Adnan Al-Bahar receives major industry award

The Chairman and Managing Director of The International Investor (TII), Mr Adnan Al-Bahar, has been presented with a prestigious industry award in recognition of his 'outstanding contribution to Islamic banking and finance'.

The award was presented at a special Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony at the World Islamic Banking Conference on Saturday 2 November 2002 in Bahrain.

Mr Al-Bahar expressed his surprise and delight at receiving the award:
"This is an unexpected pleasure and a great honour. I would like to thank my fellow partners at TII, and all my friends and colleagues in the industry, for their support and encouragement. Together, we will work to ensure the continued growth and development of Islamic banking and finance.”

This is not the first time that Adnan Al-Bahar has been recognised by the industry. In 1994, he was chosen 'Global Leader for Tomorrow' by the World Economic Forum, Switzerland, and in 1997, the Islamic Banking and Finance Forum named him 'Islamic Banker of the Year'. In 1998, Adnan featured in Global Finance Magazine as one of the leading people worldwide in the field of finance.

Widely regarded as a leading innovator in the field of Islamic finance, Adnan first made his mark at Kuwait Finance House (KFH) which he joined in 1980 as an officer in the Credit Division. After one year, he was appointed Head of International Banking Relations, a newly created unit, where he developed an Islamic international trade instrument - Murabaha - which proved most successful in employing the Bank's surplus liquidity. He then moved to the Investment Division, reporting directly to the General Manager. Promotion to Assistant General Manager followed, and then his ultimate appointment as General Manager in 1986.

At the age of 32, he became the youngest-ever GM in Kuwait's finance sector, and helped to build KFH into the country's second largest banking institution. Adnan then moved to London, where he was Managing Director of the Al Rajhi Company for Islamic Investments. Returning to Kuwait in 1992, he founded The International Investor (TII), which he developed into a leading regional Islamic investment bank.