Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) has been awarded the title of Strongest Bank in Brunei for 2024 by The Asian Banker, following an in-depth analysis of its financial performance.
This recognition underscores BIBD’s solid financial foundation and its ability to maintain strength and resilience, even in a challenging economic landscape.
The award was presented during a ceremony held in Beijing, China, where BIBD’s Managing Director and CEO, Awang Junaidi bin Haji Masri, was on hand to receive the accolade.
“Alhamdulillah, this recognition as the Strongest Bank in Brunei for 2024 reflects our commitment to financial resilience and sustainable growth. I am deeply grateful to our valued clients, dedicated staff, and the unwavering support from His Majesty’s Government, all of whom have been instrumental in enabling BIBD to achieve this distinction. This accolade inspires us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and strengthening Brunei’s financial sector,” said Awang Junaidi bin Haji Masri, Managing Director and CEO of BIBD.
The Asian Banker’s evaluation, based on a comprehensive analysis of financial metrics, highlighted BIBD’s sustained growth as the largest bank in Brunei. The bank demonstrated a stable deposit base and maintained a strong liquidity position. BIBD’s capital levels reflect sound management practices, further reinforcing its financial strength.
The Asian Banker acknowledged that 2023 presented significant challenges for banks globally, marked by economic uncertainties and persistent geopolitical tensions. Despite these conditions, banks that have made it into The Asian Banker’s Global 1000 rankings of the largest and strongest banks have demonstrated exceptional resilience.
Covering banks across 99 countries, The Asian Banker’s comprehensive evaluation includes the top 1,000 banks worldwide, assessing financial data and governance rigorously. It is noteworthy that BIBD is the only bank from Brunei to achieve this prestigious ranking, underscoring its sound financial management and robust governance practices.
BIBD’s financial performance, strong corporate governance and sound risk management are the direct result of the tireless efforts of its management team, the hard work and dedication of its staff, and the strategic guidance provided by the Board of Directors and Shariah Advisory Body.
The bank also acknowledges the vital support and trust of His Majesty’s Government, its shareholders, and regulators, whose unwavering backing has been instrumental in enabling BIBD to maintain its leadership position in the banking sector.
BIBD’s focus on sound risk management was evident through significant improvements in asset quality, which outperformed industry averages. The bank’s strategic planning also led to solid returns, marking its continued commitment to financial stability and growth.
The Asian Banker’s Global 1000 Strongest Banks Ranking employs a rigorous scorecard to assess banks across six key dimensions: Asset Quality, Profitability, Risk Profile, Liquidity, Scale, and Balance Sheet Growth.
The scorecard includes detailed financial indicators such as the Gross Non-Performing Financing Ratio, Return-On-Asset, Operating Profit Growth, Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR), Financing-to-Deposit Ratio, and Liquidity Coverage Ratio among others. This data-driven assessment ensures that only the most resilient and well-governed banks are recognised, highlighting the financial strength and sound governance of BIBD as the only bank from Brunei to be ranked in the Top 1000.
The Asian Banker noted that these financial results reflect BIBD’s disciplined approach to maintaining stability and growth. The award is based on a rigorous, data-driven assessment process, which evaluates key financial metrics such as profitability, asset quality, capital adequacy, and liquidity, underscoring the bank’s resilient financial management.
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN