BACB Appoints Damian Austin as CEO to Drive Global Banking Growth

British Arab Commercial Bank (BACB), based in the UK, has officially appointed Damian Austin as its new CEO. He had been serving as the acting CEO since May.

Before becoming CEO, Damian Austin served as BACB’s Chief Banking Officer (CBO). He became acting CEO after Paul Jennings left the bank.

Jennings left BACB to return to Bank ABC as Group CEO. He had previously worked at the Bahrain-based bank for more than 20 years, from 1999 to 2020.

Austin began his banking career at BACB in 1995 as a trade finance manager. He later held senior roles at major banks, including Bank ABC, Barclays and HSBC.

Austin returned to BACB in 2022 as Managing Director and Head of Trade Finance. In 2023, he was promoted to Chief Banking Officer. He later became acting CEO in May before officially taking the CEO position.

BACB said Austin played an important role in developing the bank’s current strategy. His leadership helped the bank sharpen its focus and grow its business.

In 2025, BACB supported more than £4 billion in trade finance, highlighting its important role in supporting international trade.

Founded in 1972, BACB focuses on trade finance, treasury and real estate services. The bank mainly works with businesses and customers across Africa, the Middle East and Asia.