Al Ansari Financial Services (AAFS), one of the UAE’s leading financial services providers, has finalized its acquisition of Bahrain-based BFC Group Holdings (BFCGH) for $200 million (AED 735 million). This landmark transaction positions AAFS as the largest remittance and foreign exchange provider in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region by branch network, marking a significant milestone in its expansion strategy.
Strategic Expansion Across GCC and India
The acquisition is set to transform AAFS’s geographic footprint, adding more than 160 branches of BFCGH to its existing network. With this move, AAFS will operate over 410 branches across the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and India—a 60% increase in its branch network. This expansion solidifies AAFS’s leadership in the financial services sector and enhances its ability to serve diverse markets within the GCC and beyond.
Rashed Ali Al Ansari, group CEO of AAFS, emphasized the strategic importance of this acquisition: “By broadening our customer base and extending our services across the GCC and India, we aim to provide a wider audience with access to our comprehensive remittance and foreign exchange solutions. This move enhances our regional presence and aligns with our broader strategy of diversification and expansion into new markets.”
Strengthened Market Position
BFC Group Holdings brings nearly a century of expertise in foreign exchange and remittance services. Established in 1917, BFCGH holds a strong market position in Bahrain and operates globally through partnerships with MoneyGram, Transfast, and EzRemit. The company’s extensive reach includes over 400,000 agent locations in more than 200 countries.
Ebrahim Nonoo, managing director and CEO of BFCGH, expressed optimism about the merger: “This strategic move highlights the value and potential of our organization and opens new opportunities for growth and innovation. We are confident that Al Ansari Financial Services will continue to drive our mission forward.”
Financial Impact
The combined revenues of AAFS and BFCGH reached approximately $385 million (AED 1.40 billion) in 2023—a 22% increase compared to AAFS’s standalone revenue. This financial boost reflects the synergy between the two entities and underscores the potential for sustainable growth.
To finance the acquisition, AAFS plans to secure market-based financing under customary terms. The transaction has also received regulatory approvals, including merger control clearance from the Kuwait Competition Protection Agency (CPA), ensuring compliance with market regulations.
Operational Synergies
The merger is expected to unlock operational efficiencies by leveraging shared resources and expertise. With a combined workforce of approximately 6,000 employees—a 25% increase—AAFS aims to enhance service delivery while reducing costs.
BFCGH’s innovative offerings, such as its digital wallet app “BFC Pay,” will complement AAFS’s existing digital capabilities. This integration aligns with AAFS’s strategy to strengthen its digital footprint while maintaining its extensive physical presence across key markets.
Regional Leadership
With this acquisition completed, AAFS is poised to become a regional leader in foreign exchange and remittance services. Its expanded presence in Bahrain—the first GCC country where BFCGH began operations—reinforces its commitment to serving expatriates and local customers alike.
The deal also positions AAFS as a major player in India’s remittance market, one of the largest globally. By tapping into these markets, AAFS aims to deliver greater value to shareholders while meeting growing demand for seamless money transfer solutions.
Future Outlook
The acquisition aligns with AAFS’s broader strategy of diversification and innovation. By integrating BFCGH’s operations, AAFS plans to enhance customer experience through improved technology solutions and expanded service offerings.
Rashed Ali Al Ansari highlighted the long-term vision: “Ultimately, this transaction is designed to deliver sustainable value and optimal returns for our shareholders.”
As regulatory approvals have been secured and integration plans are underway, industry analysts anticipate that this merger will redefine the competitive landscape of financial services in the GCC region.
Al Ansari Financial Services’ $200 million acquisition of BFC Group Holdings marks a pivotal moment in its growth trajectory. By combining their strengths, both companies are set to achieve remarkable milestones in service delivery, market expansion, and financial performance. As AAFS continues to innovate and expand its footprint across key markets, it solidifies its position as a leader in remittance and foreign exchange solutions.
This strategic move strengthens regional ties and underscores Dubai’s role as a hub for global financial innovation.
Ayesha Ahmed
