BisB Appoints Fatema AlAlawi as First Female CEO in Bahrain’s Islamic Banking Sector

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain Islamic Bank (BisB) has broken new ground by appointing Ms. Fatema AlAlawi as its Chief Executive Officer. This historic move makes her the first female CEO in Bahrain’s Islamic banking sector and marks a milestone for gender equality within the financial industry.

Ms. AlAlawi’s appointment comes after her role as Acting CEO since August 2024, during which she demonstrated exceptional leadership, driving growth and digital innovation. Prior to this, she served as Chief Retail Banking Officer, where she played a pivotal role in advancing the Bank’s retail and digital capabilities.

A Transformative Step for BisB

Mr. Zaid Khalid Abdulrahman, Chairman of BisB, highlighted the significance of the decision:
“We are proud to appoint Ms. Fatema AlAlawi as our CEO. Her expertise, strategic vision, and dedication to innovation make her the perfect leader for this next phase of BisB’s journey. This appointment reflects our commitment to excellence and progress in Islamic banking, aligned with Bahrain’s economic aspirations.”

Driving Sustainable Growth

Expressing her gratitude, Ms. AlAlawi said:
“It is an honor to lead BisB at this transformative time. I am committed to strengthening our position as a pioneer in Islamic finance, driving sustainable growth, and delivering innovative solutions for our clients and the Kingdom. Together with our talented team, we aim to achieve new milestones.”

A Trailblazer in Banking

Ms. AlAlawi brings extensive expertise in private and retail banking, product development, marketing, and fintech innovation. Her efforts have advanced Bahrain’s Islamic banking sector, introducing cutting-edge digital platforms and enhancing customer engagement.

She holds an Executive MBA and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Bahrain. As a Hubert Humphrey Fellow, she has earned certifications from Boston University and received advanced leadership training at UCLA and the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business.

Recognitions and Milestones

Ms. AlAlawi’s contributions have earned her several accolades, including recognition by Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa in 2015 and the Future Leader Excellence Award from the Middle East Awards Institute in 2016.

With her appointment, BisB not only reaffirms its commitment to innovation in Islamic finance but also sets a precedent for empowering women in leadership roles, heralding a new era of progress and inclusivity in Bahrain’s financial landscape.