“Al Salam” launches the “ASB Pay Business” digital platform

During the bank’s participation in the “Gulf Gateway 2025” forum in the Kingdom of Bahrain, Al Salam Bank announced the launch of the ASB Pay Business digital platform in cooperation with the Arab Financial Services Company (AFS), which is an innovative digital point-of-sale platform aimed at creating a qualitative shift in the payment system in the Kingdom of Bahrain, in a step that reflects the bank’s commitment to supporting efforts to empower the business sector and digital transformation in financial services.

The ASB Pay Business platform is designed to meet the needs of various sectors, from large corporations to small, medium and micro enterprises, as well as freelancers, home-based start-ups and virtual business registrations. The platform provides an integrated digital payments system that allows entrepreneurs to accept payments directly via their smartphones without the need for traditional point-of-sale devices. It features advanced services that include issuing digital invoices, payment links, directly linking bank accounts, and tracking transactions in real time, through a safe and easy-to-use interface. It also allows Al Salam Bank customers to settle transactions on the same day, ensuring speedy cash flows and smooth daily operations.

With the acceleration of digital transformation in the Kingdom, statistics indicate that more than 70% of small and medium enterprises are now relying on digital payment solutions, while transactions via mobile phones are growing by 30% annually. The digital payments market in the Kingdom of Bahrain is expected to reach US$14 billion by 2025, driven by smartphone penetration exceeding 160% and the rapid regional shift towards adopting Soft POS systems, which has grown by 20% annually. These indicators underscore the importance of continuing to develop innovative and flexible financial solutions that enable entrepreneurs to grow and contribute to the evolving digital economy.

In his statement on the sidelines of the Gulf Gateway 2025 Investment Forum, Mr. Anwar Murad, Group Executive Vice President – Banking Services, said: “The launch of the ASB Pay Business platform represents a qualitative shift in the digital payments scene in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and embodies our vision of providing innovative financial solutions that respond to the needs of the local market and enhance the entrepreneurial environment. We are committed to empowering the small and medium enterprise sector through smart digital tools that raise operating efficiency and support commercial expansion. We call on all business owners to benefit from this platform that allows them to easily accept payments locally. and international, supported by an integrated package of services designed to support the growth of their business.”

For his part, Mr. Samer Suleiman, CEO of the Arab Financial Services Company (AFS), said: “At AFS, we are proud to be the technical partner of Al Salam Bank in launching the ASB Pay Business platform, which was developed to meet the aspirations of customers in various business sectors, especially small and medium enterprises. Our contribution lies in providing a secure and advanced payment infrastructure that allows a flexible and smooth payment experience across multiple channels, thus enhancing the growth and development of businesses in an accelerating digital environment. This strategic partnership with Al Salam Bank reflects our shared vision to advance innovation in the field of digital payments and enhance financial inclusion by supporting efforts to empower entrepreneurs and institutions with smart technological tools that support the long-term sustainability of their businesses.”

This cooperation between Al Salam Bank and AFS confirms their keenness to support the small and medium enterprises sector as it is a fundamental pillar of economic growth in the Kingdom. The ASB Pay Business platform is a strategic enabler that contributes to expanding access to modern digital financial services and enhancing business sustainability and competitiveness. The initiative also reflects the two institutions’ commitment to their social responsibility by supporting local entrepreneurship and developing a comprehensive and innovative digital banking environment.