Arab Bank held its general assembly meeting online on March 27th, 2025. The meeting was headed by Mr. Sabih Masri, Arab Bank’s Chairman in the presence of the board of directors, the Chief Executive Officer, and shareholders (in attendance and by proxy), which make up 79.06% of the bank’s capital. Dr. Wael Armouti, the Companies’ Controller had also attended the meeting along with representatives from the Central Bank of Jordan.
During the meeting, the recommendation by the Board of Directors to distribute a cash dividend of 40% for the year 2024 and all articles on the agenda were endorsed.
Mr. Sabih Masri, Chairman of the Board of Directors, highlighted that the global economy was resilient in 2024. Despite tight monetary policies and escalating geopolitical tensions, global growth remained stable. But economic performance varied widely across regions. Growth in the United States was robust, supported by strong consumer spending, while major European economies grew slowly. Furthermore, the economies of China and India grew strongly, while other emerging markets grew slowly. Moreover, the global economy achieved further progress in reducing inflation towards the targets of the major central banks, enabling them to start cutting short-term interest rates in the middle of the year. However, investor concerns about the high debt levels in some large economies raised long-term interest rates by the end of the year.
Mr. Masri noted that the Arab region faced significant challenges in 2024. The regional conflict led to sizable economic losses, mainly in oil-importing countries, which already face large financing needs. Increased uncertainty, higher shipping costs, along with a relative decline in tourism and investment flows, slowed down economic growth in these countries. In oil-exporting countries, the oil production cuts by (OPEC+) slowed down overall economic growth. However, growth in non-oil sectors sustained its strong momentum, which is driven by fundamental structural reforms and increased investment spending. Mr. Masri explained that inflation slowed down noticeably in various Arab economies, particularly in those with currencies that are pegged to the US dollar. This led these economies to reduce interest rates in the second half of the year. Yet, inflation remained elevated in some Arab countries that experienced currency devaluations. As the year drew to a close, signs of de-escalation across the region raised hopes for tangible economic improvement.
Mr. Masri also highlighted that in 2024, Arab banks continued increasing their assets, while meeting the financing needs of various economic sectors, and providing financial services for the region’s ambitious economic transformation programmes and related investments. Arab banks also continued attracting deposits by enhancing their customers’ trust. The banks have broadly maintained strong capital adequacy, notably increased their profitability, and maintained adequate levels of liquidity. At the same time, Arab banks ensured good asset quality by adopting prudent lending policies that cushioned the impact of relatively higher interest rates. Digital transformation continued in 2024, with increased investment in FinTech solutions and digital banking services, which enhanced the efficiency of banking operations. There was also increased attention to sustainability and green finance, while supporting sustainable development and promoting the principles of transparency and good governance. These efforts align with programmes of the region’s central banks that aim to ensure financial stability, consumer protection, and address emerging challenges.
Mr. Masri noted that as part of its ambitious strategy to reinforce its leadership in the banking sector and its commitment to providing best-in-class banking solutions and enhancing the customer experience, Arab Bank continued to develop its services, strengthen its competitive capabilities, and expand its geographical presence in key markets throughout the year. These efforts culminated in outstanding financial results for 2024, most notably achieving record net profits exceeding $1 billion, a 21% increase compared to the previous year. These results reflect the success of our strategy, which is based on diversifying our activities, funding sources, and revenue streams.
Mr. Masri also reaffirmed that a key strategic achievement during the year was securing the final license to operate in Iraq. This paved the way for the launch of our operations there in early 2025 through the Group’s subsidiary, Arab Bank Iraq. Furthermore, to continue our strategy for growth and enhance wealth management and private banking services, Arab Bank (Switzerland), through (Banque Gonet & Cia SA), signed a merger agreement with (Swiss Bank ONE), acquiring a majority stake. This agreement is expected to be finalised in mid-2025. It marks another significant step in the Group’s growth strategy in Switzerland, with this new banking group poised to play a prominent role in the Swiss wealth management industry.
He also pointed out that throughout 2024, Arab Bank continued to strengthen its position as a leading financial institution, both locally and regionally, leveraging its extensive branch network and deep-rooted expertise in regional markets. The bank continued to develop its range of services and implement the latest digital solutions, supported by artificial intelligence, to deliver comprehensive and innovative banking and financing solutions tailored to the diverse needs of its corporate, institutional, and individual clients across various sectors.
Mr. Masri confirmed the bank’s steadfast commitment to serving the communities where it operates, protecting the environment, and supporting sound governance practices. Mr. Masri stated that the bank remains deeply committed to sustainability and social responsibility, highlighting that these principles are fundamental to its business model. In 2024, the bank continued its community investments by supporting several vital areas, including health, poverty alleviation, education, environmental protection, orphan support, and women’s empowerment. The Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation, the bank’s cultural and social arm, continued to support scientific research, cultural enrichment, and innovation, reflecting its deep commitment to providing added value to the communities it serves. Mr. Masri mentioned that Arab Bank issued its first annual Sustainable Finance and Impact Report for 2024, this report marks an important step in Arab Bank’s journey to expand its sustainable finance portfolio, positively contributing to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on green project categories related to climate change, and social project categories focused on job creation and unemployment reduction.
