Archive for category: News

24 June 2025

The Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) has launched a new series of short, flexible training programmes for professionals in the Islamic banking sector. These micro-credentials aim to strengthen Bahrain’s position as a leading centre for Islamic finance.

Meeting Industry Demands

The Islamic banking sector is changing rapidly, especially in areas like regulations, technology, and specialised skills. Therefore, BIBF created these programmes to help professionals stay current without having to leave their jobs for long periods.

In particular, this initiative uses a modern approach called micro-learning. As a result, participants can gain focused skills in just a few days, while balancing their work schedules.

Key Courses and Learning Format

The programmes cover essential topics such as:

• Islamic Retail Banking
• Risk Management
• Treasury Management
• Wealth Management
• Shariah Audit

Each course runs for three to five days. Moreover, the sessions are offered in a blended format, combining in-person classes with virtual learning. This approach provides both flexibility and practical knowledge.

Upskilling Talent, Advancing Bahrain’s Role

According to Dr. Rizwan Malik, Head of the Islamic Finance Centre at BIBF:

“These programmes meet the growing demand for practical knowledge. They are perfect for professionals who want to improve or shift careers without joining a full-time course.”

Furthermore, he added:

“By offering such targeted training, we support Bahrain’s leadership in Islamic banking. At the same time, we are helping national professionals adapt to new digital and regulatory trends.”

Contact Information

To learn more or register, email islamicfinance@bibf.com or call +973 1781 5555.

13 October 2024

The Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) has recently delivered a specialised Insurance Risk Survey Training Programme, at the Financial Services Authority (FSA) of Oman. This programme is designed to equip participants with essential skills in risk assessment and strategic decision-making tailored specifically for the insurance sector.

Over five intensive days, participants engaged in a comprehensive curriculum that emphasised the analysis of risk inspection reports and their significance in making informed decisions, covering key topics such as property risk evaluation processes, the importance and benefits of risk inspection reports, principles and best practices of risk inspection, distinctions between risk inspection and loss adjustment reports, and practical applications through site visits and report preparation.

A highlight of the programme was a hands-on learning experience, where participants conducted a real-life site visit to apply theoretical concepts in a practical setting, deepening their understanding of the risk inspection process.

The programme was led by Mr. Ali Albanna, a Professional Risk Engineer with over 12 years of experience in insurance, risk management, fire safety, and engineering, offering participants valuable insights into best practices in risk management.

Ms. Manal Mashkoor, Head of the Insurance Centre at the BIBF, said, “This specialised programme reflects the BIBF’s commitment to elevating professional standards in the insurance sector and upskilling its human capital, strengthening the institute’s position as a leader in insurance training in the region.”

Manama – 29 April 2024:  The Waqf Fund of the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) has partnered with the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) to develop and launch a specialised training programme aimed at capacity building of young Bahraini nationals within the banking and finance industry. This strategic collaboration demonstrates the commitment of both institutions to develop local talent and strengthen the foundations of the Bahraini business environment.

This three-week training programme is tailored for young Bahrainis, aiming to familiarise them with the core concepts and practices in the areas of risk, audit and compliance. The objective is to open up new avenues of employment for young Bahrainis in areas where traditionally there has been a lack of Bahraini talent. The training aims to build a basic understanding of risk management, audit procedures and regulatory compliance within the Bahraini business and financial sector landscape.

The training programme not only seeks to enhance the employment prospects of the participants but also encourages them to specialise in specific areas by pursuing relevant professional qualifications. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development, the programme aims to nurture expertise and create a pool of highly skilled Bahraini professionals in the banking and finance industry.

As a respected institution in the field of banking and finance education, BIBF brings its wealth of expertise and experience to the development and delivery of this programme. With its commitment to excellence, BIBF is dedicated to ensuring that participants receive the highest quality training and knowledge transfer, empowering them to thrive in their future careers.

Mr. Khalid Hamad Al Hamad, Chairman of the Waqf Fund, commented, “We are thrilled to collaborate with BIBF to develop this specialised training programme for young graduates. By investing in the development of local Bahraini talent, we aim to cultivate a skilled workforce that can contribute to the growth and stability of the banking sector in the Kingdom. This programme will provide participants with a strong foundation and valuable insights into the intricacies of risk, audit and compliance, enabling them to pursue rewarding career opportunities within and outside Bahrain.”

Dr. Ahmed Al Shaikh, CEO of BIBF commented: “The collaboration between the Waqf Fund and BIBF is a testament to their shared vision of developing local talent and driving the growth of the banking and finance industry in Bahrain. Through this joint effort, we aim to create a sustainable and prosperous future for the country’s financial sector”.

For more information about the training programme and application process, interested individuals can  contact islamicfinance@bibf.com.

Manama – 22 April 2024: The Participation Banks Association of Türkiye (TKBB) and the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) conducted a business programme aimed at supporting the development and enhancement of capacity building activities in Türkiye.

