08 January 2017

BBK, Bahrain pioneer in retail and commercial banking, officially inaugurated its first Representative Office in Istanbul, Turkey. Under the patronage of BBK Chief Executive Mr. Reyadh Sater, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held last month, followed by a dinner reception at Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul Hotel. In the presence of key executives from BBK Bahrain  headquarter, the reception was attended by Bahrain and GCC diplomats, VIPs and corporate customers.

During the reception, Mr. Reyadh Sater, in his opening speech stated: ” Turkey’s international economic status and the increasing mutual trade with Bahrain were key reasons for the Bank’s strategic aspirations of international expansion and diversification.  BBK has been engaged with Turkey for more than two decades.  However, in the last decade Turkey has emerged as one of the main markets for our Bank outside the GCC, with exposures to leading Banks, Financial Institutions and Corporates.  The opening of our office in this historic city of Istanbul is the logical result of our continuing relationship with Turkey.”

The office is headed by a Chief Representative - Ms. Bilgun Gurkan who addressed the invitees during the  ceremony and thanked the Turkish Authorities as we well as the BBK – Kingdome of Bahrain team for bringing this office to life  “With over 150 financial institutions in Turkey,  we are proud to inaugurate  the  BBK Turkey Representative Office and happy to see our name under the BRSA (Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency of Turkey) as the recent and latest addition to Turkey financial system.” She added.

The financial sector in Turkey enjoys a leading position in the world with an ever-growing assets size and strong equity structure protecting it against shocks. Reforms in the financial sector boosted investor confidence that financial services has become the preferred sector for FDI (Foreıgn Direct Investments), attracting over USD 48 billion during the past 14 years.

The new representative office in Istanbul brings multiple benefits to both BBK and its clients, including the ability for the Bank to liaise with existing and prospective clients in the country and be closer to them, monitor local market developments, and have direct liaison with the Turkish authorities.

With this new opening, and the existing four full-fledged branches in the Republic of India at Mumbai, Hyderabad, Aluva (Kerala) and New Delhi, BBK’s presence extends beyond the GCC. Through its International Banking Department, and through its wholly owned subsidiaries and affiliates, BBK also covers an array of clients in countries where it does not currently have a physical presence.

-Ends- 

About BBK
BBK has been the pioneer in Commercial Banking for 46 years in the Kingdom of Bahrain. As a revolutionary market leader, BBK has built a name and reputation which is respected locally as well as internationally. To maintain this reputation, BBK has been at the forefront, incorporating the latest technologies to provide the finest services. One example of which is the e-banking solutions offered by BBK, which provide new generation services through its user friendly award winning website www.bbkonline.com, along with the telebanking, cash depository machines and automated teller machines services. BBK is proud to be honored for its Corporate Governance by the “Hawkamah” Institute for the 4th consecutive year. This award has become a prestigious, competitive and highly coveted bank award that highlights the industry’s strong commitment to good corporate governance. Aside from many industry related awards, BBK is ISO 27001 & ISO 22301 certified for its Information Security Management System (ISMS) and Business Continuity Management System (BCMS).

For Media Enquiries, you may contact:
A.Rahman Danish     
Corporate Communications Specialist
Corporate Communications Department
BBK
P.O. Box 597 
Kingdom of Bahrain
Tel: 17207240
Fax: 17215587
email: a.rahman.danish@bbkonline.com   
Website : www.bbkonline.com

© Press Release 2017