbadanan Taib was established in 1991 under the Perbadanan Tabung Amanah Islam Brunei Act, offering basic saving products, Tekad Haji account, and personal financing solutions.
Its subsidiaries include Insurans Islam TAIB Holdings Sdn Bhd, Darussalam Holdings Sdn Bhd, and TAIB Filling Station Sdn Bhd. These subsidiaries were established to address the increasing demand for Sharia-compliant financial solutions.
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Perbadanan Taib has expanded its core mission to improve the financial well-being of Brunei Darussalam's population while adhering to Sharia principles. This expansion has led to the introduction of various banking products and services.
One notable initiative is the TAIB Retirement Saver account, launched in 2022, which assists Bruneians with saving for their retirement and achieving financial security. This product is also available to foreigners working in the country.
Perbadanan Taib has also introduced a digitally calculated service for Zakat on savings accounts to facilitate the Muslim Zakat payment. This service allows customers to conveniently and effectively fulfil their Zakat obligations.
The bank has adopted a cloud-based approach for some of its business operations and productivity tools, making it more agile and flexible.
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Financial Sector
Brunei's banking system is known for its stability, efficiency, and transparency. Baiduri Bank is a standout bank in Brunei for its commitment to digitalization.
The banks in Brunei offer a range of financial products and services, including personal and business accounts, loans, credit cards, and investment accounts. Foreign citizens are eligible to open bank accounts in Brunei with the right paperwork and initial outlay.
Baiduri Bank and other licensed domestic banks, such as Bank Islam Brunei Berhad and Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam, dominate the market in Brunei.
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Economic Landscape

Brunei has a GDP of US$14.8 billion in 2020, making it one of the wealthiest countries in Asia.
The country's economy is heavily dependent on its oil and gas sector, which accounts for over 70% of its GDP. The government has been working to diversify its economy through the development of the non-oil and gas sectors, including finance and banking.
Brunei's banking industry is highly competitive, with a strong presence of both conventional and Islamic banks. The Islamic banks have a dominant presence in the market.
The banking sector in Brunei offers three sub-categories of banking: Corporate Banking, Consumer Banking, and Institutional Banking. Consumer banking generates the most revenue, accounting for over half of the combined revenue of all categories.
Here's a breakdown of the top banks in Brunei:
- Local Banks: Baiduri Bank Berhad, Perbadanan Tabung Amanah Islam Brunei, Perbadanan Tabung Amanah Islam Brunei
- Foreign Banks: RHB Bank, Standard Chartered Bank
These 10 topmost banks serve more than 400,000 citizens of Brunei.
Financial Sector Overview
Brunei's economy is heavily dependent on its oil and gas sector, which accounts for over 70% of its GDP.
The country has a GDP of US$14.8 billion in 2020, making it one of the wealthiest countries in Asia.
Brunei's government has been working towards diversifying its economy through the development of the non-oil and gas sectors, including finance and banking.
The banking system in Brunei is known for its stability, efficiency, and transparency.
Baiduri Bank is the standout bank in Brunei for its commitment to digitalization, which has enhanced its capabilities in data analytics and customer service.
Foreign citizens are eligible to open bank accounts in Brunei with the right paperwork and initial outlay, offering several advantages based on economic regulations and tax structures.
Brunei's banking system offers a secure and accessible environment for customers to manage their finances, with a growing economy and opportunities for development.
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Investment Opportunities
Brunei's banking sector presents several investment opportunities.
Bank Islam Brunei Berhad, Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam, and Baiduri Bank are among the licensed domestic banks that dominate the market.
RHB Bank Berhad and United Overseas Bank are foreign banks that operate in the country.
Investors can consider partnering with these banks to tap into the local market.
The presence of foreign banks like RHB Bank Berhad and United Overseas Bank suggests a level of international investment in the sector.
Bank Islam Brunei Berhad, Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam, and Baiduri Bank are well-established players in the market.
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Banking Process
The banking process in Brunei is relatively straightforward. You can open a bank account at any of the banks listed in this article, including Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam, Baiduri Bank, and Bank Negara Brunei Darussalam.
To open a bank account, you'll typically need to provide identification and proof of address. This can be a passport, driver's license, or utility bill.
The banks in Brunei offer a range of services, including online banking, mobile banking, and ATM services. You can manage your account, pay bills, and transfer funds using these services.
Baiduri Bank, for example, offers a mobile banking app that allows you to check your account balance, pay bills, and transfer funds on the go.
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Baiduri
Baiduri, one of the notable banks in Brunei, has not been mentioned in the provided article sections, so I will not be able to write a section for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the foreign banks in Brunei?
Brunei has foreign banks from Malaysia (Maybank and RHB Bank) and Singapore (United Overseas Bank), as well as international banks from the UK (Standard Chartered Bank) and China (Bank of China). These foreign banks offer a range of financial services to Brunei's residents and businesses.
Can a foreigner open a bank account in Brunei?
Yes, foreigners can open a bank account in Brunei, but they need to provide proof of residence, such as a Brunei driving license, utility bill, or letter of reference. To learn more about the specific requirements and documents needed, click here.
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