You would like to open an office in Bahrain because its economy has been experiencing tremendous growth. Because you’re a foreigner to the country, not only must you understand its banking policies and laws, but most especially, you must stay abreast of the latest news.

Obtaining information on Bahrain banking institutions is not hard to find. For example, you can read research reports and learn about their net worth, market share, and liabilities. For banks in Bahrain, news and trends information is available from the following resources:

1. Get the news on Bahrain banks by visiting news websites.

2. Participate in blogs to learn more about Bahrain commercial banking.

3. Rely on reports to get the latest trends on Bahrain banking institutions.

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Go to news websites to get news on Bahrain banks

Rely on news websites to find out the latest about banking in Bahrain. Chances are if the economy is growing, then Bahrain banking institutions should be lending to businesses. Find out which Bahrain banks are lending and what their current interest rates are. Learn how much profit banks in Bahrain have generated.

I recommend: EIN News provides news on business banking in Bahrain. You can read stories, such as why Gulf Central banks are postponing implementing a single currency. Find out that the Bahrain Islamic Bank is the first bank to get Moody’s ratings by reading Zawya. Learn about this Bahrain commercial bank opening its first drive-in ATM.

Visit blogs to get in-depth news on Bahrain commercial banking

Learn how international stories can impact business activities for Bahrain commercial banks. For example, bloggers might discuss how the United States put pressure on the largest Bahrain bank to suspend doing business with Iran. Read about the Central Bank of Bahrain hosting a workshop to implement better standards for corporate governance and risk management.

I recommend: The Memri Economic Blog has an article on the largest bank in Bahrain, Ahli United Bank (AUB), suspending its business activities with Iran. WordPress has several stories about the Central Bank of Bahrain. Read how this central bank has invested time and resources in its employees.

Study reports to get banks in Bahrain news and trends

Read reports to learn about the Central Bank of Bahrain's monetary policies. For example, you can learn about the new ATM security procedures or new trust law. Other areas that reports can cover are consolidated banking systems, retail banks, or bank deposits. You can also read how the World Bank helped Bahrain come up with developing debt markets and stock exchange.

I recommend: The World Bank has a report on Bahrain in which it documents working with the government on several projects. The Central Bank of Bahrain provides a report on Bahrain’s banking system and monetary policy.

Bahrain banking institutions are among the most liberal in the Middle East. The government openly and actively pursues foreign investors and sees them as necessary to economic success in Bahrain. Banks in Bahrain are part of a long-standing trade-based culture and business environment that thrives on the financial investments of foreign companies and individuals.

With the US-Bahrain Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) of May 2001, Bahrain gave the United States favored-nation status, making business banking in Bahrain even more attractive. Benefits to banking in Bahrain include:

1. International money transfers between banks in Bahrain and the US receive full protection from the Bahrain government and normally occur without major delay or complications.

2. The culture of corporate banking in Bahrain encourages foreign investment and welcomes Western visitors openly.

3. Fierce competition from Qatar and Dubai in the finance and tourism industries forces banks in Bahrain to uphold the best business practices or risk losing investors to these other regional players.

4. In spite of the instability of the region overall, there is no significant danger to Americans traveling to or living in Bahrain.

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Establish credibility for Bahrain commercial banking and foreign investments

When you invest in a foreign country, you want to ensure your money will be available when you need it. Annual reports document the track record for banks in Bahrain.

I recommend: Research annual reports for large Bahrain banking institutions like the National Bank of Bahrain, which offers financial reports, statements and reviews. Bahrain Islamic Bank provides annual reports for the past five years.

Jumpstart your banking with online applications for Bahrain banks

Save yourself some time and energy getting the first step out of the way by applying online with several banks in Bahrain at once. Compare services and check out which banks provide online banking and security for foreign investors.

I recommend: Find applications online for Burgan Bank and review their privacy policy for details on online security. Arab Bank offers an online application, privacy statements and security statements.

Compare Bahrain banks and discuss your investment needs with agents at Bahrain commercial banks

With so much of the country's development hinging on foreign investors, banks in Bahrain actively compete to earn your business. Take advantage of competitive rates to increase your return.

I recommend: Contact representatives in the international department at the Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK) for information on offshore lending, correspondent banking or Islamic banking. Shamil Bank representatives can help with investment opportunities and Sharia’a-compliant products.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Many Bahrain banking institutions work in accordance with Islamic law, meaning their products and services do not involve interest rates or payments.

Bahrain's economy is growing at a fast pace and the banking system in Bahrain is profiting from this growth. The Bahrain economy is more open than most Middle Eastern countries, and it's the combination of openness and growth that makes the country an excellent investment opportunity. In order to make the correct and prudent asset allocation decisions, however, you'll need to understand the basic structure and terms of the industry. Once you know a few terms, you can begin to analyze the banks in Bahrain as viable investment vehicle or business partner.

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Central Bank of Bahrain

The Central Bank of Bahrain is a governmental entity responsible for monetary policy, financial services to the financial sector and government, stability in the financial sector and protecting banking consumers. It is similar in many ways to the Federal Reserve in the United States.

I recommend: Study the scope and objectives of the Central Bank of Bahrain for further details.

International Investment Bank of Bahrain

The International Investment Bank of Bahrain of came into existence in 2003 as an Islamic investment bank that caters to Middle Eastern countries and their Islamic customer base. They accept foreign capital and have largely the same structure as American banks. It is one of the fastest growing banks in Bahrain.

I recommend: Review the history, goals, and banking vision of the International Investment Bank of Bahrain for more information.

Bank of Bahrain & Kuwait

The Bank of Bahrain & Kuwait at the forefront of the Bahrain banking industry's technological advance, making technology a centerpiece of its growth objectives. The Bank of Bahrain & Kuwait is a full-service financial institution.

I recommend: Examine the details of the Bank of Bahrain & Kuwait for in-depth explanation.

Islamic banking

Islamic banking is a banking model that follows the morals of Islamic law. In this system, some types of loans charge no interest but the borrower has the option of paying back more as form of a gratuity.

I recommend: Review the tutorial on Islamic banking available at Investopedia.

Bahraini Dinar

The Bahraini Dinar is the primary currency in the nation of Bahrain. Before making any financial transactions in the country, it's prudent to check the current exchange rate of the Bahraini Dinar and the U.S. Dollar.

I recommend: Evaluate the Bahraini Dinar definition and conversion rates from Convert World for more details.

Financial Institutions Law

The Financial Institutions Law, which governs the actions and licensing of all financial firms in Bahrain, was passed in concert with the Central Bank of Bahrain.

I recommend: Scroll down the page at the Bahrain Economic Development Board, for more information on the Financial Institutions Law.