Hibret Bank

What Hibret Bank does

Hibret Bank is a privately held Ethiopian commercial bank founded in 1999, headquartered in the 37-storey Hibir Tower on Ras Abebe Aragay Street in Addis Ababa. The bank serves retail, business, corporate, diaspora, and trade finance customers through a 40+ branch network, digital channels including the Hibir Mobile Banking app and Hibir Online Banking platform, agent banking, and an ATM network. It operates a regulated Sharia-compliant interest-free banking window branded "Hibir Haq" under Wadi'ah and Mudarabah principles, supervised by a dedicated Sharia Advisory Committee, alongside conventional retail, corporate, institutional, and trade finance businesses.

The bank's product surface is unusually granular: 20+ specialized savings accounts targeting youth, women, seniors, minors, persons with disabilities, traditional community savings groups (Iddir, Equb), diaspora, and overseas employees; business products including fixed time deposits, payroll, pension, provident fund, escrow, and credit services; trade finance services covering import/export, foreign currency accounts, foreign bank guarantees, and forex bureau operations; and a card portfolio spanning debit, prepaid, Sharia-compliant (Hibir Haq), women-focused, youth-focused, payroll, gift, and co-branded travel rewards (Sheba Miles) cards. International reach is delivered through correspondent banking relationships with more than 10 banks (Standard Chartered, UniCredit, Citi, Oddo BHF, Commerzbank, Bank of Beirut, Bank of Africa, Exim Bank, CAC International) and partnerships with 8 remittance operators (Western Union, MoneyGram, Transfast, Ria, Dahabshiil, Thunes, Xoom). Recent ecosystem moves include an M-Pesa integration (announced February 2025) and an Ethiopia Post partnership for Fayda Digital ID enrollment (announced November 2025).

Revenue is generated primarily through interest income on loans and advances and on deposits, supplemented by transaction and service fees (mobile and online transfer fees, ATM usage, card issuance and replacement), foreign exchange revenue, and trade finance fees. Pricing follows transaction-based and pay-as-you-go models for retail services, with relationship-based servicing for corporate and institutional clients. As of December 2025, the bank reported total assets of 113.93 billion Birr at its 28th Annual General Meeting; no revenue or net income figures are disclosed in available sources.

Name

Hibret Bank

Legal name

Hibret Bank

Website

https://hibretbank.com.et

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Hibret Bank is a privately held Ethiopian commercial bank founded in 1999 serving retail, business, corporate, diaspora, and trade finance customers through 40+ branches, digital channels, and Sharia-compliant interest-free banking, with 113.93 billion Birr in total assets.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Commercial Banking

NAICS

Commercial Banking (52211)

SIC

State Commercial Banks (6022)

akta.pro primary industry

Islamic Corporate Banking (FSABAGAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

Shariah-compliant Financing Products (Murabaha, Ijara, Tawarruq, Istisna, Salam) (FSABAGAH)

Keywords

• Retail banking services
• Commercial banking products
• Interest-free banking
• Trade finance services
• Digital banking platforms

Headquarters

HQ city

Addis Ababa

HQ country

Ethiopia

HQ region

Africa

Offices10 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Interest Income from Loans and Advances: Interest-earning loans and advances to personal, business, and corporate customers constitute the primary revenue stream
2. Interest on Deposits: Interest earned on fixed time deposits, savings accounts, and blocked savings accounts
3. Transaction and Service Fees: Fees from mobile banking transfers (ETB 25 for amounts above ETB 5,000, 0.5 cent per birr 100 for amounts up to ETB 5,000), ATM transactions, card issuance (ETB 30 debit card registration), and other banking service charges
4. Foreign Exchange Revenue: Revenue from foreign currency exchange services, forex bureau operations, and international money transfer services
5. Trade Finance Services: Fees from import/export services, foreign bank guarantees, foreign currency accounts, and trade-based financing

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Hibret Bank is a private Ethiopian commercial bank that offers retail and corporate banking products (savings, current, and fixed-time deposit accounts; personal and business loans; credit services), digital banking via Hibir Mobile Banking and Hibir Online Banking, an Interest-Free Banking (Hibir HAQ) division built on Sharia-compliant Wadi'ah and Mudarabah principles, and trade finance, foreign exchange, and diaspora remittance services delivered through branches, ATMs, agents, and correspondent bank relationships.

