BACB Promotes Damian Austin as CEO to Lead Global Banking Growth
Aug 14, 2026 | By Oliver Bennett

UK-based British Arab Commercial Bank (BACB) has officially promoted Damian Austin as its new CEO. He has been serving as acting CEO since May.
SUMMARY
- British Arab Commercial Bank (BACB) has appointed Damian Austin as its new CEO.
- Austin had been serving as acting CEO since May after Paul Jennings left the bank.
- Austin returned to BACB in 2022 and became Chief Banking Officer in 2023.
Before becoming CEO, Austin was BACB’s Chief Banking Officer (CBO). He took over as 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 started his banking career at BACB in 1995, working as a trade finance manager. He later gained leadership experience at major banks, including Bank ABC, Barclays, and HSBC.
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Austin returned to BACB in 2022 as Managing Director and Head of Trade Finance. He was promoted to Chief Banking Officer in 2023 and later became acting CEO in May before officially taking the top role.
BACB said Damian Austin played an important role in shaping the bank’s current strategy. His work helped the bank strengthen its focus and expand its business.
In 2025, BACB supported more than £4 billion in trade finance, showing the bank’s strong role in helping businesses with international trade.
Founded in 1972, BACB specialises in trade finance, treasury, and real estate services. The bank mainly serves businesses and customers across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
BACB now operates across more than 42 markets. In 2025, the bank expanded its presence to include markets such as Pakistan and Angola.








