BIAT

In 1976, Tunisia's economic landscape was evolving, and the need for a modern, private-sector bank was apparent. A group of influential figures, led by the late Mansour Moalla, a former Minister of Planning and Finance, saw this opportunity. Alongside partners like the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and Banque Neuflize Schlumberger Mallet, they established the Banque Internationale Arabe de Tunisie, or BIAT. Their vision was to create a financial institution that would play a pivotal role in the country's development. From its inception, BIAT focused on building a strong retail and corporate banking presence across Tunisia. The bank's journey began by acquiring the Tunisian branches of the British Bank of the Middle East and Société Marseillaise de Crédit in 1976. This initial move provided a foundational network and client base. Rather than a disruptive startup story, BIAT's narrative is one of strategic consolidation and steady expansion, mirroring the growth of the Tunisian economy itself. A significant milestone in BIAT's journey was its privatization. Initially a joint venture with foreign partners, the bank was later listed on the Tunis Stock Exchange. This move solidified its position as a major publicly-traded company in Tunisia, increasing its transparency and allowing broader public ownership. Today, BIAT stands as Tunisia's largest private-sector bank, a testament to the founders' vision of creating a durable institution to support the nation's economic fabric.