As Arab Bank embarks on a new year in the life of its leading financial institution, Mr. Masri reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to implementing its comprehensive strategy, driven by an ambitious vision for the future. He emphasised that the bank is determined to pursue its growth plans, strengthen its presence in promising markets, capitalise on opportunities presented by the evolving economic environment, and continue to develop its core business segments. Alongside this, the bank will enhance operational efficiency by adopting the latest FinTech solutions and artificial intelligence technologies. To achieve these goals, the bank will continue to invest in its human capital, attracting top talent, developing its employees, and equipping them with the necessary skills to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
Mr. Masri concluded by thanking the Central Bank of Jordan for its pivotal role in sustaining the resilience and stability of the Jordanian banking system and reinforce its development. He also thanked all stakeholders for their loyalty and trust in Arab Bank.
Ms. Randa Sadik, CEO of Arab Bank, stated: “Arab Bank Group had a strong performance in 2024, demonstrating robust growth across all our business lines. Our net income after tax and provisions increased by an impressive 21% to $1,007.1 million, compared to $829.6 million in 2023”. She highlighted that this achievement underscores the strength of the bank’s financial position and the effectiveness of its extensive international network. She added: “We saw shareholders’ equity reach $12.1 billion, and operating profit grew by 8%, approaching the $2 billion mark. After adjusting for currency fluctuations against the US dollar, our assets grew by 6% to reach $71.2 billion. Our lending portfolio mirrored this growth, which also increased by 6% to $38.3 billion, while customer deposits rose by 5% to $52.2 billion".
Ms. Sadik added: “These compelling results are a testament to our successful strategy, which is focused on diversifying income streams across our core businesses and key markets. This diversification is coupled with a disciplined approach to cost and risk management. The resulting strong growth in net operating profit was driven by increased net interest and commission income, achieved through improved lending, efficient liquidity management, diversified funding, and leveraging our extensive market presence”.
She also noted that Arab Bank’s key financial indicators remained strong, with a marked improvement in loan portfolio quality. The bank’s non-performing loan coverage ratio comfortably exceeded 100%, even before considering collateral. It also maintained healthy liquidity levels, with a loan-to-deposit ratio of 73%. The bank’s capital base remains robust, predominantly comprised of common equity, with a capital adequacy ratio of 17.2% under Basel III regulations – well above the Central Bank of Jordan’s minimum requirement.
Ms. Sadik also highlighted that Arab Bank’s digital transformation strategy continues to gain momentum. The bank is focused on enhancing operational efficiency by integrating digital technologies and AI tools within a structured, enterprise-wide programme. She noted that this commitment to digital innovation is reflected in its ongoing efforts to provide cutting-edge digital banking services that anticipate and meet its customers’ evolving expectations and financial needs. A prime example is the launch of (Omnify) by Acabes for Financial Technologies, Arab Bank’s technology arm. This innovative platform empowers businesses and non-financial entities to seamlessly offer financial solutions to their customers, providing a secure gateway to banking services and expanding their business reach.
Ms. Sadik extended her deepest gratitude to the bank’s valued customers for their continued trust, which is the foundation of the success. She also expressed her sincere appreciation to all Arab Bank employees for their exceptional efforts and unwavering dedication.
It is worth noting that Arab Bank has recently unveiled its refreshed brand identity that reflects its enduring legacy and ambitious vision as a leading financial institution in the MENA region.
Inspired by its rich legacy dating back to 1930, the refreshed brand identity features a simpler, bolder, and digitally-focused design, broadening its appeal to connect with diverse audiences, particularly younger generations. This evolution reaffirms Arab Bank's position as a modern, dynamic, and digitally empowered institution, ready to meet the evolving needs of its customers across industries and regions in a constantly evolving world.
The refreshed logo features a single, continuous line, symbolising both the bank's 9-decade legacy of success and its unwavering commitment to ongoing efforts and its forward-looking approach. It also incorporates the 3 iconic circles that have distinguished the bank’s identity since inception, representing the customers, partners, and communities the institution serves across its extensive network. These memorable elements emphasise the bank’s global reach and interconnectedness. At the heart of the bank's brand identity remains its name - “Arab Bank,” which embodies its deep connection to its rich history, culture, heritage, values, and sense of belonging. The Arab world continues to be the primary focus of the bank and the foundation of its growth and expansion strategy, supported by its network of branches across Arab countries and the integrated services it offers to clients in the region and beyond.