meed-logo

line1 line2 line3
SIGN IN / REGISTER

Bahrain banking works to scale up

7 November 2024

 

Bahrain’s banking sector is getting more concentrated. Earlier this year, the local Islamic lender Al-Salam Bank announced the completion of its acquisition of the Bahrain subsidiary of Kuwait Finance House (KFH Bahrain, also sharia-compliant).

Another big merger is in the works in Bahrain. National Bank of Bahrain (NBB), which has a $3.2bn market cap, has been conducting evaluation studies on a proposed merger with its rival Bank of Bahrain & Kuwait (BBK), the latter valued at $2.4bn.

The kingdom’s sharia-compliant sector has been the focus of much of this merger and acquisition (M&A) activity, with NBB getting the ball rolling in 2020 with its acquisition of Bahrain Islamic Bank.

At the end of 2023, KFH and Bahrain-based Ahli United Bank (AUB) completed their union, with the latter’s balance sheet converted to Islamic banking operations, thereby increasing the industry’s market share in Bahrain.

Analysts see these moves as a positive for a sector that has too many lenders relative to the size of the market.  

“We see ongoing consolidation in the banking sector as an opportunity to create fewer and stronger banks, which could reduce overcapacity in the system and support profitability,” says an S&P Global Ratings analyst.

“With close to 30 retail banks serving a population of 1.5 million, we believe the system is overbanked, which is one of the main reasons Bahraini authorities have been encouraging banking consolidation.”

Overbanked market

The Bahraini banking system is smaller and relatively more overbanked than its GCC counterparts, with a larger number of domestically incorporated banks relative to its population.

“It wouldn’t be surprising to see more banks joining forces to build scale, creating opportunities whether domestically or regionally,” says Lea Hanna, lead analyst, Financial Institutions Group, Moody’s Ratings.

Consolidation should help Bahraini banks strengthen, building up their balance sheet prowess and improving efficiency by eliminating duplication.

Having another Bahraini bank join the Gulf’s top tier of banks – as the planned NBB-BBK tie-up would do – would also be another big win for the country’s banking sector.

“One key driver for M&A is about achieving scalability. We have seen in multiple GCC systems banks joining forces to create a national champion, allowing it to scale up its operations,” says Hanna.

Local banks are already showing decent metrics, even if not on the scale of the GCC’s more dynamic banking sectors of Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar. Profitability remains strong for most retail banks, supported by higher margins and moderating credit losses.

As S&P notes, some Bahraini banks have seen an increase in their credit losses, but this is related to their activities outside the country.

However, the agency’s analyst notes that margins are likely to moderate in line with interest rate cuts similar to those in other GCC countries. As such, it forecasts a systemwide return on average assets to drop 90-100 basis points (bps) from 110bps in 2023.

“In Bahrain, we expect credit growth to average 3% during 2024-26 as compared to an average of 2% in 2022-23,” says the S&P analyst.

“With the expected decline in interest rates (we expect a total of 225bps cut from the Fed by the end of 2025 inclusive of the 50bps already delivered in Sept), we expect retail sector demand – mainly subsidised housing finance – to support private sector lending growth.”

At the same time, higher non-oil growth is likely to result in some opportunities in corporate lending. According to S&P, Bahraini lending growth is comparable to Kuwait’s, but below that of other GCC countries.

Moody’s expects loan performance to remain relatively unchanged. The ratings agency sees the government’s role as the primary employer maintaining low unemployment levels and supporting asset quality. 

“Bahraini banks’ financial performance has been sound and broadly stable across solvency and liquidity indicators. We have a stable outlook assigned to the overall banking system, and that still holds,” says Hanna.

“One area of slight pressure we’re seeing is on profitability. Banks have enjoyed higher margins on the back of rate hikes, and now, with the reversal of the rate cycle, we can expect a bit of margin pressure, even if the easing is really a gradual return to the historical level.”

Emerging challenges

There will be risks to the outlook.

According to S&P, Bahraini banks are mainly funded by domestic deposits, as are their GCC peers. At the same time, Bahraini retail banks’ net external debt more than doubled to 33% of systemwide domestic loans by 31 July 2204, compared with 14% at the end of 2021.

However, with a large portion of the banking sector’s external debt coming from GCC countries – and thus remaining stable – this reduces the risk associated with external debt.

Real estate exposure is one risk facing retail lenders. According to S&P, this segment contributed approximately 1% of total lending, including real estate and construction, or 30% of corporate exposures at the end of August 2024.

