Saudi Arabia

Bahrain I Egypt I Iran I Israel I Jordan I Kuwait I Lebanon I Morocco I Oman I Qatar I Saudi Arabia I United Arab Emirates I Lifetime Achievement

After only two years under local management, following the end of Citibank’s equity holding and management contract, Samba is now in its strongest ever position in an increasingly competitive local market and is a clear winner of the best bank award.

Its record has been impressive. Its market capitalization has grown four times and in the past year it reported its best ever return on equity at 34.9% and net income of $1.07 billion that was 60% better than in 2004.

What stands out about Samba is the clarity of its strategy and the professional way it has been implemented. The bank, for example, has improved capital efficiency to 17.3% this year from 17% in 2004 yet has maintained strong capitalization to support long-term objectives.

With a strong brand identity Samba has become a leader in the consumer sector and many aspects of investment banking.