International Arab Bank of Tunisia (BIAT) Holds Financial Communication Event
The International Arab Bank of Tunisia (BIAT) organized a financial communication event at its headquarters in collaboration with the Association of Stock Exchange Intermediaries (AIB) in the presence of stock exchange intermediaries from the Tunisian market. On this occasion, Elyes Jebir, General Manager of BIAT, presented the bank's strategic projects and main achievements for the 2024 exercise.
Pursuing BIAT's Strategic Projects
At the opening of the session, Elyes Jebir highlighted the solidity of the bank's governance model, which relies on an active Board of Directors, specialized committees, and a fully engaged General Management.
He then presented the strategic projects that marked the 2024 exercise:
Accelerated Digital Transformation
A new stage in BIAT's digital transformation was reached with the deployment of the MyBIATRetail and MyBIATCorporate platforms, which have approximately 400,000 active clients and centralize 66% of client transfers. New features will soon be deployed, particularly for offshore companies and international trade societies.
To consolidate its technological innovation capacity, BIAT created a dedicated subsidiary, BIAT Innovation & Technology, in 2024. This subsidiary brings together the bank's technical expertise in an environment conducive to innovation, with the mission of driving digital and data development, implementing new technological solutions, and strengthening information system security.
Modernized Network Serving Proximity
In line with its transformation strategy, BIAT continued to deploy its new agency concept, with nearly 40 renovated agencies across the national territory by the end of 2024. These modern, convivial, and advisory spaces aim to enhance the customer experience by combining human support and digital innovation.
In parallel, the bank generalized the digitalization of agency reception with the implementation of a virtual queue management system in 65 agencies. This system allows online appointment scheduling, efficient management of agency flows, and collection and analysis of customer feedback.
Strong Commitment to Inclusive Development
BIAT continued its commitment to inclusive and sustainable development in 2024, in line with the national strategy. The bank supported community societies through participation in the state's credit line and training, structuring, and development programs.
Human Capital Valorization
In 2024, the bank launched several initiatives to establish transparent and equitable career management, promote skill development, and strengthen managerial proximity.
Financial Performance: Consolidating Fundamentals and Commitment to the Real Economy
At the end of the 2024 exercise, BIAT confirmed its financial solidity and resilience, relying on robust fundamentals and a controlled commercial dynamic. The bank distinguished itself by maintaining a reference position in the Tunisian banking landscape, particularly in terms of deposit collection and net banking product generation. It also preserved a privileged position in credit distribution.
As of the end of 2024, the net banking product stood at 1,479.7 million dinars, benefiting from the performance of the investment portfolio. The net result reached 357.7 million dinars, showing a 7.9% increase compared to 2023, thanks to a nearly halved client risk cost, which decreased from 220 million dinars to 111.5 million dinars.
Deposit collection reached 20,814 million dinars, consolidating BIAT's reference position on the market. The structure of these resources remains particularly qualitative, reflecting the trust and proximity maintained with customers.
Net credits amount to 12,807 million dinars, testifying to BIAT's commitment to financing the economy. The credit dynamic reflects a positive trend, with a global increase of 2.9%, driven by an acceleration of SME financing. Particularly attentive to the strategic role of SMEs in the national economic fabric, BIAT continues to accord them an important place in its portfolio, reflecting a constant commitment to entrepreneurial initiative.
The bank continues to support all economic sectors, with a focus on industry.
With a total balance sheet of 24,996 million dinars, the solvency ratio remains at a comfortable level, exceeding 15% at 15.4%, confirming the solidity of the bank's financial foundation.
The BIAT Group now has over 3,600 employees and relies on the complementarity of its businesses to support a diversified customer base, contribute to the employability of young graduates, and promote the country's economic development. In 2024, the BIAT Group made a significant contribution to sustainable development by generating and distributing substantial financial resources, including direct taxes amounting to 342 million dinars.
For 2025, BIAT aims to continue its growth trajectory, building on its achievements and affirming its positioning in deposit collection and credit distribution while strengthening its risk management.
Regulatory Compliance
As a responsible and regulation-compliant bank, BIAT actively collaborated with the Central Bank of Tunisia (BCT) and the Interbank Electronic Payment System (SIBTEL) to implement the electronic check platform following the promulgation of Law 2024-41. A dedicated team of experts was mobilized to provide the required IT adjustments and make the new checkbooks available within the allotted timeframe. Efforts were also made to support employees and customers in understanding and integrating the innovations. These efforts demonstrate BIAT's commitment to supporting this national project for a modern banking model.
Moreover, BIAT fully engaged in the application of Article 412 ter of Law 2024-41, related to the 50% reduction of fixed-rate interest for real estate loans. The bank mobilized technical and human resources to process all eligible customer requests within a very short timeframe.
Awards and Distinctions Received by BIAT
The year 2024 was marked by international recognitions, testifying to the solidity of BIAT's model, the quality of its governance, and the relevance of its strategic choices. The bank was elected Best Bank in Tunisia by the prestigious magazine Euromoney. Additionally, Capital Finance International (CFI) awarded BIAT three distinctions: Best Banking Governance in Tunisia, Best Digitalization Strategy in North Africa, and Exceptional Contribution to Youth Development in Tunisia.
Social Responsibility
BIAT continues its social responsibility strategy through the financing, management, and implementation of high-impact projects, carried out by the bank and its Foundation.
Within the framework of the Tunisian national policy, BIAT ensured the complete renovation of the Belvédère municipal swimming pool and Pasteur Square, iconic sites in the capital. The bank financed and piloted the works in close collaboration with the competent public authorities. This project restored the swimming pool's historical charm while ensuring its compliance with safety and comfort standards.
In the educational field, the BIAT Foundation, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, rehabilitated nine public schools in the governorates of Tunis and Ariana, benefiting 6,300 students and pupils.
As part of its support for sports and inclusion, BIAT also consolidated its commitment to handisport through a partnership with the Tunisian Federation of Sports for the Disabled. This partnership enabled the bank to sponsor young athletes and accompany them in their preparation and participation in major international competitions, including the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
