Khaleeji Bank has appointed Razi Almerbati as its new Chief Executive Officer, strengthening the executive leadership of one of Bahrain’s leading Islamic banks. Almerbati will continue to serve as a member of the Bank’s Board of Directors and is scheduled to assume his new responsibilities on 17 August 2026.
The appointment brings more than 21 years of banking and investment experience to Khaleeji Bank’s executive team. His career spans leadership roles across banking, wealth management, private investments and Islamic finance, providing the bank with an experienced executive as it continues to develop its operations and customer offerings in Bahrain.
Razi Almerbati’s Banking leadership journey
Razi Almerbati has built his career across Bahrain’s banking and investment sector, holding senior leadership positions in local and regional financial institutions. Throughout his professional journey, he has developed expertise in Islamic investments, advisory services, wealth management, private banking and private investments.
His appointment also builds on an existing relationship with Khaleeji Bank. Almerbati has served as a member of the Bank’s Board of Directors since 2025, giving him direct insight into the institution’s governance, strategic priorities and long term objectives.
Before joining Khaleeji Bank as Chief Executive Officer, he served as Chief Executive Officer of GFH Capital. He also held the position of Head of Investment Placement and Relationship Management at GFH Bank, formerly known as GFH Financial Group. In addition, he currently serves on the Board of Directors of Esterad Investment Company and several subsidiaries within GFH Group.
His background combines executive leadership with investment management and relationship development, bringing broad financial sector experience to his new role.
Khaleeji Bank begins its next growth phase
As Chief Executive Officer, Almerbati will oversee the Bank’s executive management while supporting its strategic priorities. According to the Bank, his leadership will focus on strengthening performance, enhancing banking and investment solutions and delivering continued value for clients and shareholders.
Welcoming the appointment, Yousif Abdulla Taqi, Chairman of Khaleeji Bank, said the Board looks forward to the leadership and banking expertise Almerbati brings to the organisation.
He noted that Almerbati’s experience in banking, wealth management and private banking will support the Bank’s continued development. He also said the appointment aligns with Khaleeji Bank’s strategic direction and its ambition to continue expanding its services, products and market position within Bahrain’s Islamic banking sector.
Customer experience and innovation among key priorities
Commenting on his appointment, Razi Almerbati expressed appreciation to the Board of Directors for its confidence and said he looks forward to working with the Bank’s team to build on its existing achievements.
He said his priorities will include improving operational performance while developing banking and investment solutions that support sustainable growth. He also highlighted the importance of delivering greater value to customers and shareholders.
Looking ahead, Almerbati said the Bank will focus on enhancing the customer experience, expanding its business base and improving operational efficiency. Alongside these priorities, he identified innovation, digital readiness, governance and risk management as key areas that will support the Bank’s strategic objectives in a changing banking environment.
Khaleeji Bank strengthens banking leadership
Khaleeji Bank continues to provide a broad range of banking services that comply with Islamic Sharia principles while serving retail and corporate customers across Bahrain. Alongside its banking operations, the institution also supports community initiatives focused on education, youth empowerment and sustainable development.
For business leaders and HR professionals, executive appointments of this nature demonstrate the continued importance of experienced leadership within financial institutions. Banks continue to strengthen executive teams with leaders who combine governance experience, commercial expertise and long standing knowledge of regional financial markets.
With his appointment as Chief Executive Officer, Razi Almerbati brings extensive experience in banking, investment management and Islamic finance to Khaleeji Bank. His leadership will guide the Bank as it pursues its strategic priorities, strengthens customer relationships and continues to develop its banking and investment services in Bahrain.
