More firms, more jobs as financial sector grows

TDT | Manama

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Bahrain’s financial sector continued to expand in 2025, with the number of licensed institutions rising to 375 by September, up from 369 at the end of May, according to data from the Central Bank of Bahrain. The addition of six firms represents growth of about 1.6% over the period.

Employment in the sector also recorded a modest increase. The workforce reached 14,940 in 2025, compared with 14,775 in 2024, an increase of 165 employees, or around 1.1%. Bahrainis accounted for 10,383 jobs, representing 69.5% of total employment, while non-Bahrainis numbered 4,557, or 30.5%.

The figures align with broader economic indicators for 2025. Bahrain’s gross domestic product (GDP) at current prices stood at $47.1 billion, reflecting growth of 2.0%, while GDP at constant prices reached $40.3 billion, up 2.6%. The financial sector contributed 17.2% of GDP at constant prices.

In the banking sector, total assets reached $246.8 billion by September 2025. Bahrain’s banking industry comprises 83 banks, including 15 Islamic banks, whose assets stood at $65.7 billion over the same period.

Insurance activity also showed growth, with 140 firms licensed to operate in Bahrain by September 2025, compared with 137 in December 2024. Total insurance premiums reached BD239.4 million by the end of the year. The investment sector comprised 51 firms operating in Bahrain by September 2025, the Central Bank data showed.