Named the Best SME Bank in Bahrain 2023: Bahrain Development Bank Receives Outstanding Recognition with 5 Coveted Awards from ‘International Finance’ and ‘Global Banking and Finance Review’

Manama, Bahrain – November 2023: The Bahrain Development Bank Group (BDB) has received three prestigious awards from the Global Banking & Finance Review, in addition to winning two awards from the International Finance Awards.

The Global Banking & Finance Review named BDB as the ‘Best SME Bank Bahrain’, ‘Best Online Services for SME Bahrain’ and ‘Best Mobile App for SME Bahrain.’

Moreover, as a result of the bank’s digital transformation success, BDB received the ‘Most Innovative New SME Digital Banking Platform’ Award from International Finance, in recognition of Tijara, the Kingdom’s first digital banking platform enabling Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to apply for loans online.

International Finance also awarded BDB with the ‘Most Innovative SME Financing Program for Women Empowerment’ Award, commending the bank’s partnership with the Supreme Council for Women and Bahrain’s Labour Fund Tamkeen towards supporting female entrepreneurs in developing their businesses through the Women Business Finance Scheme “Riyadat”.

Commenting on the occasion, Dalal Al Qais, Group Chief Executive Officer of BDB said: ‘These distinguished awards are a testament to our commitment in delivering innovative and tailored financial solutions to the Kingdom’s SME sector. Furthermore, they reflect the dedicated efforts of our talented and capable team members as well as reaffirm the bank’s position as an industry leader.’

She added: ‘BDB is the only SME-specialised bank in Bahrain and the lender of choice for SMEs, having served this sector for over 30 years. Our ongoing digital transformation journey enables us to continue providing customer-centric solutions and services, further empowering businesses and driving economic growth.’

The International Finance Awards is a prominent global entity that honours leading organisations in various sectors for their exceptional performance in overcoming industry challenges. Established in 2011, the Global Banking and Finance Review Awards recognise companies within the global financial community for their expertise and excellence particularly with regards to innovation, achievements, strategy, progressive and inspirational changes.