Corporate Social Responsibility

We believe our journey of sustainable growth goes hand in hand with giving back to society and contributing to the Kingdom of Bahrain’s prosperity and economic development.Every year the Bank allocates an appropriation amount for donations, which is approved during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) to finance community related projects and initiatives. Its distribution is governed by a high-level donation policy.

Supporting Bahrain

By adopting sound policies and practices, and applying the highest standards of business ethics and transparency, BBK consistently strives to exceed the requirements in Corporate Governance, and this undoubtedly plays an important role in strengthening trust among customers and investors and contributes to a strong Bahrain economy.

During the annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) held in Washington DC in October 2013, BBK

once again co-sponsored the ‘Banks in Bahrain’ Reception with the goal of showcasing Bahrain’s financial sector to an arena of international institutions from around the globe looking to invest in Bahrain.

As a lead sponsor, BBK also participated in one of the most prestigious conferences in the economic sector; the Euromoney Bahrain Conference 2013, which attracted over 350 top financiers from over 14 countries worldwide.

BBK cares

BBK places the utmost importance to the well-being of its communities and plays an active role in supporting the needs of the society in which it serves.

In the last quarter of the year, Bahrain saw some extreme weather conditions with heavy rain damaging property across the country. BBK contributed BD 50,000 to the Royal Charity Organisation to go towards supporting distressed families and helping repair their homes.

During 2013, BBK renewed its support to the Ministry of Social Development NGO Fund – with a donation of BD 30,000. The fund plays a crucial role in giving

grants to active societies and charitable organisations for selected development initiatives assisting them in fulfilling their role in the community.

Education – By investing in education BBK helps pave the way for future generations, increase the acumen in young people and support development of Bahraini talent.

The Bank has embarked on an initiative set up by the Royal Charity Organisation to establish a Kindergarten in each of the five governorates of the country. BBK has committed BD 250,000 for the building of one of those five kindergartens where orphans and underprivileged children can benefit from state-of-the-art education facilities and have the opportunity to learn and contribute to society.

Stemming from the belief in the importance of its role in giving career guidance to the youth, and in liaison with inJAz Bahrain, BBK provided internship to selected students. The programme aims to give a great opportunity in modelling future leaders and giving students a vision on how the banking industry works.

Funding the futureIn 2012, the Bank established a “sinking fund” which is being built up through the years in order to support future CSR projects. Out of the donation appropriation for 2013, BD 320,000 has been dedicated for this purpose.

BahrainisationBahrainisation and the commitment towards the empowerment of the Bahraini employees is a key focus and BBK is proud to enjoy over 95 percent Bahrainisation.

Growing learning opportunitiesAs Platinum Sponsor, BBK presented its fourth instalment of BD 200,000 towards the BD 1 million pledge to the Crown Prince’s International Scholarship Programme (CPISP). The programme offers the opportunity to Bahrain’s most talented and outstanding youth to study at top international universities and colleges.

Sun Shading ProgrammeBBK continued to supports schools and added Safrah Girls School to its portfolio of schools benefiting from the Sun Shading programme, ensuring students are well protected from the sun and the heat while on their break or during their sports sessions.

95%Bahrainis

BD 320,000 Donated towardsfuture CSR initiatives

4th instalment towards one million pledge to CPISP

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BBK extended over BD 1.25 million to worthy causes and community development in 2013.

BBK also provides on-the-job training to employees’ children and university students providing them with the opportunity to get real work experience supplementing classroom learning.

Healthcare – Health and well-being has always been at the forefront of BBK contributions over the years, from fully funding community healthcare projects such as BBK Health Centre in Hidd to enticing employees to voluntarily contribute in healthcare.

BBK regularly donates to medical entities and research institutes who are active in fighting diseases such as diabetes, sickle cell anaemia, cancers as well as many others, helping towards the health and longevity of Bahrain’s population.

Culture and heritage – In its endeavour to support initiatives that preserve Bahrain’s heritage and culture, BBK donated BD 15,000 to the Shaikh Ebrahim Bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa Centre for Culture & Research, which main objective is to restore cultural heritage and historical facilities.

BBK is also proud to be a Gold Sponsor in the Spring of Culture 2014 through its

commitment this year with BD 30,000 to support the Ministry of Culture initiative. The annual festival aims to broaden people’s horizons and make them gain unique insights into their own communities as well as offering them a broader global perspective of the world’s diverse cultures.

Philanthropy – The Bank reaffirmed its commitment to contribute to critical community needs through nearly 50 percent of its total appropriation amount being committed towards charitable giving directly or through its fully-owned subsidiary CrediMax.

Elderly – Caring for the elderly is one of the key focuses of the Bank in it’s philanthropic role. BBK donated over BD 21,000 to a wide array of deserving care homes within Bahrain during 2013.

Special needs – Over BD 100,000 was donated in 2013 to special needs societies and associations demonstrating the commitment and importance BBK attributes to this area. But BBK goes far beyond just monetary support, providing them accessibility to banking services with the aim of enhancing their lives and giving them freedom and ability to play a full role in society.

Sports sponsorship – The Bank identifies that sport is a unifying factor bringing people together, and an opportunity to connect with customers, colleagues and communities. BBK supports activities that generate and enhance national pride for citizens as well as inspire the young and promote physical well-being.

Commitment to our people – BBK has always given the utmost importance to its people and believes that a strong, talented team, committed to the values and vision of the Bank, is the definitive pathway for success.

Training and skills education is a commitment the Bank provides its employees offering many opportunities for growth and professional development. Training is an investment in success and has a direct impact on the quality of service the Bank provides for its customers.

BBK rewards its employees through competitive benefits, stock options, health and life insurance savings and retirement programmes plus acknowledging outstanding employees as well as honouring long term employees.

AccessibilityAccessibility for customers with special needs is critical for being a Bank that serves everyone equally. BBK is the first bank in Bahrain to install a state-of-the-art ATM with special functions to assist the visually impaired in making secure cash withdrawals and deposits.

BBK has also trained employees in sign-language and provides wheelchair access in all its branches.

Giving BloodIn 2013, once again, BBK hosted its Blood Donation campaign and the Bank employees gave blood to the Salmaniya Blood Bank to help save lives of others.

Sporting endeavoursContinuing its support of tennis, BBK yet again sponsored Bahrain’s Junior Open Tennis Championship for its nineteenth consecutive year.

For twenty six years in a row, the Bank sponsored the annual BBK Equestrian Cup promoting the most prestigious sport of the Bahraini culture.

Environment friendlyBBK continuously enhances its digital

services with the goal of reducing the

environmental impact and adopts energy saving practices as well

as recycling waste paper from Bank branches in the endeavour to reduce the carbon footprint

and contribute to a more sustainable working model.

Installation of a state-of-the-art ATMfor the visually impaired

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