Panmure Liberum partners with The Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait to enhance investment banking capabilities in Bahrain and the GCC

Partnership signed at flagship Gateway Gulf conference, creating two-way bridge for investment, advisory and capital flows between the UK, Bahrain and the wider GCC

The partnership will see the largest independent investment bank in the UK bring its deep expertise in investment banking to advise on local and regional dealmaking and capital raising in Bahrain. BBK is one of the largest banks in Bahrain, with a footprint across Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, and Turkey. It has been a transformative player in Bahrain’s banking landscape over five decades, through its focus on corporate and retail banking, and now increasingly provides its corporate clients with global banking solutions. Both institutions have a track record of identifying and building strategic partnerships to grow and evolve their respective offerings.

Panmure Liberum will act as an extension of BBK’s team, providing investment banking services to BBK’s clients. As part of the partnership, BBK will work with Panmure Liberum to offer corporate finance advice across M&A, equity and debt capital raising, and IPO support for companies both domestically and internationally across BBK’s wider network. The partnership will create a gateway for the flow of capital and experience between the UK and GCC, providing BBK clients with access to Panmure Liberum’s execution services in global equities, supported by Panmure Liberum co-branded equity research.

The two firms are already exploring a number of potential transaction opportunities under the new partnership.

Rich Ricci, Chief Executive Officer of Panmure Liberum, said: “The partnership with BBK presents an enormous opportunity to both entities. We have enjoyed getting to know the BBK team, and have been struck by the similarities in our respective market structures, the high quality of governance, and the rich pool of talent in the country. The partnership gives us access to exciting markets with growing companies. It is further evidence of our commitment to identify innovative partnership structures to enhance our capabilities in a highly targeted, efficient way. We would also like to thank the Bahrain Economic Development Board for their support and collaboration in realising this partnership. Looking ahead, we will work with BBK to forge deep relationships with their corporate clients, supporting them in achieving their growth ambitions and driving shared success."

Yaser Alsharifi, Group Chief Executive of BBK, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Panmure Liberum to bring leading investment banking services to our client base. We have a strong track record of innovating to meet the needs of our clients, and this partnership is the latest example of finding market-leading solutions to broaden BBK’s value proposition to our corporate customers. Panmure Liberum’s commitment to Bahrain, and by extension, the broader GCC region is clear. We share a vision for what we can achieve together to broaden the trade relationship between our countries and drive two-way investment flows.”

Press contact:
Panmure Liberum:
Alexandra Ralphs / Katherine Bell, FTI Consulting
[email protected]

Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait:
Rafa Kaddoura
[email protected]

About Panmure Liberum
Panmure Liberum is the UK’s largest independent Investment Bank, providing advisory services to c.200 quoted corporates and funds. Panmure Liberum delivers a full suite of services across the capital structure, with a focus on Capital Raising, Corporate Advisory, Corporate Broking, Debt Advisory, Private Capital, and Research and Execution. The business is rooted in deep sector knowledge, a culture of entrepreneurialism and a commitment to deliver excellence in client service. Based in London and backed by Atlas Merchant Capital, Panmure Liberum serves clients from its offices in London, New York, Leeds, Cambridge and Guernsey.

About Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait
BBK (Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait) stands as a leading financial institution with over five decades of trusted expertise. Renowned for its innovative approach, BBK delivers cutting-edge solutions across retail, corporate, international banking, treasury, and investment services. At its core is a team of seasoned financial professionals dedicated to crafting a seamless, customer-first banking experience—one that embraces digital transformation and champions sustainable growth.