• On the sidelines of Gateway Gulf 2024
  • First regulated bank in Bahrain offering comprehensive crypto-compatible banking services

  • Real-time settlement capabilities, fully remote onboarding will support businesses in the global economy

SINGAPORE: Singapore Gulf Bank (SGB), the digital bank backed by Mumtalakat, the sovereign wealth fund of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and privately-held investment group Whampoa Group, today announced, on the sidelines of Gateway Gulf 2024, the launch of its corporate banking services. Operating under full regulatory approval from the Central Bank of Bahrain, SGB will offer comprehensive digital banking services to corporate customers in the digital economy to manage their traditional financial and digital assets on a single platform. Global clients can onboard through SGB’s remote digital on-boarding solutions. SGB will extend its digital banking services to individual clients by the end of the year.

In addition to regular corporate banking services, SGB will provide a real-time settlement network, digital assets custody and intuitive trading solutions, all underpinned by robust AML/KYC measures. This enables businesses to manage their finances flexibly – whether they are traditional or digital assets – facilitating their participation in the digital economy.

Edmund Lee, Founding Chairman of the Board of SGB, stated: "We're building the foundation for a new era of global finance where traditional and digital worlds converge to enable businesses to operate anytime and anywhere.”

H.E. Noor bint Ali AlKhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development, Chief Executive of Bahrain Economic Development Board, said, "The launch of SGB marks a pivotal moment in deepening financial connectivity between MENA and Asian markets through Bahrain. As the digital economy continues to grow, our kingdom will serve as a gateway connecting Asian enterprises with opportunities across traditional and digital financial markets. SGB is a testament to Bahrain’s pro-innovation environment and our ability to attract and anchor ambitious global enterprises.”

H.E. Khalid Humaidan, Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain, commented: "SGB's launch demonstrates Bahrain's commitment to fostering innovation in financial services while upholding the highest regulatory standards. With SGB, Bahrain will serve as a crucial nexus that connects businesses around the world and bridges traditional and digital financial services."

SGB is pioneering a new era of banking where everyone can easily access and manage digital assets alongside traditional assets within one integrated network. Underpinned by its compliance-first approach, SGB will serve as a vital link between mainstream financial services and the rapidly advancing digital asset economy, empowering the next billion users with access to the future of finance.

About SGB

SGB is the first bank licensed in Bahrain to serve global investors, innovators and institutions. Geared towards the digital economy, SGB empowers frictionless movement between digital and traditional finance and provides financial connectivity between Asia and the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region.

For more information, visit https://www.sgb.com/.

For media inquiries, please contact: sgb@wachsman.com