SAB’s new instant account opening service empowers SMEs

Hani Zahran, General Manager of Small and Medium Enterprises at SAB, attends the launch of the bank’s new digital solution during Biban 2025.
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Updated 13 November 2025
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SAB’s new instant account opening service empowers SMEs

Saudi Awwal Bank, one of the leading banks in the Kingdom, has launched a new instant account opening service for sole proprietorships.

The launch of the new digital solution took place during Biban 2025, organized by the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority, known as Monsha’at, from Nov. 5 to 8 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center under the theme “A Global Destination for Opportunities.”

The new solution for small and medium enterprises underscores SAB’s commitment to empowering SMEs in the Kingdom through innovative, secure digital banking services that simplify account opening. It supports the bank’s ongoing efforts to advance Vision 2030 by helping businesses grow and contribute to economic diversification.

The service enables business owners to open accounts instantly through a fully digital platform that completes every step online. It offers a faster, more convenient banking experience while expanding access for the SME sector.

Yasser Al-barrak, chief corporate and institutional banking officer at SAB, said: “At SAB, we continue to invest in technology that transforms the way our customers do business. The instant account opening platform marks a major step forward, allowing entrepreneurs to start their banking relationship within minutes through a secure digital process.” 

SAB’s Corporate Account Opening Platform has received the “Global SME Banking Innovation Award” for three consecutive years from The Digital Banker publication. The platform now enables businesses to open accounts within minutes and instantly access banking services through the SAB iCorp app, including payroll management and other key features.

By launching this new digital service, SAB strengthens its role in supporting entrepreneurship and driving financial innovation across Saudi Arabia. The bank continues to invest in digital solutions that empower business owners and contribute to a thriving, sustainable SME sector.


GIB Capital strengthens regional leadership with $2.1bn ICM transactions

Updated 15 December 2025
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GIB Capital strengthens regional leadership with $2.1bn ICM transactions

GIB Capital, one of the region’s leading financial and investment banking advisers, has announced the successful execution of three major international capital markets transactions in November, underscoring the firm’s growing influence and distribution strength across global debt markets.

In a single month, GIB Capital acted in joint lead manager roles across three landmark issuances — supporting clients in the banking, aviation and government sectors — and attracting an aggregate of more than $4.6 billion in investor demand from the Middle East, Europe, Asia, the UK and the US. These transactions, which collectively raised over $2.1 billion, further demonstrate the confidence international investors place in GCC issuers and the strategic value GIB Capital brings to each mandate.

The firm began the month by serving as joint global coordinator, joint lead manager and bookrunner on the inaugural ICM issuance for GIB — Saudi Arabia. The $500 million perpetual non-call 5.5-year additional Tier 1 instrument was priced on Nov. 5 and generated an impressive $1.3 billion in orders, achieving a 2.6-times oversubscribed orderbook. The strong participation from regional, UK, Asian and European investors reflect the bank’s robust credit fundamentals and GIB Capital’s ability to deliver global reach for its clients.

On the same day, GIB Capital also acted as joint lead manager and bookrunner for AviLease’s first-ever ICM transaction — an $850 million bond offering that attracted exceptionally strong interest, closing in at over 3.7 times oversubscribed orderbook. The transaction drew participation from a diverse pool of regional, US, UK, European and Asian investors, highlighting the appeal to Saudi Arabia’s fastest-growing aviation leasing company. 

Further reinforcing its leadership in Islamic finance, GIB Capital concluded the month as joint lead manager and bookrunner on the government of Sharjah’s $750 million sukuk issuance, priced on Nov. 18. The transaction secured $2 billion in orders, representing a 2.6-times oversubscribed orderbook, with interest coming primarily from regional, UK and European accounts. This issuance marked government of Sharjah’s first US dollar public issuance in 2025 and benefited from strong investor confidence toward Sharjah’s credit story and in GIB Capital’s advisory expertise.

Commenting on the milestone month, Osamah Mohammed Shaker, CEO of GIB Capital, said: “These three successful issuances reflect the depth of trust our clients place in GIB Capital and the strength of our distribution network across global markets. The robust oversubscriptions and high-quality investor participation are clear indicators of the continued confidence in GCC credit stories and the resilience of the region’s economic outlook. We remain committed to delivering best-in-class execution, innovative structuring, and strategic advisory that enable our clients to access international liquidity efficiently and competitively.”

With a growing portfolio of successful mandates, GIB Capital continues to expand its presence as a leading provider of debt capital markets solutions, capital markets advisory, mergers and acquisitions, debt advisory, asset management and brokerage services. Combining deep regional insight with global investor connectivity, the firm remains committed to supporting clients across sectors with innovative, tailored, and high-impact financial solutions.