SICO has always been a firm believer that quality education for all is a key driver of economic growth and prosperity. Since its inception, the Bank has sponsored a wide range of education and career development initiatives in cooperation with institutions such as the Bahrain Bourse, the CFA Society, and the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF).

Each year, a large number of young Bahrainis graduate from local and international institutions, entering a competitive job market. To support their transition, SICO continues to champion programmes that enhance leadership skills, promote financial literacy, and open pathways to meaningful careers.

One of SICO’s flagship initiatives is the Women in Investment (WIM) Programme. Launched in 2022 in partnership with CFA Society Bahrain and delivered by BIBF, the programme aims to build a pipeline of skilled female professionals in Bahrain’s financial sector. The first two rounds focused on soft skills, investment workshops, and professional development, while also connecting participants with seasoned mentors through the CFA Society’s Qodwa platform.

In 2024, the third round of the WIM programme resulted in 26 women being selected from 75 applicants. The training included interactive sessions, workshops, and executive mentoring, resulting in a remarkable 90% employment rate for participants in the financial sector, reinforcing SICO’s commitment to gender diversity and inclusion.

To further empower young professionals, SICO launched two development tracks in 2024: a job shadowing initiative for Grade 12 students and a competitive internship programme for undergraduates from leading universities in Bahrain, the UK, and the US. Participants gained hands-on experience in various departments, including investment banking, sustainability, legal affairs, asset management, brokerage, and compliance.

The Bank also continued its long-standing sponsorship of the Bahrain Bourse’s TradeQuest Programme, a financial simulation challenge for high school and university students. Participants trade virtual portfolios on the Bahrain Bourse and New York Stock Exchange, supported by expert mentors and evaluated on portfolio performance and presentations.

SICO further expanded its reach through collaboration with Bahrain Polytechnic, launching the SICO LIVE Global Trading Game — a three-week trading simulation in which 25 students executed over 1,000 trades and generated more than USD 95,000 in virtual profits. The Bank also supported the launch of a Cybersecurity Research Lab at Bahrain Polytechnic, designed to advance research and national resilience, supporting over 30 research projects annually in partnership with government, academia, and industry.

Through INJAZ Bahrain, SICO employees contributed to the Career Speaker Series and Entrepreneurship Masterclass, sharing their career journeys and helping students develop entrepreneurial thinking and leadership skills.

Beyond finance-focused initiatives, SICO maintained its 19-year sponsorship of the Crown Prince’s International Scholarship Program (CPISP), having supported over 195 scholars to date. The Bank also renewed support for the Ibn Khuldoon National School’s Model United Nations (MUN) Conference, which drew over 400 students from 15 schools in 2024, helping participants hone skills in public speaking, negotiation, and global awareness.

SICO also supported the Lamea Project, a youth development initiative led by the Ministry of Youth Affairs. The programme trains outstanding Bahraini youth in communication, project management, AI, strategic innovation, and institutional excellence. In 2024, over 540 young leaders took part. In line with its support for emerging technologies and innovation, SICO proudly sponsored FinTech Forward, a national event hosted by the Bahrain Economic Development Board, exploring opportunities in the future of financial technology.