Top 10 Banks In Saudi Arabia In 2021

Nov 14, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 37 views

Navigating the financial landscape can be tricky, especially when you're trying to figure out which banks are the real MVPs. So, if you're looking for the top banks in Saudi Arabia in 2021, you've come to the right place! This list will give you a rundown of the biggest players in the Saudi banking sector, highlighting what makes them stand out.

Understanding the Saudi Arabian Banking Sector

The Saudi Arabian banking sector is a powerhouse, fueled by the Kingdom's robust economy and strategic position in the global market. Before we dive into the top 10, let's get a quick overview. The banking sector in Saudi Arabia is well-regulated by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), ensuring stability and security. This regulation helps maintain confidence among consumers and investors alike. The sector is characterized by a mix of traditional banking practices and increasing adoption of modern technologies.

Key Trends Shaping the Sector:

Digital Transformation: Banks are heavily investing in digital technologies to enhance customer experience and streamline operations. Think mobile banking apps, online services, and innovative payment solutions.
FinTech Integration: Collaborations between banks and FinTech companies are on the rise, bringing new and disruptive solutions to the market.
Focus on SMEs: There's an increased focus on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), recognizing their crucial role in the economy.
Regulatory Reforms: SAMA is continuously introducing reforms to strengthen the regulatory framework and promote financial stability.
Sustainable Finance: Growing emphasis on incorporating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into banking operations.

Understanding these trends will help you appreciate why certain banks are leading the pack. Now, let's jump into the list!

1. Saudi National Bank (SNB)

Topping our list is none other than Saudi National Bank (SNB), a true giant in the Saudi banking world. SNB was formed through the merger of National Commercial Bank (NCB) and Samba Financial Group, creating a formidable entity with unmatched resources and reach. As the largest bank in Saudi Arabia by assets, SNB plays a critical role in supporting the Kingdom's economic development. SNB isn't just about size; it's also about innovation and customer service. The bank is committed to providing a comprehensive suite of financial products and services, catering to individuals, businesses, and institutions. This includes everything from basic banking services to sophisticated investment solutions.

Why SNB Stands Out:

Market Dominance: As the largest bank, SNB has a significant market share and a vast customer base.
Comprehensive Services: Offers a wide array of banking products and services, meeting diverse customer needs.
Innovation: Embraces digital technologies to enhance customer experience and streamline operations.
Strategic Partnerships: Collaborates with other organizations to expand its reach and offer innovative solutions.
Financial Strength: Boasts a strong financial position, ensuring stability and reliability.

SNB's commitment to innovation is evident in its digital banking platforms. The bank is continuously investing in new technologies to make banking more convenient and accessible for its customers. SNB is also actively involved in supporting the Kingdom's Vision 2030, focusing on initiatives that promote economic diversification and sustainability. SNB's sheer scale allows it to invest in cutting-edge technologies and attract top talent, further solidifying its position as a leader in the Saudi banking sector. If you're looking for a bank that combines size, stability, and innovation, SNB is definitely one to consider. They are heavily invested in the latest technology to make their customers banking experience as efficient as possible.

2. Al Rajhi Bank

Next up, we have Al Rajhi Bank, a name synonymous with Islamic banking in Saudi Arabia. Al Rajhi Bank is not just one of the largest Islamic banks globally but also a pioneer in Shariah-compliant financial solutions. With a rich history and a strong commitment to ethical banking practices, Al Rajhi Bank has earned the trust of millions of customers. Al Rajhi Bank's success is rooted in its adherence to Islamic principles. The bank offers a wide range of Shariah-compliant products and services, including financing, investments, and insurance. This commitment to ethical banking has made it a popular choice among customers who prefer to align their financial activities with their values.

Key Highlights of Al Rajhi Bank:

Islamic Banking Leader: A pioneer in Shariah-compliant financial solutions.
Extensive Network: Boasts a vast network of branches and ATMs across the Kingdom.
Innovative Products: Continuously introduces new and innovative Islamic banking products.
Customer Focus: Prioritizes customer satisfaction and provides personalized services.
Community Engagement: Actively involved in community development initiatives.