Product overview

Hibret Bank is an Ethiopian commercial bank offering a comprehensive suite of banking products and services organized into multiple business lines. The core banking platform includes traditional personal and business banking services (savings accounts, current accounts, fixed deposits, credit services), complemented by digital banking channels (Hibir Online Banking for web/desktop transactions and Hibir Mobile Banking for smartphone users). The bank operates a card products division issuing debit cards including the Hibir Debit Card, specialized cards for women (Hibir Women Card), youth (Hibir Youth Card), and corporate payroll solutions (Hibir Payroll Card), plus co-branded travel rewards cards (Sheba Miles). A distinct Interest Free Banking (IFB/Hibir HAQ) division provides Sharia-compliant products including Wadi'ah savings, Mudarabah investment accounts, and Islamic financing (Murabaha, IJARA, trade-based financing). Trade finance services cover import/export, foreign currency accounts, bank guarantees, and forex bureau services. The bank serves the Ethiopian diaspora with dedicated deposit and loan accounts. Key differentiators include niche products for underserved segments: disability savings, senior citizen accounts, Iddir savings, and educational savings (tuition fee accounts), plus specialized lending programs like MESMER for women and MSMEs. Digital infrastructure includes loan calculator tools and correspondent banking relationships with over 10 international banks.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Hibir: Primary brand sub-name used for card services, mobile banking, and various banking products (Hibir Debit Card, Hibir Online Banking, Hibir Mobile Banking, Hibir Agent Banking, etc.)
• Hibir Haq
• Hibir Card Services

