Commitment to sustainability – from financing green and blue bonds, to creating digital access for customers, to maintaining transparent governance for all stakeholders – can enable banks to create a culture that fosters long-term resilience, trust and value creation.

Joseph Giarraputo, Founder and Editorial Director of Global Finance, talks to Sohail Sultan, Chairman, iibGroup, about the bank’s wide-ranging sustainability initiatives and how they have shaped the institution’s identity and culture.

Committed to serving as a sustainability leader in the community, iib’s sustainability initiatives span multiple sectors. In healthcare, for example, the bank has run blood donation campaigns and supported oncology services. iib’s educational programsincludes partnering with the British Foreign Office to sponsor post-graduates for UK education as well as sponsoring technology upgrades and providing digital media solutions for corporate employees.

iib was recognized as the Best Private Bank for Impact Investing and Sustainability – Africa at the 2025 Global Private Banking Awards in London—an honor that highlights our commitment to building a more inclusive and sustainable financial landscape across the continent.

The award was accepted by Sohail Sultan, Chairman of Carassoup; S.K. Husain, Chief Operating Officer of the iib Group; and Joseph Carasso, Executive Director of iib West Africa.

This award reflects iib’s ongoing commitment to providing smart and responsible capital, supporting high-impact sectors, and creating opportunities for communities and businesses across Africa. It reinforces our belief that strong financial performance and positive social impact go hand in hand.

From supporting SMEs and promoting digital inclusion to strengthening regional value chains, this recognition reaffirms our commitment to shaping a future where finance serves as a catalyst for progress.

iib – Your Bank, Your Future.

Intercontinental Investment Bank (iib) has signed a EUR 10 million Line of Credit Agreement with the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) to support the growth of the private sector in the Republic of Cabo Verde.

The agreement aims to finance small and medium-sized enterprises operating in the sectors of trade, food industries, and fisheries, contributing to the country’s sustainable economic development.

It was signed on behalf of iib by Mr. Sohail Sultan, Chairman of the iibGroup, and on behalf of BADEA by H.E. Abdullah ALMUSABEEH, President of BADEA.

In a strategic milestone for East Africa, iibGroup (Bahrain) and iib East Africa (Djibouti) have partnered with TLG Capital to structure a US$10 million private credit facility aimed at transforming Djibouti’s digital infrastructure. This transaction channels private capital into one of the region’s most promising sectors — enabling faster, more affordable internet access, boosting SME competitiveness, and fostering inclusive economic growth.

For iib, this initiative reinforces our long-term vision: to connect international investment with local opportunity. By aligning with Djibouti’s national development priorities, we’re accelerating the country’s digital transformation and supporting its role as a regional connectivity hub.

Together with TLG, we’re proving that finance can be both impactful and profitable, bridging global capital and African innovation.

iib East Africa received the award of the “Best Bank 2025 in Djibouti” at the Global Finance Magazine Awards ceremony, held in Washington D.C. on October 18, 2025.

This distinction reflects our unwavering commitment to empowering people, driving innovation and building a stronger financial future for our communities.

The award was presented to Sohail Sultan, President of iib Group, SK Husain, Director of iib Group Operations, Papa Demba Diop, General Manager of iib East Africa, and Ali Daoud, Head of Banking Supervision, Central Bank of Djibouti.

Congratulations to our entire team for this remarkable milestone!

Djibouti, September 1, 2025 – The British Embassy in Djibouti, in collaboration with iib East Africa, proudly hosted a Chevening pre-departure reception at the Kempinski Hotel Djibouti to honor this year’s Chevening Scholars. The event brought together members of the Chevening Alumni community, friends, and family to celebrate the academic journeys ahead.

Among those honored was Mr. Ahmed Omar Robleh, who will soon depart for the United Kingdom to pursue an MSc in Construction Project Management at the London Metropolitan University, generously funded by iib as part of the Chevening Scholarship programme.

