Direct Economic Impact

SICO’s economic contribution extends well beyond revenue generation and operational costs. The Bank supports job creation across various sectors, including legal, insurance, technology, and consulting, while also generating value through capital market activities such as initial public offerings (IPOs), mergers and acquisitions, and fund launches.

In 2024, SICO further strengthened its internal economic impact through the Employee Savings Scheme (ESS), a regional-first initiative designed to support long-term financial security for staff. The Bank matches employee contributions and invests them in a globally diversified portfolio managed by SICO’s Global Markets team. The ESS is administered by Intertrust Group in the Netherlands, with AON as its advisory partner.

Indirect Economic Impact

Education and Workforce Development

SICO plays a crucial role in promoting financial literacy and enhancing workforce readiness across Bahrain. In 2024, the Bank launched new youth development initiatives, including a job shadowing programme for high school students and a competitive internship programme for university students in Bahrain, the UK, and the US.

The third round of the Women in Investment (WIM) Programme, conducted in partnership with the Supreme Council for Women and the CFA Society Bahrain, recorded a 90% employment rate for its participants, demonstrating a measurable impact in advancing gender equity in finance.

SICO also collaborated with Bahrain Polytechnic to launch the SICO LIVE Global Trading Game, a market simulation in which 25 students executed over 1,000 trades and generated virtual profits of more than USD 95,000. Additional long-standing support for CPISP, TradeQuest, INJAZ Bahrain, and the Lamea Project reinforces the Bank’s role in shaping Bahrain’s next generation of financial leaders.

Market Making

As a pioneer market maker in the region, SICO continues to play a vital role in enhancing market liquidity, narrowing price spreads, and supporting post-IPO listings. In 2024, SICO’s Market Making division contributed approximately 30% of the Bahrain Bourse’s total traded value, nearly doubling its participation from 2023.

Despite a decrease in income to BD 312,000 (down from BD 452,000 in 2023), the division’s impact grew significantly due to new market-making mandates and greater engagement across sectors. The Bahrain Liquidity Fund (BLF) also continued to support trading activity and investor confidence, contributing to the overall development of Bahrain’s capital markets.

Advancing the Financial Sector

SICO is actively involved in the development of Bahrain’s financial sector and fintech ecosystem. Through its partnership with Bahrain Fintech Bay, SICO supports innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation.

The Bank is also a longstanding sponsor of CFA Society Bahrain, contributing to industry knowledge, education, and professional development. SICO’s CEO, Najla Al-Shirawi, and senior executives frequently participate in regional conferences and panels, affirming the Bank’s leadership in advancing financial services across the GCC.

In 2024, SICO introduced a paperless SWIFT system as part of its digital transformation agenda, eliminating internal printing, enhancing operational efficiency, and reducing environmental impact.