Forbes Middle East has named Houssem Ben Haj Amor, Group Chief Executive Officer of Al Baraka Group, among its Top 100 CEOs in the Middle East for 2026.
The regional business publication placed Ben Haj Amor at No. 84 on this year’s list. Forbes identified him as a Tunisian banking executive based in Bahrain. He has led Al Baraka Group since October 2022.
Forbes places Al Baraka CEO at No. 84
Forbes Middle East said its ranking assessed executives on their regional and market impact, experience, company size, recent performance, and major innovations or initiatives. Only CEOs of companies headquartered in the Middle East and North Africa qualified for consideration.
Forbes said Al Baraka Group’s total assets had crossed $31 billion in the first quarter of 2026. It also highlighted the Group’s network of about 600 branches across 13 countries as of 2025.
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The publication pointed to Al Baraka’s work to align artificial intelligence, digital operations, information technology and cybersecurity across its subsidiaries. It also cited stronger asset quality, with gross non-performing assets at 3%.
Ben Haj Amor also serves as chairman of Albaraka Türk Participation Bank, according to Forbes.
Growth and transformation at Al Baraka
The recognition comes as Al Baraka continues to pursue closer coordination among its banking subsidiaries. The Group has also focused on transformation projects, revenue diversification and improvements in banking services.
Its first-quarter results show the scale of that expansion. Al Baraka reported total assets of $31.37 billion at the end of March 2026. That compared with $31.01 billion at the end of 2025.
Total net income reached $93 million during the quarter, compared with $91 million a year earlier. Net income attributable to shareholders of the parent rose 12% to $52 million from $46 million.
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The Group said higher financing volumes and stronger activity in key markets, particularly Türkiye and Jordan, supported asset growth. It has also expanded cross-border banking and trade finance initiatives.
Al Baraka ended 2025 with record total net income of $357 million, up 16% from 2024. Assets rose 18% during the year to more than $31 billion, the highest level in the Group’s history.
Strategy built around integration and Islamic banking
Under Ben Haj Amor, Al Baraka has focused on using its geographic footprint more effectively. It has also strengthened cooperation across its banking network.
The approach aims to create more integrated services while opening new revenue opportunities across markets. The Group continues to develop its Islamic banking products and digital capabilities as the financial services industry evolves.
Its strategy also places emphasis on operational efficiency, prudent risk management and sustainable growth.
The Forbes recognition therefore comes during a period of expansion for the Bahrain-headquartered banking group. Despite regional and global economic volatility, Al Baraka has continued to report growth across several financial and operational indicators while pursuing deeper integration among its subsidiaries.
