CEO of “NBB”: a vital role for Bahrain’s banks in achieving the goal of the national carbon neutrality

Othman Ahmed, CEO of the National Bank of Bahrain, confirmed that banks in Bahrain can play a vital role in achieving the goal of national carbon neutrality, indicating that the requirements of mandatory disclosure of environmental, social and institutional governance lead to increased transparency in the business environment, and attracting international investors from During improving risk management, enhancing institutional governance and taking informed investment decisions.

This came during an interview conducted by the Oxford Business Group with the CEO of the National Bank of Bahrain Group (NBB) Othman Ahmed, where discussions dealt with several topics related to the role of banks in supporting the goals of carbon neutrality, the requirements of disclosing environmental, social and institutional governance, and the importance of frameworks Sustainable financing in Bahrain.

The meeting included basic points, which is the role of banks in achieving carbon neutrality, as Ahmed indicated that banks in Bahrain can play a vital role in achieving the goal of national carbon neutrality, through:

Stimulating emissions by providing sustainable loans.

Financing clean energy projects and related capital expenditures.

Providing consulting services to companies to help reduce their carbon mark.

Funding facilities for the installation of solar panels, which opens new horizons for business, and achieves the goals of national sustainability.

And on the impact of the requirements for mandatory disclosure of environmental, social and institutional governance (ESG)

Ahmed expected these requirements to lead to:

Increased transparency in the business environment

IDP is attracted by improving risk management.

– Enhancing institutional governance and taking informed investment decisions.

He touched on the importance of sustainable financing frameworks, as the CEO stressed that the sustainable financing frameworks have become necessary for banks to manage environmental and social risks effectively.

He said: «These frameworks allow banks to benefit from new growth opportunities in the context of the shift towards a sustainable economy.

Ahmed talked about creating a social value and enhancing the empowerment of society, indicating that banks can contribute to enhancing the financial inclusion of the disadvantaged groups, supporting the growth of small and medium -sized companies that make up more than 90% of commercial institutions in Bahrain, and expand access to banking services through financial education programs .