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On Tuesday, 9 June 2026, under the patronage and in the presence of Dr. Adel Sharkas, Governor of the Central Bank of Jordan, the Association of Banks in Jordan held an honorary dinner for its member banks to mark the Association’s receipt of the First Class Order of Independence. The distinction was bestowed upon the Association by His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein in recognition of its national role and its continued contributions to serving the banking sector and the national economy.
The event was attended by the chairpersons of the boards of directors, general managers, and chief executive officers of the member banks, together with a number of prominent banking figures. It provided an opportunity to celebrate the Association’s longstanding journey and achievements and to express pride in the strong partnership it has maintained with its member banks over several decades – a partnership that has produced numerous national and institutional accomplishments.
In his remarks at the event, Bassem Khalil Al-Salem, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Association of Banks in Jordan, stated that the First Class Order of Independence is a source of immense pride for both the Association and the Jordanian banking sector as a whole. He noted that it represents the highest royal recognition of a long record of dedicated work, service, and achievement. Al-Salem also expressed his deepest gratitude and appreciation to His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein for this distinguished honor, emphasizing that the Order is a tribute to the Jordanian banking sector and to its national role in supporting the economy and advancing the country’s development.
Al-Salem noted that the successes and achievements of the Jordanian banking sector are the result of the wise Royal vision; the security, stability, and rule of law enjoyed by Jordan; and the pivotal role of the Central Bank of Jordan in strengthening monetary and financial stability and reinforcing the resilience and competitiveness of the banking sector. He further stressed that the member banks have always been, and continue to be, essential partners in the Association’s journey of achievement, and that this distinction is the shared outcome of decades of institutional work and productive cooperation between the Association and its member banks.
Al-Salem also thanked the Director General of the Association and all members of its staff for the exceptional and substantial efforts they have made over the past years, which played a significant role in the Association’s receipt of this prestigious honor.
For his part, Dr. Adel Sharkas, Governor of the Central Bank of Jordan, congratulated the Association of Banks in Jordan and its member banks on the Association’s receipt of the First Class Order of Independence. He emphasized that this distinguished Royal recognition reflects the confidence placed in the Jordanian banking sector and His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein’s appreciation of the Association’s decades-long efforts to support financial and banking stability and strengthen partnership and cooperation among banking institutions and various national entities in a manner that serves the interests of the nation and its citizens.
Sharkas stated that the Jordanian banking sector represents a national success story of which all Jordanians can be proud. The sector has demonstrated its ability to address challenges while continuing to play a vital role in supporting economic growth and financing productive and investment activities, alongside its active contributions to social responsibility and sustainable development. He also underscored the importance of continued collaboration among all components of the banking sector to keep pace with rapid developments in financial technology, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and sustainability, thereby enhancing the sector’s competitiveness and preserving its strength and stability.
Sharkas also praised the longstanding institutional partnership between the Central Bank of Jordan and the Association of Banks in Jordan. He noted that, for nearly half a century, the Association has served as an effective institutional partner of the Central Bank and has played an important role in strengthening cooperation and coordination among banks operating in the Kingdom. It has also helped foster constructive dialogue on a wide range of banking and economic issues in a manner that serves the public interest and supports the stability and development of the Jordanian banking sector.
During the ceremony, the member banks were honored with commemorative shields in recognition of their active partnership with the Association and their outstanding contributions to supporting joint banking initiatives and advancing the Jordanian banking sector. The Association emphasized that the successes and achievements realized throughout its history would not have been possible without the close cooperation and continued support of its member banks.
Bassem Khalil Al-Salem, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Association of Banks in Jordan, also presented a commemorative shield to the Central Bank of Jordan, which was received by His Excellency Governor Dr. Adel Sharkas. The shield recognized the Central Bank’s pivotal role in promoting monetary and financial stability, reinforcing the strength and competitiveness of the Jordanian banking sector, and continuously supporting the sector’s development and modernization.
Al-Salem also honored Dr. Maher Al-Mahrouq, Director General of the Association of Banks in Jordan, in recognition of his distinguished efforts and continued dedication to serving the Association and the banking sector. The tribute also acknowledged his prominent role in strengthening the Association’s position as a leading national institution that represents the banking sector and supports its development, as well as his effective contributions to advancing its programs and initiatives and enhancing its presence at both the local and regional levels.