Products and services

• Hibir Online Banking Internet banking platform for desktop, laptop, and mobile browsers enabling account holders to view balances and statements, access exchange rates, perform internal and external fund transfers, make bulk payments via file upload, and review loan activity using OTP-based security.
• Hibir Mobile Banking Mobile banking application (iOS and Android) for balance inquiries, mini statements, fund transfers, bill payments, airtime top-up, and loan status viewing on a 24/7 basis.
• Hibir Agent Banking Agent-based banking service that extends the bank's reach beyond physical branches, allowing customers to conduct transactions through authorized agents.
• Hibir Debit Card Debit card for ATM cash withdrawals and POS purchases; registration fee ETB 30, replacement fee ETB 40.
• Hibir Haq Card (Interest-Free Card) Sharia-compliant debit card for Interest-Free Banking customers enabling ATM withdrawals and POS purchases without interest charges.
• Hibir Women Card Specialized debit card designed exclusively for women customers, providing banking services tailored to their needs.
• Hibir Youth Card Debit card for young people aged 18-30 enabling ATM withdrawals and POS purchases with youth-focused features.
• Hibir Gift Card Prepaid gift card allowing customers to give monetary gifts to friends and family with customizable amounts.
• Hibir Payroll Card Corporate debit card enabling employers to pay employee salaries through Hibret Bank's corporate customers.
• Hibir Prepaid MasterCard Prepaid card powered by the MasterCard network for international transactions and withdrawals.
• Co-Branded Card (Sheba Miles) Co-branded card offering travel rewards with the Sheba Miles loyalty program, providing 5 miles bonus per 100 Birr spending at merchant POS, with a one-time encashment limit of ETB 50,000 and daily purchase limit of ETB 200,000.
• Ordinary Saving Account Interest-bearing savings account that can be accessed on demand, for personal banking customers.
• Hibir Biruh / Minor Saving Account Interest-bearing savings account aimed at children, requiring parent/guardian documentation.
• Special Saving Account Interest-bearing savings account with special deposit and withdrawal conditions.
• Hibir Iddir Savings Account Savings account product designed for Iddirs (traditional Ethiopian burial societies) offering higher interest rates.
• Hibir Senior Citizen / Letalalakoch Savings Account Savings account intended for older Ethiopian citizens and retired pensioners from government or private institutions.
• Hibir Executive / Lemeriwoch Savings Account Exclusive and customized savings account for higher officials in organizations across Ethiopia, including board members, CEOs, and senior executives.
• Hibir Youth Savings Account Interest-bearing savings account for young people aged 18 to 30 years.
• Hibir Women's Savings Account Interest-bearing savings account designed exclusively for women, available as individual or joint accounts among up to three women.
• Hibir Health Savings Deposit Account Interest-bearing savings account that helps manage unforeseen health-related expenses with a payback scheme.
• Hibir Vacation Savings Deposit Account Interest-bearing savings account designed to avoid the one-time burden of vacation financing, offering better interest rates than regular savings.
• Hibir Special Purpose Savings Account Interest-bearing savings account to cover personal expenses such as wedding ceremonies.
• Hibir Golden Blocked Savings Account Blocked savings arrangement with higher interest earnings of up to 9.1%, agreed between customer and branch.
• Hibir Maraki Hawala Savings Account Foreign currency savings account designed to regularly receive inward remittances through SWIFT or money transfer agencies, with higher daily-accruing interest rates.
• Hibir Asrat Savings Account Savings account designed for the Christian community to fulfill religious obligations, with special features for this segment.
• Hibir Equb Collection Deposit Account Account designed to address the challenges Equbs (rotating savings groups) face in depositing cash collected from members.
• Hibir Muday Deposit Account Deposit account providing free cash saving boxes to encourage small traders to grow their capital.
• Hibir Disability Savings Account Savings account designed to provide special services for persons with disabilities, including visual, mobility, and hearing impairment.
• Hibir Tuition Fee Savings Account Savings account helping customers avoid one-time large sums for education expenses from degree through doctorate level.
• Hibir Overseas Employees Account Interest-earning foreign currency deposit account tailored to Ethiopians traveling abroad, operated via arrangements with Foreign Private Employment Agencies.
• Hibir Denominated Monthly Savings Account High interest-bearing savings account similar to fixed time deposit but distributable with a one-month tenure period.
• Demand Deposit / Current Account Non-interest-bearing deposit account allowing multiple payments, receipts, and transactions on a daily basis for business customers.
• Special Blocked Saving Account Interest-bearing saving account requiring a minimum blocked deposit amount from total savings, for business customers.
• Fixed Time Deposit Account Interest-earning deposit account allowing depositors to earn attractive and negotiated interest rates by saving for a fixed period.
• Corporate Banking Innovative financial services solutions delivered through a dedicated Corporate Banking unit for companies and financial services firms.
• Institutional Banking Specialized banking services provided to segmented institutions within the bank's domain.
• Provident Fund Saving Account Long-term interest-earning savings account maintained in the name of individual staff members of an organization.
• Payroll Payment Account Interest-earning savings account maintained by organizations to pay employee payroll.
• Pension Payment Account Interest-earning savings account designed for retired pensioners.
• School Fee Collection Deposit Account Account helping institutions avoid one-time large sum investments for school fee collection and realize higher education aspirations.
• Overseas Employees Account Service Interest-earning foreign currency deposit account tailored to Ethiopians traveling to foreign countries, served through business banking.
• Escrow Deposit Account Deposit account where the bank enters into a tripartite agreement to hold funds of two parties.
• Credit Service Loan services from Hibret Bank leveraging a strong capital base, healthy loan portfolio, and experienced management team.
• Import & Export Service Banking solutions for importers and exporters, including trade finance facilities.
• Foreign Money Transfer Service International money transfer services for receiving and sending funds abroad.
• Foreign Currency Account Service Banking services for individuals, foreign diplomats, and international organizations requiring foreign currency accounts.
• Foreign Bank Guarantee Issuance of conditional or unconditional guarantees for international trade transactions.
• Forex Bureau Services Buying and selling of convertible currencies in cash notes for customers.
• Diaspora Deposit Account Deposit account for Ethiopian diaspora customers.
• Diaspora Loan Account Loan services for diaspora customers who have deposited funds with the bank.
• Hibir HAQ Interest-Free Banking (IFB) Sharia-compliant banking suite including Wadi'ah (safe keeping), Mudarabah (profit-loss sharing) accounts and various Islamic financing options, supervised by the Sharia Advisory Committee and available to customers regardless of religion.
• Wadi'ah Saving Account Sharia-compliant savings account based on a safe-keeping contract where the bank safeguards deposits without investing the funds.
• Wadi'ah Current Account Sharia-compliant current account based on safe-keeping principles.
• Mudarabah Savings Account for Women Profit-loss sharing savings account where the bank invests deposited funds and shares profits/losses with women depositors.
• Mudarabah Hajj / Labaik Account Savings account for Hajj pilgrimage expenses based on Mudarabah principles.
• Mudarabah Idir / Equib Saving Account Savings account for traditional rotating savings groups (Idir/Equb) based on Mudarabah principles.
• Mudarabah Investment Saving Account Profit and loss sharing investment savings account for unrestricted investment periods.
• Mudarabah Fixed Time Investment Accounts Fixed-term investment accounts with Mudarabah profit-sharing where customers become profit partners.
• Mudarabah Provident Fund Saving Accounts Savings accounts for organizational provident funds based on Mudarabah principles.
• Mudarabah Savings Accounts for Minors Sharia-compliant savings accounts for children under 18 years based on Mudarabah principles.
• Mudarabah Savings Account for Youth Sharia-compliant savings accounts for young people based on Mudarabah principles.
• Mudarabah Diaspora Account Sharia-compliant savings account for diaspora customers based on Mudarabah principles.
• Trade Based Financing (IFB) Sharia-compliant trade financing services.
• Rent Based Financing (IFB) Sharia-compliant financing based on rent/lease arrangements (IJARA).
• Investment Based Financing (IFB) Sharia-compliant investment financing services.
• Loan Financing (IFB) Sharia-compliant loan/financing services (Murabaha) for purchasing assets.
• Diaspora Financing (IFB) Sharia-compliant financing services for diaspora customers.
• Tailored Services and Guarantees (IFB) Customized Sharia-compliant services and guarantee products.
• MESMER Project Financing Special loan program for MSMEs owned by women, youth, persons with disabilities, and operators in manufacturing and agriculture, with over one billion Birr disbursed through this scheme.

