Bahrain issues new decree amending Central Bank law

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has issued Decree-Law No. (37) of 2025 amending Article (161) of the Central Bank of Bahrain and Financial Institutions Law, promulgated by Law No. (64) of 2006.

The amendment was issued following the proposal of the Prime Minister and the approval of the Cabinet.

Under the new decree, the first paragraph of Article (161) has been replaced with the following:

"Without prejudice to any harsher penalty provided under the Penal Code or any other law, offenders who violate Articles (40) and (41) of this law, or regulations issued pursuant to Article (42), shall be punished with imprisonment and/or a fine not exceeding one million Bahraini dinars."

The decree also stipulates that the Prime Minister and relevant ministers are responsible for implementing its provisions, which will take effect the day after its publication in the Official Gazette.