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.
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
Midnite Secures €30M To Expand Its Sportsbook And Casino Platform
Kailee Rainse
Jan 16, 2026
[Funding alert] Amsterdam-based Verify Secures €1 Million in Funding
Oliver Bennett
Apr 17, 2024
Enlightra Raises $15M To Develop Energy-Efficient AI Data Centre Lasers
Kailee Rainse
Dec 18, 2025
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.
Recommended Stories for You
Eneryield funding news – Energy Tech Startup Eneryield Secures Undisclosed Amount of Seed Funding
Oliver Bennett May 28, 2024