“Based on the performance of top retail banks, we expect non-performing loans (NPLs) to increase to about 5.2% in 2024 compared with 4.8% in 2023 due to still high interest rates and subdued real estate demand,” says the S&P analyst.

The agency expects NPLs to moderate slightly in 2025 from an average of 5% in 2023-24, aided by interest rate cuts, a small uptick in real estate transactions and improving hospitality sector performance.

Similarly, under base-case assumptions, credit losses will hover at about 70bps in 2024, up from about 50bps in 2023, and then decline to about 50bps by 2026.

One challenge is related to the limited opportunities in the domestic market.

“On the lending side, the economy is not growing at a pace where banks are provided with huge opportunities. It’s a small and saturated market compared to Saudi Arabia, for example, where the big government-led projects are under way and banks are benefitting from the high credit demand,” says Hanna.

And this is where the M&A activity ticks some important boxes.

Larger entities will have greater reach beyond Bahrain’s borders, giving them a better chance of gaining exposure in larger banking markets across the Middle East and North Africa.

All eyes will be on the NBB-BBK merger and potentially others to follow in 2025.

ECONOMY: Bahrain’s economic growth momentum falters
OIL & GAS: Bapco Energies sets sights on clean energy goals
POWER & WATER: Manama jumpstarts utility sector
CONSTRUCTION: Bahrain construction struggles to keep pace
INDUSTRY: Alba positions for the future

https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/12866735/main.gif
James Gavin

Register for MEED's guest program now to access this article.

Click here to register
Exclusive from Meed
Related Articles
  • SPPC moves Dawadmi wind bid deadline

    22 May 2025

     

    Saudi Arabia’s principal buyer, Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC), has extended the bid deadline for the contract to develop a wind independent power project (IPP) under the sixth round of Saudi Arabia’s National Renewable Energy Programme (NREP).

    MEED reported in March that the prequalified developers had formed consortiums and were preparing their proposals for the contract, the fifth wind IPP to be tendered under the NREP.

    SPPC initially expected to receive bids by 15 May, but the deadline has since been extended to 23 June, according to industry sources.

    The new deadline is likely to be extended again, however, one of the sources told MEED.

    The consortiums that have been formed and will likely bid for the contract include teams led separately by UAE-based Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) and French firms Engie and EDF Renewables, sources said.

    MEED understands that Beijing-based PowerChina and one of its subsidiaries are part of separate bidding consortiums. 

    Located in Riyadh, the Dawadmi wind IPP will have a capacity of 1,500MW. It is the only wind scheme and the fifth package under round six of the the NREP.

    Four solar photovoltaic (PV) schemes, with a total combined capacity of 3,000MW, comprise the rest of the round six projects. 

    In addition to the firms cited above, SPPC prequalified the following companies to bid as managing and technical members of consortiums bidding for the contract:

    • Marubeni Corporation (Japan)
    • Sembcorp Utilities (Singapore)
    • Sumitomo Corporation (Japan)
    • Total Energies Renewables (France)
    • Goldwind Science & Technology (China)
    • Alfanar Company
    • SPIC Huanghe Hydropower Development

    The following eight companies were prequalified to bid as managing members:

    • Al-Jomaih Energy & Water (local)
    • Jinko Power (Hong Kong)
    • Saudi Electricity Company (local)
    • China Power Engineering Consulting Group International Engineering Company (China)
    • Posco International Corporation (South Korea)
    • Korea Electric Power Corporation (Kepco, South Korea)
    • Nareva Holding (Morocco)
    • Jera (Japan)

    Another firm, the local Nesma Renewable Company, has been prequalified as a technical member.

    In addition to the Dawadmi wind IPP, the following schemes comprise round six of the NREP:

    • 1,400MW Najran solar PV IPP (Najran)
    • 600MW Samtah solar PV IPP (Jizan)
    • 600MW Al-Darb solar PV IPP (Jizan)
    • 400MW Al-Sufun solar PV IPP (Hail)

    These schemes take the total capacity of solar and wind projects publicly tendered by SPPC to almost 15,000MW.

    SPPC is responsible for the pre-development, tendering and subsequent offtaking of the energy from the projects.

    US/India-based Synergy Consulting is providing financial advisory services to SPPC for the NREP sixth-round tender. Germany’s Fichtner Consulting and US-headquartered CMS are providing technical and legal consultancy services, respectively.

    The previous wind farms that SPPC has tendered include the 400MW Dumat Al-Jandal wind IPP, which is operational.

