Manama, Bahrain - 14 September 2014

Bahrain-based Ibdar Bank has announced the appointment of Mr. Basel Al-Haj-Issa as the Bank's new Chief Executive Officer, with effect from 1 September 2014.

Mr. Al-Haj-Issa will play a leading role in driving business performance and strategic initiatives, supporting and advising the Board, a statement from the bank said.

Chairman Mr. Paul Mercer, who made the announcement on behalf of the Board of Directors, said Mr. Al-Haj-Issa's skills and career history match the aspirations of Ibdar Bank. He has a distinguished record of accomplishment in the investment banking industry and strong international experience. His deep understanding of our markets and business partners' needs and his banking expertise will be invaluable in taking Ibdar Bank forward in these changing times to the next stage in its development.

"We are confident Mr. Al-Haj-Issa's appointment, as Ibdar's CEO, will contribute to the bank's capabilities and leadership while strengthening its position in Bahrain and the region," Mr. Mercer added.

Mr. Al-Haj-Issa said: "I am proud to be joining Ibdar Bank at this significant time. Ibdar Bank is a new beginning for an exciting future.  I am very confident to say that we have the greatest potential to be a world class institution.  I believe that diversification of products and services will develop the bank's position in its key markets."

Mr. Al-haj-Issa is a senior banker with over 20 years of international exposure in Islamic Investment and Commercial Banking in the GCC and MENA, CIS and South East Asia. Prior to joining Ibdar Bank, he was the Chief Executive Officer of Saba Islamic Bank - Republic of Yemen.  Saba Bank is a commercial Islamic bank with over $1 billion of assets and 18 branches. Prior to that, he was the Director of Financial Institutions Development Dept. at the ICD - the private sector arm of the IDB managing a portfolio of 25 financial institutions in over 20 countries.

Mr. Al-Haj-Issa holds a Master degree in Business Administration and Bachelor of Science (Mathematics) from Marshall University, USA.

-Ends-

About Ibdar Bank
Ibdar Bank, born from the merger of Elaf Bank, CAPIVEST and Capital Management House, is amongst the strongest Islamic investment banks in Bahrain and indeed, the Gulf region. Licensed as an Islamic Wholesale Bank by the Central Bank of Bahrain, Ibdar Bank has total equity in excess of USD 325 million and assets over 300 million spanning the GCC, Middle East and North Africa (Mena), Asia and Europe.

Ibdar is a multi-disciplined Islamic investment bank that combines financial expertise with a proven record of accomplishment of business ingenuity and responsible execution in order to deliver wealth to stakeholders.

The Bank delivers a wide range of products and services within private equity, real estate and capital markets to clients comprising government agencies, reputable financial institutions, established corporations, families, and high net-worth individuals from across the GCC region and beyond.

Contact:
Najla Abdulaziz
Manager - Corporate Communications
Telephone: +973 17510000 Ext 290, Direct +973 17510090, Fax: +973 17510051
Email: nabdulaziz@ibdarbank.com

© Press Release 2014