Bahrain
Best bank Gulf International Bank (GIB)
GIB's continued support from shareholders in the Gulf Cooperation Council states means it has had a distinct advantage over the competition in capturing large project finance and corporate finance business from the Gulf. The bank's asset quality, capitalization and profitability continue to strengthen and as a result it has been given the highest foreign currency long-term debt rating issued by Standard & Poor's for any bank based in the Middle East.
Best foreign bank Standard Chartered Bank
Standard Chartered Bank has had a phenomenal year in Bahrain. There has been a substantial increase in deposit market share, trading profits were up by 85% before restructuring costs. Attention to detail has meant the bank has established new branches and refurbished others and has introduced evening banking.
Egypt
Best bank Commercial International Bank
Commercial International Bank is not the biggest bank in Egypt, but is the one that is growing most rapidly. In the past year it has added to its reputation as a very active, competitive and efficient player in the market.