Al Rajhi Bank's commitment to innovation is also noteworthy. The bank has been quick to adopt digital technologies, offering a range of online and mobile banking services. This has made banking more convenient and accessible for its customers, especially the younger generation. Al Rajhi Bank is also actively involved in supporting the Kingdom's Vision 2030. The bank is committed to promoting economic diversification and sustainable development, aligning its business activities with the Kingdom's long-term goals. Al Rajhi's dedication to Islamic finance makes it unique. This steadfast commitment resonates strongly with a significant portion of the Saudi population. For anyone seeking banking solutions aligned with Islamic values, Al Rajhi Bank is an excellent option.

3. Riyad Bank

Coming in at number three is Riyad Bank, another major player in the Saudi banking sector. Riyad Bank has a long and illustrious history, dating back to 1957. Over the years, it has grown into one of the largest banks in the Kingdom, with a reputation for stability and reliability. Riyad Bank offers a comprehensive range of financial products and services, catering to individuals, businesses, and institutions. This includes everything from basic banking services to sophisticated investment solutions. The bank is known for its strong corporate banking capabilities, providing financing and advisory services to some of the Kingdom's largest companies.

What Makes Riyad Bank Stand Out:

Strong Corporate Banking: A leader in providing financial services to businesses.
Comprehensive Services: Offers a wide array of banking products and services.
Financial Stability: Boasts a strong financial position, ensuring reliability.
Customer Focus: Prioritizes customer satisfaction and provides personalized services.
Digital Innovation: Embraces digital technologies to enhance customer experience.

Riyad Bank's commitment to customer service is also noteworthy. The bank has invested heavily in training its staff to provide personalized and efficient service. This has helped it build strong relationships with its customers, earning their trust and loyalty. Riyad Bank is also actively involved in supporting the Kingdom's Vision 2030. The bank is committed to promoting economic diversification and sustainable development, aligning its business activities with the Kingdom's long-term goals. Riyad Bank's long history and expertise in corporate banking make it a reliable choice for businesses of all sizes. It’s a great option for those who value experience and stability.

4. Saudi British Bank (SABB)

Our fourth spot is secured by Saudi British Bank (SABB), an affiliate of the HSBC Group. SABB combines local expertise with international banking standards, offering a unique blend of services. SABB has a long history in Saudi Arabia, dating back to 1978. The bank has built a strong reputation for providing high-quality financial services to individuals, businesses, and institutions. SABB's affiliation with HSBC gives it access to a global network and expertise. This allows it to offer a wide range of international banking services, making it a popular choice among businesses with cross-border operations.

Why Choose SABB?

International Expertise: Affiliation with HSBC provides access to global resources.
Comprehensive Services: Offers a wide array of banking products and services.
Strong Corporate Banking: A leader in providing financial services to businesses.
Customer Focus: Prioritizes customer satisfaction and provides personalized services.
Digital Innovation: Embraces digital technologies to enhance customer experience.

SABB's commitment to innovation is evident in its digital banking platforms. The bank has invested heavily in new technologies to make banking more convenient and accessible for its customers. This has helped it attract a younger generation of customers who value convenience and efficiency. SABB is also actively involved in supporting the Kingdom's Vision 2030. The bank is committed to promoting economic diversification and sustainable development, aligning its business activities with the Kingdom's long-term goals. With its international connections and strong local presence, SABB offers a compelling package for businesses and individuals alike. They blend both the best of local knowledge with global reach.

5. Arab National Bank (ANB)

Taking the fifth position is Arab National Bank (ANB), a bank known for its strong focus on customer service and community engagement. ANB has been operating in Saudi Arabia since 1967. Over the years, it has grown into one of the leading banks in the Kingdom, with a reputation for reliability and integrity. ANB offers a comprehensive range of financial products and services, catering to individuals, businesses, and institutions. The bank is known for its strong retail banking capabilities, providing personalized services to its customers.