During the business programme held in Bahrain between 21-22 April 2024, a delegation led by Mrs. Fatma Çınar, Director of TKBB and including representatives from TKBB and member banks’ training department heads, visited BIBF at its premises on 21^st of April 2024.

The delegation had a full day programme started with introductory presentations made by BIBF, providing insights into the institute’s organisation structure, centres, training and certification programmes, and included a tour of the institute building. Following the introductory sessions, the delegation engaged in bilateral meetings with BIBF’s Islamic Finance, Digital Transformation, and Leadership Learning Centres of the BIBF to explore potential collaboration areas.

The programme continued with the two separate high-level workshops on Digital Transformation and Sustainability, conducted by the experts in the respective fields. At the end of the programme, TKBB and BIBF had a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) update ceremony to reaffirm their commitment to cooperation in the field of training and education.

Mrs. Fatma Çınar, Director of TKBB said, “We are glad to have our continued dialogue with the BIBF which makes a significant contribution to capacity building development and enhancement within the ecosystem. We would like to thank for the very kind hospitality and insightful sharings and sophisticated workshops arranged for our delegation by distinguished BIBF team with the leadership of Dr. Ahmad Al Shaikh. She further added, “We believe that this visit would stimulate the further cooperation with member banks’ training teams and enhance the qualifications of human resource of the sector. We are grateful to experience selective courses and meet BIBF team and outline possible cooperation areas under the renewed MoU which would be executed with mutual commitment and dedication.”

Dr. Ahmed Al Shaikh, Chief Executive Officer of BIBF, emphasised the significance of the continuous collaboration with TKBB, stating, “Our partnership with TKBB reflects our enduring commitment to capacity building in the global Islamic banking and finance space. As Türkiye emerges as a global financial centre, it is essential to prioritise training and development initiatives to ensure sustained growth and resilience in the sector.” He further added, “With the Kingdom of Bahrain being recognised as the global leader in Islamic finance, the BIBF stands as the leading Islamic finance training provider worldwide, contributing to the development of human capital in this field; building an ecosystem of highly skilled professionals who will enhance and expand the industry’s global footprint.”

Manama, Bahrain – 4 February 2024

The Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) successfully held the inaugural meeting of its reconstituted Islamic Finance Advisory Committee (IFAC) at the institute Headquarters.

The meeting addressed critical agendas, including the appointment of the Chairman and Deputy Chairman, approval of the IFAC Charter, and a comprehensive review of the BIBF Islamic Finance Centre’s plan for 2024.

The distinguished members of the IFAC, representing a wealth of experience in the Islamic banking and finance sector across diverse countries in the region, include:

• Mr. Adnan Ahmed Yousif – Bahrain Association of Banks (BAB)
• Ms. Amal Saif – Head of Islamic Operations at Bahrain Islamic Bank
• Ms. Einas Mohamed Raheemi – Head of Enterprise Support Services & Sustainability at Ithmaar Bank Bahrain
• Dr. Fatin A Zadjali, Head of Learning & Development at Bank Dhofar Oman
• Mr. Hussain abdulhaq – Head of Treasury & Financial Markets at Al Salam Bank Bahrain
• Dr. Jarmo Kotilaine – Economic Advisor at Tamkeen Bahrain
• Ms. Khawla Ebrahim – Director of Islamic Financial Institutions Supervision Directorate at the Central Bank of Bahrain
• Sheikh. Dr. Mohamed Arbouna – Head of Shari’ah Compliance at Al Salam Bank Bahrain
• Dr. Sutan Emir Hidayat – Director of Islamic Economy & Finance Ecosystem at Indonesia Islamic Economy and Finance Committee
• Dr. Tarek Seif – General Secretary at Insurance Federation of Egypt

Mr. Adnan Yousif was appointed as the Chairman of IFAC while Ms. Khawla Ebrahim was selected as the Deputy Chairman. The term for both positions is set at three years.

On this occasion, Dr. Ahmed Al Shaikh, Chief Executive Officer of the BIBF, said, “The BIBF is thrilled to embark on this new chapter with the reconstituted IFAC, reinforcing its commitment to excellence and innovation in Islamic banking and finance education, research, and consultation. The institute looks forward to a productive and impactful collaboration with IFAC in achieving its strategic objectives for 2024 and beyond.”

Dr. Rizwan Malik, Head of Islamic Finance Centre at the BIBF stated, “The IFAC plays a pivotal role in providing strategic advice and direction to the Islamic Finance Centre at the BIBF to enhance its offerings within the Islamic banking and finance industry. The committee aims to bolster existing programmes while introducing new initiatives in training, research, and consulting. This move aligns with the BIBF’s commitment to creating a holistic ecosystem that corresponds with its vision, mission, and strategic pillars.”