Hejaz B.S.C. (c) Granted Category 1 Investment Business Firm Licence by the Central Bank of Bahrain

The license provides regulatory framework for Hejaz B.S.C. (c) to establish and develop its investment business in one of the world's established Islamic finance markets subject to applicable regulatory requirements.

Bahrain, 10th September 2026 -- Hejaz B.S.C. (c), a Bahraini closed shareholding company, has been granted a Category 1 Investment Business Firm licence by the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB), effective 2 July 2026.

The Category 1 license permits the widest range of regulated investment activities within the Central Bank of Bahrain's investment business firm licensing framework.

The license provides the regulatory framework for Hejaz B.S.C. (c) as it develops its investment business and establishes its presence within Bahrain's Islamic Finance sector.

Regulatory Framework for Investment Activities

Under its Category 1 licence, Hejaz B.S.C. (c) may undertake a broad range of regulated investment activities, including dealing in financial instruments as principal and as agent, arranging deals in financial instruments, managing financial instruments, safeguarding financial instruments, providing investment advice, and operating collective investment undertakings.

Category 1 permits the broadest range of regulated investment activities among the CBB's investment business firm license categories.

Given the breadth of activities permitted, firms operating under this category are also subject to the most stringent requirements of the three categories, including the highest minimum capital requirement and enhanced prudential, conduct and governance obligations.

For Hejaz B.S.C. (c), this comprehensive framework provides the foundation to establish and progressively develop a regulated investment business in Bahrain.

Why Bahrain

Bahrain has spent decades building its position as an established financial centre and has developed a strong Islamic finance ecosystem. The Kingdom is also home to key industry institutions, including the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI), headquartered in Manama.

Its combination of regulatory depth, Islamic finance expertise and regional connectivity makes Bahrain an important market for the long-term development of Sharia-compliant financial services.

For Hejaz B.S.C. (c), establishing a regulated presence in Bahrain provides an opportunity to participate in this ecosystem while building the foundations for its future investment business in the Kingdom.

Hakan Ozyon, CEO of Hejaz, said:

“Bahrain has established itself as an important centre for Islamic finance, supported by a mature regulatory environment and deep industry expertise. Being licensed as a Category 1 Investment Business Firm provides Hejaz B.S.C. (c) with a comprehensive regulatory foundation as we establish our presence in the market.”

“Our focus is on building for the long term and contributing to the continued development of Sharia-compliant investment solutions within Bahrain’s established financial ecosystem.”

Building for the Long Term

The granting of the Category 1 licence represents a foundational step in the development of Hejaz B.S.C. (c)’s investment business in Bahrain.

With the regulatory framework now in place, Hejaz B.S.C. (c) intends to progressively develop its presence and investment business in Bahrain, subject to applicable regulatory requirements.

Hejaz B.S.C. (c) intends to launch investment fund offerings in Bahrain, subject to the relevant regulatory approvals. While operating a collective investment undertaking falls within the scope of a Category 1 licence, each fund requires separate authorisation or registration by the CBB before it can be established or offered to investors.

The Category 1 licence therefore represents not an end point, but the regulatory foundation from which Hejaz B.S.C. (c) can continue building its investment business in Bahrain over time.

For further information, please contact: media@hejaz.com

Hejaz BSC (c) ("Hejaz") is licensed and regulated by the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) as a Category 1 Investment Business Firm (CR: 176913-1). The information contained herein does not constitute investment advice, an offer, invitation, or recommendation to invest in any financial product or service.