The National Commercial Bank - AlahliNCB: Company Profile

Background

The National Commercial Bank (NCB), now known as the Saudi National Bank (SNB), was established in 1953 as the first Saudi bank licensed in the Kingdom. It is the largest financial institution in Saudi Arabia and a leading entity in the region. In April 2021, NCB merged with Samba Financial Group, forming the Saudi National Bank. The bank offers a comprehensive range of financial services, including retail, corporate, investment, and private banking. It serves a diverse customer base, including individuals, corporate entities, and institutional clients across various industries. SNB operates within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and has international subsidiaries, branches, and offices in countries such as Bahrain, the UAE, Qatar, Singapore, Pakistan, Turkey, China, and South Korea.

Key Strategic Focus

SNB's strategic focus includes:

Digital Transformation: The launch of "NEO" Digital Banking in September 2024, offering an unprecedented digital banking experience.

Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with entities like Areeb Capital, ROSHN Group, and Mastercard to expand financial services across real estate, community development, and payment sectors.

Sustainability and Social Responsibility: Initiatives such as employee homeownership programs and community projects, reflecting a commitment to sustainable finance and corporate social responsibility.

Financials and Funding

As of August 2025, SNB reported:

Revenue: Approximately $9.6 billion.

Funding: A total of $1.7 billion raised over two funding rounds, with the latest round on June 4, 2025.

Pipeline Development

SNB's pipeline development includes:

Digital Banking: The introduction of "NEO" Digital Banking in September 2024, enhancing digital banking services.

Strategic Collaborations: Partnerships with Areeb Capital, ROSHN Group, and Mastercard to expand financial services in real estate, community development, and payment sectors.

Technological Platform and Innovation

SNB employs a robust technological platform, including:

Digital Banking: The "NEO" Digital Banking platform, launched in September 2024, offering an advanced digital banking experience.

Fintech Collaborations: Partnerships with fintech companies like Ottu to enhance the digital payment landscape in Saudi Arabia.

Leadership Team

The leadership team at SNB includes:

Talal Al-Khereiji: Chief Executive Officer.

Saleh Mohammed Saleh: Chief Technology Officer.

Waleed Hassan Abdulshakoor: Group Chief Legal Counsel.

Ahmed Ali Aldhabi: Chief Financial Officer - Group.

Ali Mushabbab Alqahtani: Group Chief Audit Officer.

Market Insights and Competitor Analysis

The Saudi banking sector is characterized by robust liquidity, supported by strong deposit bases. For instance, Saudi National Bank reported a substantial deposit base of SAR 580 billion, despite a slight decrease of 1.7% due to withdrawals from current and savings accounts.

Key competitors in the Saudi banking sector include:

Al Rajhi Banking & Investment Corp: A major player in the Saudi banking industry.

Riyad Bank: Another significant competitor in the market.

Saudi Awwal Bank: A notable competitor in the region.

Alinma Bank: An emerging competitor in the Saudi banking sector.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

SNB has engaged in several strategic collaborations, including:

NEO Digital Banking: Launched in September 2024, offering an advanced digital banking experience.

Partnership with Ottu: In April 2024, SNB partnered with Ottu, a leading fintech company in the MENA region, to enhance the digital payment landscape in Saudi Arabia.

Collaboration with Areeb Capital: In May 2025, SNB signed a significant financing agreement with Areeb Capital, valued at SAR 5.8 billion, to expand financial services in the real estate sector.

Operational Insights

SNB's strategic initiatives, such as the launch of "NEO" Digital Banking and partnerships with fintech companies, position it as a leader in digital banking transformation in Saudi Arabia. These efforts enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction, strengthening its competitive position in the market.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

SNB's strategic roadmap includes:

Digital Transformation: Continuing to enhance digital banking services through platforms like "NEO" Digital Banking.

Strategic Partnerships: Expanding collaborations with fintech companies and other financial institutions to broaden service offerings.

Sustainability Initiatives: Focusing on sustainable finance and corporate social responsibility to support community development and environmental sustainability.