Ahli Corp: The Saudi National Bank's Corporate Solutions

The term 'Ahli Corp' often refers to the 'Ahli E-Corp' platform, an advanced digital banking service that allows corporate clients of the Saudi National Bank to manage their institutional accounts online. There is no company officially listed under the name 'Ahli Corp' in the Saudi financial market (Tadawul); rather, the name is associated with a specialized digital platform affiliated with the National Bank, one of the largest banks in the Kingdom and the region. This platform is designed to meet the requirements of large, medium, and small enterprises, from account management to local and international transfers, payroll processing, and government payments. The platform also allows for detailed financial reporting and grants tiered permissions for management and employees, making it the first choice for many institutions seeking integrated digital banking solutions in a rapidly evolving technological environment.

The Saudi National Bank (SNB) is the largest bank in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in terms of assets and market value, and it plays a pivotal role in the Saudi financial sector. The bank was established in the 1940s and has evolved over decades to become a leading regional financial institution. In 2021, the bank merged with Samba Financial Group, enhancing its position and capital base, and providing it with more capabilities to develop digital services such as 'Ahli E-Corp'. The Saudi National Bank offers a wide range of banking products and services for individuals and businesses, with an increasing focus on digital transformation and providing electronic banking solutions that meet modern demands. The Ahli Corp platform benefits from the bank's ability to invest in digital infrastructure, providing corporate clients with comprehensive and secure banking services, along with continuous technical and support assistance.

The Ahli E-Corp platform (Ahli Corp) offers numerous advantages specifically designed to serve the corporate sector in Saudi Arabia. Among the most notable features are: managing corporate bank accounts through a secure and user-friendly electronic interface, executing local and international financial transfers quickly, paying bills and government payments, managing payroll, preparing accounting reports, and the ability to issue payment orders and control permissions. The platform also supports integration with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and allows account linking across multiple management levels. One of the platform's key strengths is digital security, as it employs multi-layered encryption and authentication technologies to ensure the protection of transactions and operations. Additionally, the platform provides technical support via phone and online, along with periodic updates that keep pace with evolving banking regulations and financial technologies.

The Saudi banking sector constitutes one of the pillars of the national economy, representing about 18-20% of the market value of the Tadawul. With the acceleration of digital transformation under Saudi Vision 2030, electronic banking solutions like 'Ahli Corp' have become an essential part of the strategies of major banks. Increased competition among banks has led to the development of advanced digital platforms targeting small, medium, and large enterprises, striving to provide faster, safer, and more efficient services. Regulatory frameworks issued by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) and the Capital Market Authority have also raised cybersecurity standards and expanded the scope of innovation in digital banking services. Institutional clients have increasingly preferred digital transactions for their flexibility, tracking capabilities, and time and cost savings.

Since the Ahli Corp platform is affiliated with the Saudi National Bank, the bank's financial performance indirectly reflects the success and spread of the platform. By mid-2025, the price of the Saudi National Bank's stock was approximately 62 SAR, with a market value of about 1.9 trillion SAR. The bank's price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio stood at a moderate level of around 14 times, while the annual dividend yield was approximately 4%. The bank recorded strong growth in net profits exceeding 100% in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to the same quarter of the previous year, with operating revenues jumping by more than 50%. These figures reflect the bank's strength in attracting more institutional clients and expanding its digital services through platforms like Ahli E-Corp.

The financial results of the Saudi National Bank for the year 2024 demonstrated strong performance across all levels. The bank achieved significant annual net profit growth, supported by loan growth and rising interest rates, along with the merger of Samba's operations and their integration into the bank's ecosystem. Operating revenues increased by more than 50% in the fourth quarter of 2024, with a notable improvement in operational efficiency and asset growth. These results reinforced the bank's position as a leading financial institution and positively impacted investor and client confidence alike. It is noteworthy that this positive performance occurred amid a changing economic environment and global challenges such as inflation and fluctuating oil prices, reflecting the bank's resilience and strategy in risk management and digital development.

