Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain – 19 June 2019 – H.E. Rasheed Mohammed Al Maraj received a number of employees from Al Salam Bank at the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) as they prepared for the final stages of an Executive Capacity Building Program organized by Al Salam Bank and Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF). Also present were Al Salam Bank Group CEO Mr. Rafik Nayed, BIBF Director Dr. Ahmed Al Shaikh and other CBB and Al Salam Bank officials.

The customized one-year course is designed to prepare high-caliber executives to take on leadership positions within Al Salam Bank, and the officials met to discuss capacity building and the grooming of future industry leaders in this context.

Mr. Al-Maraj expressed his praise and appreciation to Al Salam Bank and BIBF for this initiative to develop Bahraini talent and prepare them for leadership positions in the future, and wished the participants success in their future endeavors.  The Governor also reiterated the CBB’s keenness on all efforts that support the development of Bahraini employees and their progression into leadership positions in the financial sector and how future leaders must prepare themselves to deal with the rapid developments witnessed by the sector including the introduction of financial technology in banking operations.

Participants are set to travel to London next week for the final part of the program, which includes industry visits and lectures at CASS Business School. This will be followed by six months of coaching sessions with executive coaches from global accounting and consulting firm, Grant Thornton. The program will assist Al Salam Bank’s human resources and senior management identify potential internal candidates to fill key leadership positions, and provide them with development opportunities that will help them succeed.

Mr. Rafik Nayed commented: “Bahrain has one of the most diversified economies in the region, and the financial services sector plays an important role in supporting the Kingdom’s future growth and prosperity. With rapid digitalization underpinning all aspects of business, we understand the importance of creating industry leaders who will be able to face these challenges head-on, with confidence. We are working to create a dynamic, future-ready talent pool which can make significant contributions not just to the financial services sector, but to the economy as a whole.”