HSBC to Sell Bahrain Retail Banking Business

London-headquartered HSBC continues to exit markets selectively in the midst of a global restructuring, this time with the sale of its Bahrain retail business.

HSBC has agreed to sell its retail banking business in Bahrain to Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait B.S.C. (BBK), according to a statement by the British lender. The transaction is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2025 and it excludes the corporate and private banking businesses.

In a separate announcement, BBK, which is majority-owned by the governments of Bahrain and Kuwait, noted that the acquisition would include the transfer of all retail loans, deposits and accounts of 76,000 customers, along with their dedicated employees.

«We remain deeply committed to fostering growth and supporting the economic development of the Kingdom of Bahrain. This acquisition aligns with our strategic vision of expanding our market presence and delivering value to our shareholders, customers, and the community at large,» commented Yaser Alsharifi, BBK group chief executive.