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BACB announces Damian Austin as new Chief Executive
London, 11 August 2026. British Arab Commercial Bank (BACB), the London-headquartered trade finance bank for specialist markets, has named experienced banker Damian Austin its new Chief Executive Officer.
Austin, who has served as BACB’s Chief Banking Officer since 2023, had been Acting CEO since the departure of former Chief Executive Officer Paul Jennings in May. On 24th July, he was confirmed by the Board of Directors as Chief Executive Officer on a permanent basis.
Austin brings deep familiarity with the business, its clients and the markets it serves, ensuring continuity for BACB alongside an ongoing programme of modernisation and expansion. Having started his career at BACB in the 1990s, he went on to hold senior positions at HSBC, Barclays and Bank ABC. Returning to BACB in 2022, Austin led the bank’s core trade finance business, ensuring the continued delivery of tailored solutions for clients trading in and out of emerging markets.
As a member of the bank’s executive committee, he was central in developing BACB’s current strategic direction, which has delivered a series of record financial results for the lender. In 2025 the bank supported more than £4.0 billion in trade finance transactions across 42 markets.
“I am delighted to have been appointed as Chief Executive Officer at BACB having started my career here over 30 years ago, it is indeed an honour.” commented Austin on his appointment. “I am extremely grateful to the BACB Shareholders and Board of Directors, led by Dr Yousef Al Awadi, for their confidence in me. Throughout my time at BACB, I have seen first-hand the talent, dedication and professionalism of colleagues across the Bank. The progress we have achieved would not have been possible without their hard work and support. I feel privileged to now lead this exceptional group of people as we take BACB’s into its next phase.”
“Damian is well placed to build on the bank’s current success and take it forward,” added BACB Chairman Dr Yousef Al Awadi KBE. “He has a track record of delivery, and his wealth of experience in the sector is complemented by the strong relationships that he’s developed over the years. BACB’s value is built on its regional knowledge, its prudent approach to risk management and its deep product expertise.”
About BACB:
BACB is an international wholesale bank with over 50 years’ experience providing global trade finance and treasury solutions to clients trading in and out of emerging & frontier markets. In addition to its trade finance offering, the Bank provides cash and liquidity management, UK Real Estate financing and operates a full Treasury function, which is active in foreign exchange, derivatives and debt capital markets. Headquartered in the City of London the Bank is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the PRA.
Media contact:
Rahul Moorthy
Finn Partners
+44 73 9363 0061