NCB, Samba Complete Largest Banking Merger in Saudi Arabia

A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (AFP)
A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (AFP)
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NCB, Samba Complete Largest Banking Merger in Saudi Arabia

A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (AFP)
A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (AFP)

The Saudi National Commercial Bank (NCB) and Samba Financial Group (Samba) announced Thursday the formal completion of the biggest merger in the Middle East to create a new Saudi banking champion and a regional powerhouse.

Operations under the new combined entity name, Saudi National Bank (SNB) became effective as of April 1, and the two banks will continue to serve customers as normal while progressing the full integration of products and services.

Customers should continue to bank as normal with their respective banks and will not experience any difference in their banking services.

In case of any updates to products, services, or if any action is required from a customer, the bank will communicate in advance to advise of any changes.

The new bank began trading as a single listed entity on the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) on April 1, while Samba shares had been de-listed, and all its assets, liabilities, and operations transferred into the Saudi National Bank, which will continue to honor Samba’s obligations going forward.

Saudi National Bank is the largest bank in Saudi Arabia with a 30 percent market share across all metrics. It has over $239 billion in total assets, $34 billion in shareholders’ equity, and a combined net profit of $4.2 billion.

As a strong bank with a robust capital position and strong liquidity, SNB is optimally positioned to finance economic development and enable the delivery of Vision 2030 by leveraging its increased scale, enhanced capabilities, and unparalleled employee talent.

SNA chairman, Ammar al-Khudairy explained that the formation of Saudi National Bank signals a new era of banking for the Kingdom.

He asserted that SNB is in prime position to compete regionally and locally, ultimately creating a positive impact for all of our stakeholders while accelerating the Kingdom’s journey toward Vision 2030.

SNB CEO Saeed al-Ghamdi noted that the legacy NCB and Samba served the Kingdom over the last 68 years and now, they combine their respective strengths to lead the future of banking that is committed to creating value for the nation and its people.

“Our customers remain our priority, and we look forward to ensuring a smooth transition as we enter into the integration process.”

Following earlier approval from the CMA for NCB to increase its capital to 44.78 billion, Samba shareholders will receive 0.739 ordinary shares in SNB as consideration for every ordinary Samba Financial Group share held.



Malaysia Prime Minister Confident on Resolving Petronas-Petros Dispute

This handout photo taken and released by Malaysia's Department of Information on May 2, 2025 shows Kosovo's President Vjosa Osmani (L) speaking as Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (R) listens during a joint press conference in Putrajaya. (Photo by NIZAM ZANIL / MALAYSIA'S DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION / AFP)
This handout photo taken and released by Malaysia's Department of Information on May 2, 2025 shows Kosovo's President Vjosa Osmani (L) speaking as Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (R) listens during a joint press conference in Putrajaya. (Photo by NIZAM ZANIL / MALAYSIA'S DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION / AFP)
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Malaysia Prime Minister Confident on Resolving Petronas-Petros Dispute

This handout photo taken and released by Malaysia's Department of Information on May 2, 2025 shows Kosovo's President Vjosa Osmani (L) speaking as Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (R) listens during a joint press conference in Putrajaya. (Photo by NIZAM ZANIL / MALAYSIA'S DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION / AFP)
This handout photo taken and released by Malaysia's Department of Information on May 2, 2025 shows Kosovo's President Vjosa Osmani (L) speaking as Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (R) listens during a joint press conference in Putrajaya. (Photo by NIZAM ZANIL / MALAYSIA'S DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION / AFP)

Malaysia's Prime Minister said on Sunday he was confident that a dispute between energy company Petronas, owned by the federal government, and Petros, owned by the state of Sarawak, will be resolved through discussions with the Sarawak premier.
The two companies' long-running dispute over gas distribution rights escalated last week, with Petronas saying on Friday its Petronas Carigali subsidiary had received notices from the Sarawak state government about its activities there.
Petronas gave no further details but local media said Sarawak authorities told the company's Miri Crude Oil Terminal that it lacked a proper operating license, Reuters reported.
Sarawak has given Petronas Carigali 21 days to obtain the required license or face financial penalties under local state law, according to the reports.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he spoke to Sarawak state premier Abang Johari Openg regarding Petronas and Petros issues, based on principles that were previously agreed upon.
"When the premier returns from his official visit to London, we will immediately conduct further discussions to finalize it.
"I am highly confident that this issue will be resolved prudently by standing on the path of healthy and meaningful discourse," he said on his Facebook page.
Anwar also urged all parties to refrain from taking any actions or issuing any statements in the meantime.
Negotiations between Petronas and Petros stalled last year, heightening uncertainty over operations and investments in Sarawak's oil sector.
The impasse has raised concerns about the potential impact on Petronas revenues, which are a major source of income for the federal government. Sarawak holds more than 60% of Malaysia's gas reserves.