Consumer Information
Making a Complaint
The Central Bank of Bahrain reviews complaints received against licensees to ensure they are handled fairly, promptly and in line with the regulatory requirements set out in the CBB Rulebook.
As a consumer, you should first raise your complaint directly with the bank, financing company or insurer concerned and allow them the opportunity to respond. If you are not satisfied with their final response, or do not receive one within the stipulated period, you may escalate the matter to the CBB. You can also reach the Consumer Protection team on +973 17547789.
For complaints relating to Capital Markets, listed companies, brokers or investment products, please use the dedicated Capital Markets complaint form.
Overview
Under Article 3 of the Central Bank of Bahrain and Financial Institutions Law (2006), the CBB is responsible for protecting the interests of depositors and the customers of licensees, and for maintaining confidence in the financial system of the Kingdom.
Article 4 empowers the CBB to issue the regulations, directives and guidelines necessary to give effect to these objectives, including the conduct-of-business and consumer-protection rules that licensees must follow when dealing with their customers.
- Consumer alertswarnings about unlicensed entities and fraudulent schemes operating in or targeting Bahrain.
- Consumer guidesplain-language explanations of banking, lending and insurance products and your rights.
- Monitoring complaintsoversight of how licensees receive, investigate and resolve customer complaints.
- Deposit protection schemeprotection of eligible deposits should a member institution fail.
Deposits & Unrestricted Investment Accounts Protection Scheme
The Scheme was established under Resolution No. (34) of 2010 to protect eligible depositors and holders of unrestricted investment accounts at member institutions licensed by the CBB.
It is a prefunded scheme: member institutions contribute to dedicated funds in advance, so that compensation can be paid quickly if a member is unable to repay its depositors.
Coverage is provided up to a maximum of BD 20,000 per depositor, per member institution, in line with the rules of the Scheme.
Full details of eligibility, calculation and the payout process are set out in the relevant Module of the CBB Rulebook.