KFH Launches New Visual Identity for Ahli United Bank, Rebranding as Kuwait Finance House – Bahrain
In a significant milestone for the region’s banking sector, Kuwait Finance House (KFH) Group has officially unveiled the new visual identity of Ahli United Bank – Bahrain, now rebranded as Kuwait Finance House – Bahrain. The announcement, made during a high-profile ceremony in Manama, marks the culmination of a strategic transformation under KFH’s ambitious global expansion and integration strategy.
The event was attended by senior KFH Group executives, including Chairman Hamad Abdulmohsen Al-Marzouq, Group CEO Khaled Yousef AlShamlan, and KFH–Bahrain CEO Shadi Zahran. Also present were His Excellency Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Bahrain’s Minister of Finance and National Economy, and Sheikh Thamer Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Kuwait’s Ambassador to Bahrain, alongside regulators, dignitaries, and representatives from the Central Bank of Bahrain.
Strategic Transformation and Regional Expansion
Chairman Al-Marzouq described the rebranding as a “strategic transformation” that reinforces KFH’s stature as one of the most prominent Islamic banking groups globally. With USD 126 billion in consolidated assets and operations across ten countries, KFH is now the second-largest Islamic bank in the world.
He highlighted Bahrain’s symbolic and strategic role in KFH’s growth, calling it a vital hub for the Group’s regional ambitions. The rebranding marks a shift from conventional to fully Sharia-compliant banking, finalizing the historic merger between KFH and Ahli United Bank—the largest such merger in Kuwait’s banking history and one of the most significant in the region.
KFH now stands as the largest private sector company listed on both Boursa Kuwait and Bahrain Bourse, with a market capitalization exceeding USD 45 billion.
Al-Marzouq emphasized that the new visual identity—centered around the slogan “Beyond Horizons”—is more than cosmetic. It signals KFH’s vision to become one of the top 100 global banks within five years, through innovation, customer-centric services, and digital transformation aligned with global trends in Islamic finance.
“This transformation affirms our commitment to delivering economic value and supporting the financial sector in Bahrain while maintaining our broader goal of Islamic banking leadership globally,” he said.
A Vision Rooted in Excellence
KFH Group CEO Khaled AlShamlan echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of the rebranding as part of a broader journey that began in Kuwait and has since extended to the UK, Egypt, and now Bahrain.
“The new identity reflects a shift in mindset—toward integration, excellence, and sustainable growth,” said AlShamlan. “It also affirms our leadership in digital innovation, Sharia-compliant financial solutions, and geographic expansion.”
He also highlighted KFH’s extensive international presence, comprising more than 600 branches across eight countries, and reiterated the bank’s position as Kuwait’s largest listed company by market capitalization.
AlShamlan concluded by thanking the Group’s Board of Directors and all KFH teams involved in achieving this milestone.
A New Chapter for KFH – Bahrain
In his remarks, Shadi Zahran, CEO of KFH – Bahrain, described the rebranding as the beginning of a new chapter following a journey of over 25 years of achievements under the former AUB brand.
“This transition is a turning point—ushering in a new era of growth under the KFH umbrella, with a strong focus on innovation and Sharia-compliant banking excellence,” he said.
Zahran emphasized that KFH – Bahrain has consistently contributed to the Kingdom’s economic growth, supporting job creation, attracting investment, and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a regional financial center.
He highlighted the bank’s continued commitment to Bahrainization, describing the development of local talent as a “strategic imperative,” and reaffirmed the Group’s alignment with Bahrain’s Vision 2030 in driving innovation and inclusive economic progress.
“This transformation enhances Bahrain’s competitiveness and strengthens its banking sector by expanding access to world-class Islamic financial services,” he added.
A Milestone in Islamic Banking
The launch of the new Kuwait Finance House – Bahrain brand reflects KFH Group’s long-term strategy to consolidate its leadership in global Islamic finance. With a renewed visual identity and a strong operational presence in key markets, KFH is positioning itself to deliver sustainable value, expand its footprint, and meet the evolving needs of its customers through innovative, Sharia-compliant financial solutions.
