SICO BSC (c), a prominent asset manager, broker, and investment bank operating across Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, has been named the Best Investment Bank in Bahrain at the 2025 Global Finance World’s Best Investment Banks Awards. This marks the sixth consecutive year the firm has received the prestigious honor, solidifying its leadership in the regional financial landscape.
The award underscores SICO’s consistent performance in delivering top-tier strategic advisory services and executing landmark transactions that contribute to economic growth and the development of capital markets across the MENA region.
A Track Record of Excellence and Innovation
Najla Al Shirawi, Group CEO of SICO, expressed her pride in the company’s continued success. “Being named Bahrain’s Best Investment Bank for the sixth consecutive year is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and delivering meaningful value to our clients,” she said. Al Shirawi highlighted the team’s dedication and the trust clients continue to place in SICO, noting the firm’s critical role in leading complex, high-impact transactions across the region.
SICO’s leadership in the investment banking space is a direct result of its commitment to providing strategic advisory services and executing landmark deals that create lasting impact. As a trusted financial institution, the company has built a strong reputation for shaping the investment landscape in the MENA region.
Landmark Transactions in 2024
SICO Investment Banking played a pivotal role in several significant transactions in 2024, further cementing its position as a top-tier player in the industry. One of the firm’s most notable achievements was leading the BHD 9 million initial public offering (IPO) of AlAbraaj Restaurants Group, which was oversubscribed by 2.6 times. Additionally, SICO acted as Co-Lead Manager for Lulu Retail’s IPO on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), supporting one of the largest hypermarket chains in the Middle East as it prepared for its listing.
The firm also contributed to a key bond issuance, serving as Joint Lead Manager and Joint Bookrunner for BBK’s USD benchmark 5-year bond, which yielded 6.875%. The bond offering saw an impressive order book closing at approximately USD 1 billion, demonstrating strong investor demand.
In another major deal, SICO provided financial advisory services for the merger between Truffle Hospitality and Bahrain Family Leisure Company (BFLC). This transaction further showcased SICO’s ability to advise on complex and impactful mergers and acquisitions.
A Strong Regional Presence
SICO’s long-standing presence in Bahrain and its active involvement in high-profile regional deals has cemented its reputation as a trusted advisor and key player in MENA’s financial markets. The firm has played a crucial role in several landmark transactions, including the cross-border acquisition of Ahli United Bank by Kuwait Finance House and the APM Terminals IPO—the most successful on the Bahrain Bourse in the past decade.
In addition, SICO was instrumental in the acquisition of Bahrain Islamic Bank by the National Bank of Bahrain, further solidifying its reputation as a reliable and experienced advisor in Bahrain and the broader MENA region.
Global Finance’s Rigorous Selection Process
The winners of the Global Finance World’s Best Investment Banks Awards are selected based on several stringent criteria, including market share, the size and number of deals, level of service, structuring capabilities, innovation, and after-market performance of underwritings. SICO’s consistent performance in these areas has earned the firm its sixth consecutive win in this prestigious category.
The recognition reflects SICO’s ongoing efforts to innovate, adapt to market conditions, and provide its clients with exceptional service and financial solutions. As the MENA region continues to grow and evolve, SICO’s role in shaping the investment landscape remains as vital as ever.
