Al Salam Bank's ASB Capital marks successful first anniversary

04/11/2025 03:17 AST

Al Salam Bank, one of the fastest growing financial groups in the region, celebrates the first anniversary of its asset management and investment banking arm, ASB Capital, marking a year of steady growth, product innovation, and regional expansion.

Launched in November 2024 during Gateway Gulf in Bahrain, ASB Capital today manages $5.8 billion in assets, reflecting the trust of a growing global client base. Over the past year, the firm has strengthened its presence with the launch of several investment solutions, including the Global Equity Fund in partnership with State Street, MENA Equity Fund, Technology Fund, and Sukuk Fund, providing clients with diversified access to global and regional markets.

The past year also witnessed significant momentum across ASB Capital's advisory and portfolio management mandates, expanding both discretionary and non-discretionary portfolios for high-net-worth individuals, family offices, corporates, and institutional clients, the bank said.

As part of Al Salam Bank's integrated financial services ecosystem, ASB Capital has been instrumental in driving the group's investment and capital markets activities. In 2025, the firm was instrumental in several regional issuances including Bapco Energies, Kuwait International Bank, and Solidarity Bahrain. In this space, several mandates have also been signed since then, reflecting ASB Capital's strategic position in the regional landscape.

ASB Capital is also scheduled to launch XASB Sukuk ETF in partnership with Xtrackers by DWS, broadening access to fixed-income investments and reinforcing ASB Capital's innovation-led approach to asset management.

On the sidelines of the Gateway Gulf Forum, Rafik Nayed, Al Salam Bank Group CEO and ASB Capital Managing Director, commented: "ASB Capital's first year marks a pivotal chapter in Al Salam Bank's long-term growth story. Our focus has been on building trust, deepening client relationships, and expanding our investment offerings. The growth in AUM, the launch of new funds, and the success of our capital markets transactions all reflect our commitment to delivering value to our clients. ASB Capital stands today as one of the region's leading asset and wealth management firms, and we remain focused on unlocking new opportunities."

ASB Pay Business
Al Salam Bank has announced the launch of "ASB Pay Business", a cutting-edge digital Point-of-Sale (POS) platform powered by Arab Financial Services (AFS).

The announcement of the launch took place during the Gateway Gulf Investment Forum Bahrain 2025, reflecting the bank's continued commitment to empowering businesses and driving digital transformation in the financial sector.

Designed to meet the diverse needs of all business segments from large corporates to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), freelancers, virtual CRs and home businesses, ASB Pay Business offers a comprehensive end-to-end digital payment solution that allows merchants to accept payments directly through their smartphones without the need for traditional POS terminals. The platform features digital invoicing, payment links, direct bank integration, and real-time transaction tracking through a user-friendly and secure interface. It also enables same-day settlements for merchants holding accounts with Al Salam Bank, ensuring smooth cash flow and operational efficiency.

ASB Pay Business also integrates seamlessly with accounting systems, e-commerce platforms, and operations management tools, making it scalable for businesses of all sizes from home-based startups to medium and large enterprises. With over 70% of MSMEs in Bahrain now obtaining digital payment solutions and mobile-based transactions growing by 30% annually, the demand for secure, efficient, and flexible payment channels continues to rise, reflecting the increased preference for secure and efficient digital experiences. The digital payments market in Bahrain is projected to reach USD 14 billion by 2025, driven by a smartphone penetration rate exceeding 160% and a regional shift toward soft POS adoption, which has grown by 20% year-on-year. These trends underscore the growing importance of innovative and accessible financial tools that empower businesses to thrive in today's fast-evolving digital economy.

Anwar Murad, Deputy Group CEO - Banking at Al Salam Bank, said: "The launch of ASB Pay Business marks a transformative step in the digital payments landscape in Bahrain and aligns with the Bank's vision to offer innovative financial solutions that address local market needs while enhancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem. We are dedicated to empowering the MSME sector with smart digital tools that enhance operational efficiency and support business expansion. We encourage all business owners to benefit from this platform, which allows them to accept payments easily, both locally and internationally, supported by a full suite of services designed to drive business growth."

Samer Soliman, Chief Executive Officer of Arab Financial Services (AFS), stated: "At AFS, we are proud to serve as the technology partner to Al Salam Bank in launching ASB Pay Business a solution built to meet the aspirations of clients across various business segments, particularly MSMEs. Our contribution lies in providing a secure and advanced payment infrastructure that enables seamless and flexible payment acceptance across multiple channels, supporting the growth and development of businesses in an increasingly digital environment. This strategic partnership with Al Salam Bank reflects our shared vision to drive innovation in the digital payments space and advance financial inclusion by empowering businesses and startups with smart technological tools that align with market needs and support long-term business sustainability."

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