Bahrain Bourse and BIBF Unveil Second Edition of Board Mentorship Programme

Manama: Bahrain Bourse (BHB), a licensed exchange by the Central Bank of Bahrain, in collaboration with the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF), has announced the launch of the second edition of the Board Mentorship Programme. This initiative reinforces their commitment to fostering governance excellence and enhancing board leadership within Bahrain's corporate sector.

According to Bahrain News Agency, the launch event was attended by the Executive Management of Bahrain Bourse and the BIBF, along with selected participants from 19 institutions. Following a meticulous selection process, 21 professionals from various sectors were admitted into the program, showcasing their potential to take on future board roles.

The second edition builds on the foundational success of the inaugural cohort, which was initiated in May 2024. This continuation underscores the shared vision of BHB and BIBF to maintain the development of a robust pipeline of qualified board candidates.

Marwa Almaskati, Senior Director of Partnership Development, Sustainability, and Communications at Bahrain Bourse, highlighted the programme's role in enhancing corporate governance in Bahrain. She stated that by preparing individuals for board positions, the initiative supports personal development and fortifies the capital market's integrity. She noted that the success of the first edition demonstrated the programme's value, and its ongoing growth reflects Bahrain Bourse's dedication to governance development.

Anood Abbas, Head of the Leadership and Management Centre at BIBF, remarked that the programme is crucial for equipping emerging leaders with skills essential for strategic governance and decision-making. She expressed privilege in collaborating with Bahrain Bourse to develop future board members who will contribute insight and leadership to the boardroom, showing confidence in their future contributions to the industry.

Bahrain Bourse announced the second edition of the programme in February 2025. It aims to equip participants with the knowledge and expertise necessary for leadership roles on corporate boards, enabling them to guide their organisations towards success and sustainability through governance excellence.

The programme spans 32 training hours over five weeks, conducted by international trainers and industry experts. It is designed to provide participants with comprehensive insights and expertise for potential board positions. The programme concludes with a Board Factual Simulation to evaluate candidates' abilities in handling board decisions and identify steps to enhance those capabilities.