Najd Gateway Seeks Full Control of Samba Bank Pakistan

Saudi investment firm Najd Gateway Holding Company has made a non-binding offer to acquire Saudi National Bank’s 84.51% stake in Samba Bank Pakistan. The deal, subject to regulatory approvals, signals renewed Saudi interest in Pakistan’s financial sector after earlier divestment attempts stalled.

Read more: ABHI, UAE Firm Partner for Overseas Wage Access

Samba Bank Limited Pakistan may soon see a major ownership shift as The Saudi National Bank – SNB, its majority shareholder, confirmed receiving a non-binding offer from Najd Gateway Holding Company. The proposal covers SNB’s entire 84.51% stake in Samba Bank Limited, disclosed in a notice to the Pakistan Stock Exchange.

While the offer is significant, SNB clarified that any transaction would depend on internal reviews, regulatory approvals, and the signing of definitive agreements. Najd Gateway, chaired by Prince Mansour Bin Mohammad Al Saud, has been actively investing in Pakistan’s agriculture and technology sectors. In 2024, the firm partnered with Brillanz Group to expand technology solutions in Saudi Arabia and promote sustainable energy and IT investments in Pakistan.

This is not the first time Samba Bank has attracted acquisition interest. In 2021, a consortium including Fatima Fertilizer and Gulf Islamic Investment sought control of the bank, but the deal collapsed. More recently, Bank Alfalah Limited withdrew its intention to acquire Samba after SNB halted divestment plans.

Najd Gateway’s latest move underscores Saudi investors’ growing confidence in Pakistan’s financial sector. If finalized, the acquisition could strengthen cross-border investment ties and reshape Samba Bank’s role in Pakistan’s banking landscape.