Establishing its Leadership in Responsible AI Transformation BisB Becomes the First Bahraini Bank to Attain AI Governance Certification

09-December-2024

Bahrain Islamic Bank (BisB), the leading provider of innovative Islamic financial solutions for simplifying money matters in the Kingdom of Bahrain, proudly announces a significant step forward in its commitment to responsible AI transformation. Mr. Mohammed Isa Hammad, the Bank’s Chief Information Security Officer, has earned the prestigious Artificial Intelligence Governance Professional (AIGP) Certification from the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP). This distinction makes BisB the first Bahraini financial institution to attain this accreditation, and places Mr. Hammad as the first Bahraini joining the pioneering individuals in the region to earn this renowned AI governance credential.

BisB now stands among the few institutions in the Middle East with qualified expertise in this emerging domain, thanks to its proactive approach to adopting future-forward innovations and offering secure, ethical, and seamless financial solutions. The licensure is part of the Bank’s broader strategy to embed ethical AI principles into its operations, thereby driving innovation while safeguarding customer trust.

Ms. Fatema AlAlawi, Acting Chief Executive Officer at BisB, said: “We are delighted to have secured this prestigious certification which would not have been possible without the exceptional efforts of Mr. Hammad. It reflects BisB’s excellence in solidifying governance practices across multiple areas and underscores our ongoing endeavours to support employees through vital training opportunities, ensuring they are well-equipped to take on the responsibilities of their roles. This esteemed accreditation further enhances Mr. Hammad’s industry acumen and dedication to keeping up with the latest trends in the sector. We are confident that this will contribute to our efforts to offer responsible, secure and advanced banking solutions as we continue to integrate novel technologies and AI into our processes, products, and services.”

BisB takes pride in fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development among its workforce. The Bank is home to many specialists with deep-rooted expertise in information security, cybersecurity, privacy protection, and business continuity. Their collective success demonstrates the calibre of BisB’s talent pool in effectively navigating a fast-evolving financial landscape.

A valuable addition to the Bank’s growing expertise, the AIGP accreditation was introduced by the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), a global leader in privacy and data protection education. It equips practitioners with the knowledge to implement accountable AI practices. The programme covers best practices, international frameworks, and relevant regulations, ensuring that those credentialed are prepared to manage the complexities of AI governance.

This milestone reflects BisB’s focus on staying ahead of industry trends by augmenting state-of-the-art advancements in its operations. The Bank remains committed to empowering its staff through targeted skill-building programmes that enhance its capacity to deliver innovative Islamic financial solutions to customers.