Key Advantages of ANB:

Customer Focus: Prioritizes customer satisfaction and provides personalized services.
Comprehensive Services: Offers a wide array of banking products and services.
Community Engagement: Actively involved in community development initiatives.
Financial Stability: Boasts a strong financial position, ensuring reliability.
Digital Innovation: Embraces digital technologies to enhance customer experience.

ANB's commitment to community engagement is also noteworthy. The bank is actively involved in supporting local communities, providing financial assistance and volunteer support to various initiatives. This has helped it build strong relationships with the communities it serves, earning their trust and loyalty. ANB is also actively involved in supporting the Kingdom's Vision 2030. The bank is committed to promoting economic diversification and sustainable development, aligning its business activities with the Kingdom's long-term goals. If you value personalized service and community involvement, ANB is a great choice. Their dedication to their customers makes them a stand out option.

6. Banque Saudi Fransi (BSF)

Securing the sixth spot is Banque Saudi Fransi (BSF), an affiliate of Crédit Agricole CIB. BSF combines international banking expertise with a deep understanding of the local market. BSF has been operating in Saudi Arabia since 1977. The bank has built a strong reputation for providing high-quality financial services to individuals, businesses, and institutions. BSF's affiliation with Crédit Agricole CIB gives it access to a global network and expertise. This allows it to offer a wide range of international banking services, making it a popular choice among businesses with cross-border operations.

Why Consider BSF?

International Expertise: Affiliation with Crédit Agricole CIB provides access to global resources.
Comprehensive Services: Offers a wide array of banking products and services.
Strong Corporate Banking: A leader in providing financial services to businesses.
Customer Focus: Prioritizes customer satisfaction and provides personalized services.
Digital Innovation: Embraces digital technologies to enhance customer experience.

BSF's commitment to innovation is evident in its digital banking platforms. The bank has invested heavily in new technologies to make banking more convenient and accessible for its customers. This has helped it attract a younger generation of customers who value convenience and efficiency. BSF is also actively involved in supporting the Kingdom's Vision 2030. The bank is committed to promoting economic diversification and sustainable development, aligning its business activities with the Kingdom's long-term goals. With its international connections and strong local presence, BSF offers a compelling package for businesses and individuals alike. Their focus on the future makes them a great option.

7. Alinma Bank

Landing in seventh place is Alinma Bank, a relatively new but rapidly growing bank in Saudi Arabia. Alinma Bank was established in 2009 with a mission to provide innovative Shariah-compliant banking solutions. Alinma Bank has quickly gained popularity among customers who prefer Islamic banking. The bank offers a wide range of Shariah-compliant products and services, including financing, investments, and insurance. Alinma Bank is known for its customer-centric approach and its commitment to providing personalized service. This has helped it build strong relationships with its customers, earning their trust and loyalty.

Key Features of Alinma Bank:

Islamic Banking Focus: Provides innovative Shariah-compliant financial solutions.
Customer Focus: Prioritizes customer satisfaction and provides personalized services.
Digital Innovation: Embraces digital technologies to enhance customer experience.
Community Engagement: Actively involved in community development initiatives.
Rapid Growth: Has experienced rapid growth since its establishment in 2009.

Alinma Bank's commitment to innovation is also noteworthy. The bank has been quick to adopt digital technologies, offering a range of online and mobile banking services. This has made banking more convenient and accessible for its customers, especially the younger generation. Alinma Bank is also actively involved in supporting the Kingdom's Vision 2030. The bank is committed to promoting economic diversification and sustainable development, aligning its business activities with the Kingdom's long-term goals. Alinma Bank's modern approach and focus on Islamic finance make it an appealing option for those seeking ethical banking solutions. Its innovative nature makes them a great choice for anyone.

8. Bank AlJazira

Occupying the eighth spot is Bank AlJazira, a bank committed to providing innovative and customer-centric banking solutions. Bank AlJazira has been operating in Saudi Arabia since 1976. Over the years, it has grown into one of the leading banks in the Kingdom, with a reputation for reliability and integrity. Bank AlJazira offers a comprehensive range of financial products and services, catering to individuals, businesses, and institutions. The bank is known for its strong retail banking capabilities, providing personalized services to its customers.