During the evening, His Excellency Ambassador Talwar welcomed the gathering and emphasized the enduring importance of academic exchange between Djibouti and the United Kingdom.

Papa Demba DIOP, CEO of iib East Africa, presented Mr. Robleh with a certificate and pre- departure package, while highlighting iib’s strong commitment to education as a driver of social and economic transformation.

“At iib East Africa, we believe banking and investment are not ends in themselves, but instruments for social and economic development,” said Mr. DIOP. “Education holds a central place in our vision because it unlocks potential, builds leadership, and empowers individuals to give back to their societies. Supporting the Chevening scholarship is an investment in the future leaders of our countries. Ahmed’s pursuit of construction project management could not be more relevant to Djibouti’s future, and we are confident his skills will contribute to building a resilient and connected
nation.”

The reception also featured messages from the broader Chevening Alumni community in Djibouti, and concluded with a heartfelt farewell to Ahmed Omar Robleh, Djibouti’s departing iib Chevening Scholar for 2025.

About Chevening
Chevening is the UK Government’s international scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations. It offers outstanding emerging leaders from around the world the opportunity to pursue one-year master’s degrees in the UK.

About iib East Africa
iib East Africa is part of the iibGroup, an international banking group with operations across East Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, West Africa, and the Caribbean. Guided by its mission of contributing to social and economic prosperity, iib dedicates a portion of its annual earnings to education, health, and environmental causes, with education remaining a cornerstone of its community investment.

Media Contact:
Farah Sayeed
Director, Brands & Marcom
Intercontinental Investment Bank
farah.sayeed@iibanks.com

London, October 7, 2025 — iib West Africa has been recognized by Global Finance magazine with the Top Innovation in Finance in Africa award as part of “The Innovators 2025” program. The award ceremony took place in London on October 7th, bringing together global financial leaders and technology innovators from across the world.

The award highlights iib West Africa’s pioneering online account opening service, which has transformed how customers in Cape Verde and beyond access banking services—combining speed, accessibility, and security while maintaining the bank’s hallmark of personalized service excellence. “This award recognizes iib West Africa’s ability to keep pace with the growing digitization of the market and respond to the demand for faster, more accessible, and secure banking solutions while maintaining our high quality of service,” said Joseph Carasso, CEO of iib West Africa. “It is a proud moment for our team and a reflection of our continuous commitment to innovation in financial services.”

The digital account opening platform—available free of charge—allows individuals and businesses to open accounts remotely in three currencies: CVE, USD, and EU. The platform eliminates traditional barriers to entry by simplifying onboarding and ensuring compliance with the highest international standards of security and data protection.

Building on this milestone, iib West Africa plans to further expand its digital ecosystem with new features, including online credit applications, investment tools, and other essential banking services. These developments are part of the bank’s long-term strategy to make comprehensive financial solutions fully accessible online, aligning with Cape Verde’s vision for a digitally connected economy.

In attendance at the ceremony from iibGroup were S.K. Husain – COO, Husain AlMusawi – Director IT, Farah Sayeed – Director Brands and MarCom and Karine Moreno from iib West Africa.

The Innovators 2025 award recognizes institutions that are reshaping how financial services are delivered through creativity and technology. iib West Africa’s digital account opening initiative is an exemplary model of innovation driving inclusion and customer empowerment. With this distinction, iib West Africa reinforces its position as a leading financial institution in the West African region, headquartered in Cape Verde, and continues to champion innovation and accessibility as cornerstones of its growth strategy.

London, UK – 12 August, 2025 – iibGroup is pleased to announce that Mr. Sohail Sultan, Chairman of iibGroup, has been named CEO of the Year in the Banking Industry at the European CEO Awards 2025–2026.

This marks Mr. Sultan’s second consecutive recognition by European CEO, following his 2024 award as CEO of the Year in the Finance Industry. The consecutive honours reflect his continued leadership, extensive international banking experience, and contribution to iibGroup’s growth across multiple regions. The judging panel highlighted Mr. Sultan’s strategic leadership, international banking experience, and role in expanding iibGroup’s presence across emerging and international markets.

