Manama, Bahrain 2 November, 2025 – Al Salam Bank has announced the launch of “ASB Pay Business”, a cutting-edge digital Point-of-Sale (POS) platform powered by Arab Financial Services (AFS), set to transform the payments landscape in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The announcement of the launch took place during the Gateway Gulf Investment Forum Bahrain 2025, reflecting the Bank’s continued commitment to empowering businesses and driving digital transformation in the financial sector.
Designed to meet the diverse needs of all business segments from large corporates to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), freelancers, virtual CRs and home businesses, ASB Pay Business offers a comprehensive end-to-end digital payment solution that allows merchants to accept payments directly through their smartphones without the need for traditional POS terminals. The platform features digital invoicing, payment links, direct bank integration, and real-time transaction tracking through a user-friendly and secure interface. It also enables same-day settlements for merchants holding accounts with Al Salam Bank, ensuring smooth cash flow and operational efficiency.
ASB Pay Business also integrates seamlessly with accounting systems, e-commerce platforms, and operations management tools, making it scalable for businesses of all sizes from home-based startups to medium and large enterprises. With over 70% of MSMEs in Bahrain now obtaining digital payment solutions and mobile-based transactions growing by 30% annually, the demand for secure, efficient, and flexible payment channels continues to rise, reflecting the increased preference for secure and efficient digital experiences. The digital payments market in Bahrain is projected to reach USD 14 billion by 2025, driven by a smartphone penetration rate exceeding 160% and a regional shift toward soft POS adoption, which has grown by 20% year-on-year. These trends underscore the growing importance of innovative and accessible financial tools that empower businesses to thrive in today’s fast-evolving digital economy.
Commenting on the sidelines of the Gateway Gulf 2025 Investment Forum, Mr. Anwar Murad, Deputy Group CEO – Banking at Al Salam Bank, said: “The launch of ASB Pay Business marks a transformative step in the digital payments landscape in Bahrain and aligns with the Bank’s vision to offer innovative financial solutions that address local market needs while enhancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem. We are dedicated to empowering the MSME sector with smart digital tools that enhance operational efficiency and support business expansion. We encourage all business owners to benefit from this platform, which allows them to accept payments easily, both locally and internationally, supported by a full suite of services designed to drive business growth.”
Reflecting on this announcement, Mr. Samer Soliman, Chief Executive Officer of Arab Financial Services (AFS), stated: “At AFS, we are proud to serve as the technology partner to Al Salam Bank in launching ASB Pay Business a solution built to meet the aspirations of clients across various business segments, particularly MSMEs. Our contribution lies in providing a secure and advanced payment infrastructure that enables seamless and flexible payment acceptance across multiple channels, supporting the growth and development of businesses in an increasingly digital environment. This strategic partnership with Al Salam Bank reflects our shared vision to drive innovation in the digital payments space and advance financial inclusion by empowering businesses and startups with smart technological tools that align with market needs and support long-term business sustainability.” This strategic collaboration between Al Salam Bank and AFS reinforces their shared commitment to supporting the MSME sector, which remains a vital pillar of the Kingdoms’ economic growth. ASB Pay Business serves as a key enabler in advancing this goal by facilitating access to modern digital financial services that strengthen the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of small businesses. It also reflects both organizations’ strong focus on corporate social responsibility, promoting local entrepreneurship through a digitally inclusive and empowered banking environment.
