Al Salam Bank Celebrates ASB Capital’s First Anniversary with $5.8 Billion in Assets Under Management
Al Salam Bank Celebrates ASB Capital’s First Anniversary
On November 2, 2025, during the Gateway Gulf 2025 Forum held in Bahrain, Al Salam Bank proudly celebrated the first anniversary of its asset management and investment banking division, ASB Capital. This division has managed to accumulate an impressive $5.8 billion in assets under management (AUM), reflecting significant growth and investor confidence in just one year.
The establishment of ASB Capital in November 2024 came at a time when the financial services sector was rapidly evolving. Over the past year, the AUM of ASB Capital grew by 30%, a vital indicator of the division's success and its ability to attract a diverse clientele. The bank has successfully launched a range of investment products tailored to meet the needs of its clients. These include the ASB State Street Global Equity Fund, ASB MENA Equity Fund, ASB Technology Fund, and the ASB Sukuk Fund, each designed to offer diversified exposure to both global and regional markets.
ASB Capital has also seen a surge in its consulting and portfolio management mandates. The firm has successfully expanded both discretionary and non-discretionary portfolios catering to high-net-worth individuals, family offices, corporations, and institutional investors. This broadening of service offerings has played a critical role in establishing ASB Capital as a trusted name in wealth management.
Additionally, ASB Capital was significantly involved in regional bond issuances, contributing to a total volume exceeding $2 billion. The success of these transactions not only underscores the trust clients place in ASB Capital but also highlights its pivotal role in promoting regional capital market activities. As part of its continuous growth strategy, ASB Capital is set to launch the XASB Sukuk ETF, developed in collaboration with Xtrackers by DWS. This initiative aims to expand access to fixed-income investments and reinforces ASB Capital's innovative approach to asset management.
Rafik Nayed, the CEO of Al Salam Bank and the Managing Director of ASB Capital, spoke at the Gateway Gulf Forum about the pivotal year for ASB Capital, stating: "The first year of ASB Capital marks a crucial chapter in the long-term growth story of Al Salam Bank. Our focus is on building trust, deepening client relationships, and expanding our investment offerings. The growth of assets under management, the launch of new funds, and the success of our capital market transactions are a testament to our commitment to delivering value to our clients. ASB Capital is becoming one of the leading asset management companies in the region, and we continue to seek new opportunities."
Both Al Salam Bank and ASB Capital are committed to harnessing Bahrain's robust financial ecosystem to extend their reach within the region while advancing their shared vision of providing comprehensive, customer-centric financial solutions across banking, asset management, and advisory services. As ASB Capital continues to innovate and exceed client expectations, it remains well-positioned as a significant player within the regional financial landscape.
As the journey continues for ASB Capital, stakeholders and clients alike can look forward to an exciting future filled with new offerings, expansions, and advancements in the investment landscape as they capitalize on Bahrain's strategic advantages in financial services.