    Last year, SPPC signed the power-purchase agreements with Japan’s Marubeni Corporation for the contracts to develop and operate the 600MW Al-Ghat and 500MW Waad Al-Shamal wind IPPs. The projects reached financial close in November.

    The third wind IPP, a 750MW scheme in Yanbu, is undergoing review.

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/13931337/main.jpg
    Jennifer Aguinaldo
  • Local firm bids low for Kuwait grid contract

    22 May 2025

    Local contracting firm Power Grid Company has submitted a low bid of KD48.67m ($158.6m) for a contract to supply and install a 400-kilovolt (kV) overhead transmission line (OHTL) in Kuwait.

    The project will link a substation in Shagaya to a substation in Subiya.

    The two other bidders for the contract are the Kuwaiti branch of India-headquartered Larsen & Toubro, which offered KD65.9m, and Al-Khobar-based National Contracting Company, which offered KD57.7m.

    Kuwait’s Ministry of Electricity & Renewable Energy (MEWRE) tendered the contract in October last year.

    The planned OHTL network will link the solar energy transformer station at Shagaya to the Subiya power station, also known as SWPS-2.

    Kuwait plans to expand its renewable energy capacity through a multi-phased solar programme in Shagaya.

    MEWRE, through the Kuwait Authority for Partnership Projects (Kapp), prequalified six consortiums and companies to bid for the contract to develop the Al-Dibdibah power and Al-Shagaya renewable energy phase three, zone one project in August last year.

    The tender for the 1,100MW solar independent power project has yet to be issued.

    MEWRE, through Kapp, recently invited interested firms to prequalify for a contract to develop zone two of the renewable energy complex's third phase.

    The zone two solar photovoltaic project will have a net capacity of 500MW. Utility developers are expected to submit their statements of qualifications by 24 July.

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/13931091/main0058.jpg
    Jennifer Aguinaldo
  • GE Vernova confirms $14.2bn Saudi initiatives

    22 May 2025

    US-based energy equipment manufacturer GE Vernova announced initiatives worth up to $14.2bn in Saudi Arabia, which coincided with US President Donald Trump’s state visit to the kingdom last week.

    The initiatives aim to “accelerate Saudi Arabia’s energy transition with US technology and expertise”, the firm said.

    The announcements include up to $2bn in backlog or on a reservation agreement as of the first quarter of 2025, with future contracts and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) for agreements spanning across the next four years.

    Among the collaborations and initiatives is a deal between Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) and GE Vernova for the supply of US-made gas turbines, synchronous condensers and balance of plant equipment.

    The equipment deal will support grid stability by providing voltage regulation, reactive power and system strength, supplying inertia to maintain reliable operations as more variable renewable energy is integrated into the system. The deal with SEC also includes capital parts, maintenance and repair services.

    Saudi Arabia's principal buyer, Saudi Power Procurement Company, and GE Vernova are understood to have entered into several MoUs for the supply of advanced power generation equipment and services for future projects; the commercialisation of carbon capture technologies; and training and investments in power sector research and development activities, manufacturing and repairs.

    Saudi utility developer Acwa Power and GE Vernova also signed framework agreements to collaborate on identifying and exploring potential opportunities to supply high-efficiency gas turbines and electrification equipment for future projects in Saudi Arabia. 

    State-backed Saudi Aramco and GE Vernova also announced collaborations to provide maintenance services, repairs and spare parts to support the operations of several power plants in the kingdom.

    Scott Strazik, chief executive of GE Vernova, said that deploying “world-class technology” will help deepen the relationship between the US and Saudi Arabia, advance energy security and strengthen both nations' economic prosperity and competitiveness.

    GE Vernova, or GE, is understood to have been operating in Saudi Arabia for 90 years, with a power generation installed capacity of about 50GW in the kingdom running on its gas turbines.

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/13931061/main2152.jpg
    Jennifer Aguinaldo
  • May deadline for King Salman International airport terminals

    22 May 2025

     

    King Salman International Airport Development Company (KSIADC), which is backed by Saudi sovereign wealth vehicle the Public Investment Fund, has allowed firms until 28 May to submit proposals for a contract to develop the first phase of Terminal 6 and the Iconic Terminal at King Salman International airport (KSIA) in Riyadh.

    The tender notice was issued on 17 April. The previous bid submission deadline was 15 May.

    The client plans to deliver the package on an early contractor involvement (ECI) basis.

    The ECI process requires selected contractors to submit methodologies for the project and a design proposal.

    Earlier in May, MEED reported that US firm Bechtel Corporation had been appointed as the delivery partner for the terminals at KSIA in Riyadh.

