NBB Strengthens Funding Base Through First Syndicated Loan Facility

The National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) has successfully signed its first syndicated loan facility amounting to USD 450 million, marking a significant milestone in the Bank’s funding diversification strategy and long-term growth agenda.  The financing was arranged with a consortium of leading regional and international banks, underscoring strong market confidence in NBB’s credit profile, market position, and long-term roadmap. Proceeds will be used to support the Bank’s general corporate funding requirements and strategic initiatives.

Commenting on the occasion, Usman Ahmed, Group Chief Executive Officer of NBB, said, “This landmark transaction reflects the confidence our banking partners place in NBB’s financial resilience and clarity of direction. This facility not only diversifies our funding sources but also positions us to pursue growth opportunities with greater agility.”

The syndication was led by Emirates NBD Bank PJSC and Gulf International Bank B.S.C. as Senior Initial Mandated Lead Arrangers and Bookrunners. Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft, First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC, HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, and Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited were the Initial Mandated Lead Arrangers and Bookrunners, with Emirates NBD Bank PJSC appointed as Agent Bank.

The transaction also attracted strong participation from a wider group of lenders, including Canara Bank (DIFC Branch), Commercial Bank of Kuwait K.P.S.C., Habib Bank Ltd. (Bur Dubai Branch), Commercial Bank International PJSC, and Bank Muscat S.A.O.G.
The successful completion of NBB’s debut syndicated facility reinforces the Bank’s presence in international funding markets and marks an important step in advancing its capital and liquidity strategy.