03 December 2016
-- Continues support for industry growth and convergence in line with Group's global investment strategy and presence --

Manama: GFH Financial Group (GFH) today announced its Platinum Sponsorship of the 23rd Annual World Islamic Banking Conference (WIBC 2016) to be held in the Kingdom of Bahrain between the 5th and 7th of December 2016 under the theme “New Economic Uncertainties and Vigilant Growth,” reflecting current economic and market realities globally today.

This is the fourth consecutive year for GFH as a leading supporter of the global Islamic summit, which is being held with the Strategic Partnership of the Central Bank of Bahrain. As the event’s lead sponsor, GFH will be represented at the WIBC by a delegation of the Group’s board members and senior management team including the its Head of Investment Management, Mr. Hammad Younas, who will take part on a panel dedicated to “Asset Allocation Outlook – Regions and Countries for New Growth.”

Commenting, Mr. Hisham Al Rayes, CEO of GFH Financial Group, said, “As long standing leaders and industry innovators, GFH are pleased to once again lend our support to WIBC. In its 23rd year, this is a critical event that showcases both the advancements made by the industry over the past year and the challenges that lie ahead. We are strong proponents of industry development and growth and our interests continue to be closely aligned with the aims of this important event. In particular, given the global nature of the GFH business and our presence and investments across international markets including those in North America, Europe and Asia as well as the MENA region, we are highly committed to seeing further global industry growth and Islamic financial convergence.”

Mr. Al Rayes continued, “We are also pleased to be supporting another strategic initiative of the Central Bank of Bahrain, who has taken a leading role as an industry pioneer and the positioning of Bahrain as a global Islamic finance centre. The contributions of Bahrain and institutions based in the Kingdom – including GFH – have been significant in taking the industry to where it is today and will no doubt be critical to its further development and growth.”

More than 1,300 high-level industry attendees from 50+ countries are expected to take part in the three day conference. Key features for WIBC 2016 include sessions dedicated to banking leadership opportunities and asset management best practices; thought leadership from leading strategy consultants; and panel sessions focused on SMEs and entrepreneurship and the impact of innovation in financial technology (“fintech”) and other important topics.

-Ends-

About GFH Financial Group:

GFH is one of the most recognized financial groups in the gulf region that includes: Asset Management, Wealth Management, Commercial Banking and Real Estate Development. The group operations are focused in the GCC, North Africa and India. GFH is listed in Bahrain Bourse, Kuwait Stock Exchange and Dubai Financial Market.

For further information about GFH, please visit: www.gfh.com

For more information please contact:

Nawal Al-Naji- Senior Officer

Corporate Communications Department

GFH Financial Group B.S.C.

Tel: +973 17538538

Email: nalnaji@gfh.com

© Press Release 2016