Why Choose Bank AlJazira?

Customer Focus: Prioritizes customer satisfaction and provides personalized services.
Comprehensive Services: Offers a wide array of banking products and services.
Innovative Solutions: Committed to providing innovative banking solutions.
Financial Stability: Boasts a strong financial position, ensuring reliability.
Digital Innovation: Embraces digital technologies to enhance customer experience.

Bank AlJazira's commitment to innovation is evident in its digital banking platforms. The bank has invested heavily in new technologies to make banking more convenient and accessible for its customers. This has helped it attract a younger generation of customers who value convenience and efficiency. Bank AlJazira is also actively involved in supporting the Kingdom's Vision 2030. The bank is committed to promoting economic diversification and sustainable development, aligning its business activities with the Kingdom's long-term goals. Bank AlJazira's dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction makes it a solid choice. They consistently seek to improve banking experiences.

9. Saudi Investment Bank (SAIB)

Ninth on our list is Saudi Investment Bank (SAIB), a bank known for its expertise in investment banking and corporate finance. SAIB has been operating in Saudi Arabia since 1976. Over the years, it has built a strong reputation for providing high-quality financial services to businesses and institutions. SAIB offers a range of investment banking services, including mergers and acquisitions, equity and debt financing, and asset management. The bank is known for its strong advisory capabilities, providing strategic advice to its clients.

Key Advantages of SAIB:

Investment Banking Expertise: A leader in providing investment banking services.
Corporate Finance Focus: Specializes in providing financial solutions to businesses.
Strong Advisory Capabilities: Provides strategic advice to its clients.
Financial Stability: Boasts a strong financial position, ensuring reliability.
International Network: Has a strong international network, facilitating cross-border transactions.

SAIB's commitment to innovation is evident in its digital platforms. The bank has invested heavily in new technologies to make banking more convenient and accessible for its customers. This has helped it attract a younger generation of customers who value convenience and efficiency. SAIB is also actively involved in supporting the Kingdom's Vision 2030. The bank is committed to promoting economic diversification and sustainable development, aligning its business activities with the Kingdom's long-term goals. SAIB's niche focus on investment banking and corporate finance makes it a go-to for businesses seeking specialized financial services. Their dedication is clear.

10. Gulf International Bank (GIB)

Rounding out our top 10 is Gulf International Bank (GIB), a regional bank with a strong presence in Saudi Arabia. GIB has been operating in the Gulf region since 1975. The bank has built a strong reputation for providing high-quality financial services to individuals, businesses, and institutions. GIB offers a range of banking products and services, including corporate banking, retail banking, and investment banking. The bank is known for its strong customer service and its commitment to providing personalized service.

Why Consider GIB?

Regional Presence: Has a strong presence in the Gulf region.
Comprehensive Services: Offers a wide array of banking products and services.
Customer Focus: Prioritizes customer satisfaction and provides personalized services.
Financial Stability: Boasts a strong financial position, ensuring reliability.
Digital Innovation: Embraces digital technologies to enhance customer experience.

GIB's commitment to innovation is evident in its digital banking platforms. The bank has invested heavily in new technologies to make banking more convenient and accessible for its customers. This has helped it attract a younger generation of customers who value convenience and efficiency. GIB is also actively involved in supporting the Kingdom's Vision 2030. The bank is committed to promoting economic diversification and sustainable development, aligning its business activities with the Kingdom's long-term goals. GIB's regional reach and customer-centric approach make it a valuable player in the Saudi banking sector. They really understand their customer base.

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks! The top 10 banks in Saudi Arabia in 2021. Each of these banks brings something unique to the table, whether it's a focus on Islamic finance, international expertise, or a commitment to customer service. When choosing a bank, it's essential to consider your individual needs and priorities. Do your research, compare the options, and pick the bank that's right for you. The Saudi banking sector is dynamic and competitive, so you can be sure that these banks will continue to evolve and innovate in the years to come. Stay informed, stay smart, and happy banking!