GFH is Licensed as an Islamic Wholesale Bank by the Central Bank of Bahrain (“CBB”). GFH is a well renowned financial group in the GCC region, with a diversified offering and pioneering track record. Headquartered in Bahrain, GFH’s innovative approach to Islamic investment banking services has been recognised internationally for over a decade. GFH has developed a strong and consistent ability to identify, successfully bring to market and capitalise on a wide range of solid investment opportunities in some of the world’s most dynamic markets and sectors. This approach signifies the Group’s investment insights and commitment to increase the value of its assets, and financial returns to its investors and shareholders. Since the Group’s inception in 1999, GFH has raised over US$5 billion in equity from its strong client base in four main activities:
•Wealth Management;
•Commercial Banking;
•Asset Management; and
•Real Estate Development
GFH is listed on three stock exchanges in the GCC, including the Bahrain Bourse, Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) and Dubai Financial Market (DFM) where it is one of the most liquid and actively traded stocks. GFH’s operations are principally focused across the GCC, North Africa and India, along with strategic investments in the U.S. Recognition:
GFH has consistently been widely recognised by various industry stakeholders for its innovative approach, investment prudence and overall achievements in Islamic finance, wealth management and investment banking. In 2015, the group was awarded the ‘Best Investment Bank – Middle East’ at the 10th Islamic Business & Finance Awards. In 2014, GFH was recognised as the ‘Fastest Growing Bank in Bahrain’ and ‘Best Wealth Management Firm’ by CPI Financial and Banker Middle East. Earlier in 2012, the company won the prestigious award for ‘Best Islamic Investment Bank, Bahrain’ from Capital Finance International (CFI). Other awards include Banker Middle East’s ‘Deal of the Year 2008’, Euromoney’s ‘Best Investment Bank’ in 2005, 2006 and 2007 and ‘Best Islamic Investment Bank’ in 2005. Creation:
As an innovative investment Group, GFH has an enviable track record in conceptualizing and establishing a large number of pioneering financial institutions in the GCC. GFH was instrumental in the creation of First Energy Bank, the world’s first Islamic investment bank focusing exclusively on the energy sector. The Group also established various cross-border entities including Khaleeji Commercial Bank in Bahrain, QInvest in Qatar, Arab Finance House in Lebanon, First Leasing Bank in Bahrain, Asia Finance Bank in Malaysia, and Gulf Holding Company in Kuwait. GFH has also successfully conceived, funded and developed large, complex and innovative real estate and infrastructure projects in the GCC, MENA and India. Residential and commercial projects include Bahrain and Tunisia’s iconic Financial Harbours, and Energy Cities in Qatar and India. These developments are eventually expected to be key economic drivers and commercial business hubs of note. The Group has also acted as the master developer for luxury lifestyle developments such as Royal Ranches of Marrakech in Morocco. More recently, the Group has led the revival of the prestigious Bahrain developments multi-million dollar Villamar project and the development of the Harbour Row project. Diversification:
As part of GFH’s vision, the Group adopts a dynamic, entrepreneurial investment approach underpinned by solid professional credentials. Furthermore, the group pursues a diversified asset allocation strategy to adapt to the multitude of challenges in an ever changing macro environment whilst working closely with our stakeholders to realistically meet expectations. In terms of asset class diversification, GFH has participated in and brought privileged access to unique private equity investments and in wide-ranging sectors such as real estate, consumer goods, retail, healthcare, industrial, education, technology and sports. Geographically, GFH initially had an investment focus on the Middle East, North Africa and India, but in recent years the Group has further diversified its holdings across the U.S., U.K. and Turkey to take advantage of emerging opportunities in these markets.