“Mr. Sohail Sultan’s continued leadership, international experience, and clear vision for iibGroup’s expansion distinguished him within the banking category. His ability to connect regional opportunities with international financial markets reflects the forward-looking leadership recognised by this award,” the judging panel stated.

The 2025 recognition comes during a period of continued expansion for iibGroup, including the establishment of new offices and institutional presence across Europe and East Africa. Under Mr. Sultan’s leadership, the Group has continued to strengthen its cross-border banking capabilities, investment banking platform, correspondent banking network, and international partnerships.

With more than three decades of experience in global banking and financial services, Mr. Sultan has held senior leadership roles across international institutions, including Citibank and Barclays Capital. His career has covered structured finance, capital markets, product development, financial institutions, and cross-border investment across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and North America.

The consecutive European CEO recognition reinforces Mr. Sultan’s position as a leading figure in the banking industry and reflects the progress made by iibGroup in expanding its footprint, strengthening its institutional capabilities, and building a more connected international banking platform.

LONDON, United Kingdom, July 19, 2025 (EZ Newswire) — iib East Africa, opens new tab has earned international recognition for its leadership in sustainable banking, securing three prestigious awards in 2025 from Euromoney, Global Finance and World Finance.

These accolades underscore iib East Africa’s unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility, ethical banking practices, and inclusive economic development in the Horn of Africa.

On July 18, 2025, Euromoney, opens new tab named iib East Africa Djibouti’s Best Bank for ESG, opens new tab in its 2025 Awards for Excellence, reinforcing the bank’s role as a catalyst for impact-driven finance in one of Africa’s fastest-growing trade corridors.

On January 20, 2025, Global Finance, opens new tab named iib East Africa as the Best Sustainable Bank in its 2025 Sustainable Finance Awards, opens new tab, recognizing the bank’s integration of ESG principles into core operations, innovative green financing frameworks, and community-led climate initiatives.

On June 23, 2025, World Finance, opens new tab awarded iib East Africa the title of Most Sustainable Bank in Djibouti, opens new tab, commending its efforts to decarbonize lending portfolios, champion SME access to sustainable finance, and fund renewable infrastructure across the region.

ib West Africa has been awarded Best Commercial Bank 2025 by World Finance, a leading voice in global financial journalism. The recognition reflects the bank’s consistent performance, deep client relationships, and strong contribution to West Africa’s commercial banking landscape.

Over the past year, iib West Africa has focused on enabling trade, supporting SMEs, and expanding access to financial services across key sectors. Its tailored approach to client needs, paired with digital efficiency, has positioned the bank as a reliable partner in a rapidly evolving market.

“This award is a testament to the strength of our regional strategy and the trust we’ve built with our clients,” said Sohail Sultan, Group CEO of iib. “We are committed to building a commercial banking model that accelerates inclusive growth and delivers value beyond numbers. This award belongs to our clients and our teams who deliver with purpose every day.”

iib West Africa has strengthened its support for cross-border trade, agriculture, and infrastructure projects, while continuing to simplify banking for everyday entrepreneurs. Its performance reflects the bank’s vision to become the partner of choice for businesses seeking stability and growth.

“At iib West Africa, we see banking as an engine for opportunity,” said Joseph Carasso Junior, Regional CEO – West Africa. “Our focus is on making finance more accessible, more impactful, and more relevant to the challenges and ambitions of our clients across the region.”

The World Finance Banking Awards celebrate institutions that demonstrate innovation, performance, and impact. iib West Africa’s win reflects the bank’s ongoing commitment to progress and excellence across the region.

About World Finance

World Finance is a leading bi-monthly financial publication that has been operating since 2007, offering in-depth coverage and analysis of the financial industry, international business, and global economic trends. With a focus on innovation, leadership, and market intelligence, its annual awards recognize excellence across banking, finance, and corporate governance worldwide.