Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance appoints Dr Yousif Almas as CEO

The Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) has appointed Dr Yousif Almas as its chief executive officer, effective 8 November 2026, as the institute continues to focus on education, professional development and innovation.

Almas brings more than two decades of industry and academic experience spanning financial services, executive leadership, digital transformation, innovation and artificial intelligence (AI).

He previously served as Group Chief Digitisation Officer at Bank ABC, where he also held the position of Group Chief Innovation Officer. He played a founding leadership role at ila Bank as Chief Digital Officer and has held board-level positions across the financial services and national development sectors.

Almas holds a PhD from the University of Surrey, where his research focused on artificial intelligence and behavioural finance.

BIBF looks to strengthen financial education and innovation

Commenting on the appointment, HE Khalid Humaidan, Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain and Chairman of the BIBF Board of Directors, said: “On behalf of the BIBF Board of Directors, we are pleased to welcome Dr. Yousif Almas as Chief Executive Officer. With extensive experience in leadership, academia and digital innovation, he is well placed to lead the institute into its next phase.”

Humaidan also acknowledged the outgoing CEO, Dr Ahmed AlShaikh, for his contributions to the institute, saying: “We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to Dr. Ahmed AlShaikh, for his valuable contributions and dedicated service during his tenure as Chief Executive Officer of BIBF and wish him continued success in his future endeavors.”

Almas said he would work with the institute’s board, team and partners to build on its existing work and strengthen its contribution to the financial services sector.

“Building on the BIBF’s distinguished legacy and achievements, I look forward to working closely with the Board of Directors, the BIBF team and partners to shape the institute’s next chapter, deepen its contribution to financial services and the national economy, and enable lasting impact for individuals and institutions in Bahrain, across the region and beyond,” he said.

The appointment comes as financial institutions and professional education providers respond to changes in the sector, including the growing role of digital technologies and AI. Almas’ experience across banking, innovation and academia brings these areas together in his new leadership role at BIBF.