The Saudi National Bank faces strong competition from a number of major banks that offer innovative digital solutions for businesses. Among the most notable are Al Rajhi Bank (the largest Islamic bank in Saudi Arabia by assets and reach), Alinma Bank (notable in real estate and corporate financing), Riyad Bank, Saudi French Bank, SABB, and Bank Albilad. These banks provide competitive electronic platforms such as 'Al Rajhi Bank's Institution' and continuously strive to add new features and services tailored for the corporate sector. Competition focuses on factors such as security, execution speed, support for integration with accounting systems, and the provision of specialized services like cash management and international trade financing. Banks also compete to attract clients through competitive pricing packages and advanced technical support services.

In recent years, significant transformations have occurred in the Saudi banking sector, particularly in digital services. Major banks have launched important updates to their digital platforms and expanded their online services to encompass most corporate banking operations. Some new banks have obtained banking licenses, increasing competition and pushing existing banks to innovate new solutions such as green financing and partnerships with fintech companies. The Saudi financial market has also witnessed mergers and acquisitions that have strengthened the positions of major entities, such as the merger of the National Bank with Samba. On the regulatory side, SAMA has raised digital security requirements and launched awareness campaigns to enhance trust in electronic banking services.

The Ahli E-Corp platform (Ahli Corp) places utmost importance on cybersecurity, relying on the latest encryption technologies and multi-factor authentication (MFA). Software and security protocols are updated regularly to keep pace with increasing cyber threats. The platform also provides financial managers with the ability to monitor operations in real-time, adjust user-level permissions, and approve transactions collectively or individually. Clients receive specialized technical support in case of any suspicion or security issue. The bank encourages clients to follow best security practices, such as changing passwords regularly and not sharing login information with any third party, in accordance with the policies of the Saudi Capital Market Authority and SAMA.

The Ahli E-Corp platform aims to provide a seamless and easy user experience for all corporate clients, regardless of their business size. The user interface is designed to be simple and clear, with the ability to customize menus and processes according to each institution's needs. The platform allows for managing multiple accounts, monitoring cash flow, and executing complex operations such as payroll and international transfers with the click of a button. The Saudi National Bank offers continuous technical support via phone, email, and live chat, in addition to training sessions and online educational materials to help clients fully benefit from all the platform's features. The bank also provides ongoing updates based on user feedback and market requirements.

The years 2024 and 2025 witnessed several significant developments at the Saudi National Bank and its digital platform. The bank launched new updates for the Ahli E-Corp platform that included enhancements in security, speed, and support for international trade operations. The bank formed partnerships with emerging tech companies to enhance the platform's capabilities and expanded government payment collection services in collaboration with platforms like 'Mada'. In the sector, trends of mergers and acquisitions continued, and new players entered the market, motivating banks to develop more innovative solutions. News also focused on the Saudi National Bank's participation in green financing projects and support programs for small and medium enterprises under Vision 2030.

The results of the Saudi National Bank and its digital platform 'Ahli Corp' are influenced by several key economic factors, most notably interest rates, monetary policies of the Saudi Central Bank, and the macroeconomic movement of the Kingdom. The rise in interest rates globally and locally in 2024 led to increased interest income and higher profit margins for the bank. Conversely, global economic challenges, such as inflation or slow growth, can affect demand for loans and corporate services. The bank benefited from rising oil prices and increased government spending on infrastructure projects, which bolstered the corporate sector's growth and consequently increased the use of the electronic platform for managing accounts and corporate payments.

To obtain the latest information about the Ahli Corp platform and the Saudi National Bank's data, it is advisable to visit the official website of the Saudi financial market (Tadawul), where stock data, market value, and financial indicators are continuously updated. The official website of the Saudi National Bank also provides periodic reports on business results, news about new products, and contact information for platform technical support. Press reports published in Saudi economic newspapers and the use of financial analysis platforms such as Argaam or Bloomberg Arab can also be followed. It is emphasized that consulting the official source is essential when making financial decisions and not relying on rumors or unverified news.

Despite the notable success of the Ahli E-Corp platform in the Saudi corporate market, there are many future challenges facing the Saudi National Bank and the banking sector in general. Among the most prominent challenges are: the rapid pace of digital transformation, the need for continuous investment in cybersecurity, competition with emerging banks and financial platforms, and managing credit risks amid global economic changes. Conversely, significant growth opportunities loom on the horizon, with the expansion of the Saudi market, government support for small and medium enterprises, and increasing demand for digital banking solutions. The Saudi National Bank is expected to continue developing its digital platform and strengthening partnerships with tech companies, supporting its market position.