In a global financial landscape defined by rapid digitization, Islamic finance evolution, and cross-border trade, Arab Banking Corporation (Bank ABC) stands as a financial titan with deep roots in the Middle East and expanding influence across four continents. While headquartered in Manama, Bahrain, its strategic footprint extends across the UAE, MENA, Europe, the Americas, and Asia, offering seamless financial services that fuse legacy banking values with forward-thinking innovation.

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A Regional Bank with Global Ambitions: Inside Bank ABC’s DNA

Founded in 1980 through a royal decree by the Amir of Bahrain, Arab Banking Corporation B.S.C. began its journey as a public joint stock company. With its first offshore license from the Bahrain Monetary Agency, the bank quickly solidified its presence in the regional banking ecosystem.

Fast forward to today, and Bank ABC is no ordinary institution. It’s backed by sovereign wealth — with 59.37% owned by the Central Bank of Libya and 40.63% by the Kuwait Investment Authority — which grants it unique stability, resilience, and pan-Arab strategic alignment.

Though its registered headquarters is in Bahrain, Bank ABC’s operations in the UAE continue to grow, offering a powerful mix of corporate banking, Islamic finance, digital banking, and retail banking solutions tailored to the UAE’s cosmopolitan economy.

What Makes Bank ABC Unique in the UAE and Beyond?

Bank ABC isn’t just another multinational bank; it’s a multi-dimensional banking group that spans across key verticals with distinct service offerings:

🌍 1. Global Reach with Regional Heartbeat

Operating in 17+ countries, Bank ABC balances international expertise with regional relevance. Whether you’re a UAE-based business looking for syndicated finance or a retail client exploring Shari’a-compliant banking, Bank ABC delivers with cultural sensitivity and regulatory precision.

💼 2. Corporate & Institutional Banking Excellence

From structured and project finance to trade facilitation, Bank ABC caters to multinational corporates and sovereign entities. In the UAE’s dynamic infrastructure and energy sectors, ABC plays a vital role in funding and syndication.

🕌 3. Islamic Finance Leadership

Through ABC Islamic Bank (E.C.), the bank offers a full range of Shari’a-compliant solutions — from Murabaha to Sukuk issuance, tapping into the UAE’s flourishing Islamic banking sector.

📲 4. Digital Innovation with ila Bank

Recognizing the UAE’s appetite for tech-driven experiences, Bank ABC launched ila Bank — a mobile-only, cloud-based digital bank delivering personalized financial services through intuitive app design and AI-based insights.

🏦 5. Wholesale & Retail Synergy

From home loans and auto finance to capital markets and treasury operations, Bank ABC offers full-spectrum financial solutions. Its online banking platform, ABC Digital, provides seamless access to global markets.

A Timeline of Capital Growth and Strategic Milestones

The bank’s story is marked by continuous evolution in capital strength and strategic vision:

1980: Incorporated with offshore license in Bahrain
1981: $750M capital injection by founders (Kuwait, Libya, Abu Dhabi)
2006: Shares split 10-for-1 for increased trading liquidity
2008-2010: Capital raised to $3.11B through priority rights offerings
2015: Rebranded to “Bank ABC” to unify global identity across 18 countries
2022: Issued $390M in AT1 securities, pushing Tier 1 capital back above 17%

This trajectory reflects not just aggressive growth, but meticulous capital management aligned with Basel III regulations and future-readiness.

Deep Diversification Across Five Strategic Segments

Bank ABC’s business model is segmented into five operating verticals, creating a structurally diversified financial architecture:

MENA Subsidiaries – UAE, North Africa, and Levant region retail and treasury activities
International Wholesale Banking – Global trade, Islamic banking, and syndications
Group Treasury – Managed out of Bahrain, New York, and London, offering FX, risk hedging, and liquidity
ABC Brasil – Commercial banking in Brazil focusing on corporate & middle-market clients
Others – Includes ila Bank and Arab Financial Services Company B.S.C.

This segmentation helps the bank hedge geographic and operational risk while maintaining agility in regional markets like the UAE.

Governance and Executive Leadership

Bank ABC’s executive team comprises a blend of regional financial leaders and international banking veterans. A few key names shaping its strategy include:

Saddek Omar Al Kaber – Non-Executive Chairman (Central Bank of Libya Governor)
Sael Fayez Izzat Al Waary – Acting Group CEO
Mohamed Almaraj – Head of Retail & CEO of ila Bank
Brendon Hopkins – Group CFO
Amr El Nokaly – Head of Wholesale Banking

Their collective experience enables strategic foresight, risk governance, and digital transformation — crucial for markets like the UAE.

Bank ABC UAE: A Strategic Node in a Hyper-Connected Ecosyste

In the UAE, Bank ABC’s role is becoming increasingly prominent as it:

Supports cross-border transactions across MENA
Offers structured finance for energy, logistics, and real estate
Facilitates Islamic investments through ABC Islamic Bank
Serves a tech-savvy audience via ila Bank

Its UAE operations act as a vital link between Gulf markets and international corridors — aligning with Dubai’s vision as a global financial hub.

TheDubaiWeb.com Insight: Why Bank ABC Matters to You

At TheDubaiWeb.com, we recognize Bank ABC not just as a bank, but as a critical enabler of Dubai’s financial innovation, entrepreneurial growth, and global capital connectivity. Whether you’re an expat professional, SME founder, or corporate CFO, Bank ABC’s holistic services and digital platforms like ila Bank offer exceptional value in the UAE.

📌 Bank ABC UAE – Contact & Corporate Info

Head Office:
ABC Tower, Building 152, Road 1703
Diplomatic Area, Block 317, P.O. Box 5698
Manama, Bahrain
📞 +973 1754 3000
🌐 www.bank-abc.com

(FAQs)

Is Bank ABC available in the UAE?

Yes. While headquartered in Bahrain, Bank ABC operates actively in the UAE through corporate, institutional, and digital banking channels.

Is Bank ABC an Islamic bank?

Yes and no. Bank ABC offers both conventional and Islamic banking through its subsidiary, ABC Islamic Bank (E.C.), making it a hybrid financial institution.

What is ila Bank, and can UAE residents use it?

ila Bank is a mobile-only digital bank powered by Bank ABC. While primarily launched in Bahrain, its expansion into UAE markets is expected as part of the region’s fintech evolution.

Who owns Bank ABC?

Its major shareholders are sovereign entities — Central Bank of Libya (59.37%) and Kuwait Investment Authority (40.63%), giving it exceptional financial backing.

How is Bank ABC different from other banks in the UAE?

Bank ABC offers:

Strong international network
Deep Islamic finance expertise
Innovative digital products (ila Bank)
Tailored corporate solutions for trade, project finance, and treasury

Final Thought:

Arab Banking Corporation (Bank ABC) is not just riding the digital wave — it’s shaping it, especially in MENA markets like the UAE. Whether you’re looking to invest, borrow, or manage cross-border business, Bank ABC is one of the few institutions that truly connects the East and West — digitally, structurally, and strategically.

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Safna

Safna is a full-time writer at TheDubaiWeb.com, where she covers the latest finance news and trending topics across the UAE. With over 10 years of experience living in the UAE, she brings local insight and a deep understanding of the region to her reporting.

Arab Banking Corporation (Bank ABC), UAE — A Pan-Regional Financial Powerhouse in the Modern Banking Era

A Regional Bank with Global Ambitions: Inside Bank ABC’s DNA

What Makes Bank ABC Unique in the UAE and Beyond?

🌍 1. Global Reach with Regional Heartbeat