    Bechtel will manage the delivery of three new terminals, including the terminal for commercial carriers, Terminal 6 for low-cost carriers and a new private aviation terminal with hangars.

    This was followed by an announcement by another US-based firm, Parsons Corporation, confirming its appointment as the delivery partner for the airside and landside packages at KSIA.

    In February, MEED exclusively reported that KSIADC had received prequalification statements from firms on 28 January for the project.

    The client prequalified firms in September 2024 for the main engineering, procurement and construction packages; early and enabling works; specialist systems and integration; materials and equipment; engineering and design; professional services; health, safety, security, environment and wellbeing services; modular installation and prefabrication; environmental, social and governance services; local content; and other services.

    The entire scheme is divided into eight assets. These are:

    • Iconic Terminal
    • Terminal 6
    • Private aviation terminal 
    • Central runway and temporary apron
    • Hangars
    • Landside transport
    • Cargo buildings
    • Real estate

    In August last year, KSIADC confirmed that it had signed up several architectural and design firms for the various elements of the project.

    KSIADC said that UK-based Foster+Partners will design the airport’s masterplan, including the terminals, six runways and a multi-asset real estate area.

    US-based engineering firm Jacobs will provide specialist consultancy services for the masterplan and the design of the new runways.

    The client also confirmed the appointment of UK-based engineering firm Mace for the delivery partner role on the project.

    The airspace design consultancy contract was awarded to local firm Nera.

    Project scale

    The project covers an area of about 57 square kilometres (sq km), allowing for six parallel runways, and will include the existing terminals at King Khalid International airport. It will also include 12 sq km of airport support facilities, residential and recreational facilities, retail outlets and other logistics real estate.

    If the project is completed on time in 2030, it will become the world’s largest operating airport in terms of passenger capacity, according to UK analytics firm GlobalData.

    The airport aims to accommodate up to 120 million passengers by 2030 and 185 million by 2050. The goal for cargo is to process 3.5 million tonnes a year by 2050.

    Saudi Arabia plans to invest $100bn in its aviation sector. Riyadh’s Saudi Aviation Strategy, announced by the General Authority of Civil Aviation, aims to triple Saudi Arabia’s annual passenger traffic to 330 million travellers by 2030.

    It also aims to increase air cargo traffic to 4.5 million tonnes and raise the country’s total air connections to more than 250 destinations. 

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/13930956/main.jpg
    Yasir Iqbal
  • Petrofac oil bid in Kuwait is double proposed budget

    22 May 2025

     

    The low bid submitted by UK-based engineering company Petrofac for the Kuwaiti oil project focused on the installation of a separation gathering centre (SGC) known as SGC-2 has come in at more than double the project’s proposed budget, according to industry sources.

    Petrofac submitted a bid of KD422.45m ($1.37bn) and the provisional budget for the project is KD207m ($670.2m), according to industry sources.

    Petrofac’s bid beat that of India-based Larsen & Toubro, which was the only other bidder with a price of KD441.07m.

    The project is located in the eastern region of Kuwait referred to as EK-2 and its scope also includes debottlenecking work, in addition to the installation of the main units.

    The client on the project is state-owned upstream operator Kuwait Oil Company.

    When the project was originally tendered in June 2024, the following companies were prequalified to bid:

    • Hyundai Engineering & Construction Company (South Korea)
    • Samsung Engineering (South Korea)
    • Saipem (Italy)
    • Sinopec Luoyang Engineering Company (China)
    • Sinopec Engineering Incorporation (China)
    • Tecnicas Reunidas (Spain)
    • Larsen & Toubro (India)
    • Daewoo Engineering & Construction (South Korea)
    • Petrofac International (UK)
    • GS Engineering & Construction (South Korea)
    Petrofac’s problems

    Two weeks ago, Petrofac’s shares on the London Stock Exchange were temporarily suspended after the beleaguered engineering and construction contractor failed to publish its 2024 results on time.

    This suspension was enacted at the same time that Wood, another engineering and construction company, was also forced to suspend trading in its stock because it was unable to publish its annual report by 30 April.

    In March, Petrofac said that it would defer publication of its 2024 results amid its long-running restructuring process.

    Earlier this month, Petrofac received formal approval from the High Court of England & Wales to implement its restructuring plan.

    The company, which has billions of dollars-worth of projects in the Middle East and North Africa region, has said that the approved plan will unlock $355m in new funding for its operations.

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/13930355/main.gif
    Wil Crisp