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration12 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered major and minor.

• Safaricom (M-Pesa)majorTechnology or Integration · 24 February 2025Integration enabling fund transfers from Hibir Mobile Banking to M-Pesa wallets, M-Pesa agents, and terminals; and from M-Pesa to Hibret Bank accounts
• Standard CharteredmajorTechnology or IntegrationCorrespondent bank relationship for international trade finance and foreign currency services
• UniCreditmajorTechnology or IntegrationCorrespondent bank relationship for international banking services
• CitibankmajorTechnology or Integration
• Western UnionmajorTechnology or IntegrationInternational money transfer service enabling inbound remittances to Ethiopia
• MoneyGrammajorTechnology or IntegrationInternational money transfer service for diaspora remittances
• Ethiopian Intellectual Property AuthorityminorOthersAwareness training collaboration on intellectual property rights significance and role of financial institutions

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Awash Bank: One of Ethiopia's largest private commercial banks, founded in 1994, offering retail, corporate, and digital banking. Direct peer given similar full-service commercial banking model, branch network, and target customer base in Ethiopia.
• Wegagen Bank: Ethiopian private commercial bank offering savings, lending, FX, and digital services. Direct peer comparing on retail and corporate banking, geographic footprint within Ethiopia, and technology-enabled channels.
• Nib International Bank: Ethiopian private commercial bank offering full-service banking including trade finance, FX, and digital channels. Direct peer comparable on product breadth, target customer mix, and correspondent banking reliance.
• Bank of Abyssinia: Ethiopian private commercial bank providing retail, SME, and corporate banking with a wide branch network. Direct peer with overlapping customer segments, digital banking, and similar product portfolio.
• Lion International Bank: Ethiopian private commercial bank providing retail, corporate, and Islamic banking services. Direct peer comparable on product breadth including Islamic finance offerings and Ethiopian customer base.
• Cooperative Bank of Oromia: Ethiopian private commercial bank with a strong regional presence. Direct peer offering similar retail and corporate banking products, with comparable focus on community-based deposit mobilization.
• Dashen Bank: Ethiopian private commercial bank offering retail, corporate, and digital banking with a comprehensive branch network. Direct peer serving overlapping retail and institutional Ethiopian customers with a comparable product breadth.

Emerging players

• ZamZam Bank: Newly licensed Ethiopian Sharia-compliant commercial bank. Emerging player competing directly with Hibret Bank's Hibir Haq Islamic banking franchise for Sharia-compliant retail and corporate customers.

Regional players

• Equity Bank Kenya: Pan-African commercial bank with strong focus on financial inclusion and underserved segments in East Africa. Regional peer comparable on hyper-segmented product strategy (women, youth, SMEs) and digital banking model, though operating in different jurisdictions.

Broad incumbents

• Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE): State-owned dominant Ethiopian commercial bank by far the largest in the country. Broad incumbent that defines the competitive landscape in retail and corporate banking against which Hibret Bank and other private banks compete.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/HibretBank
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCDFtm29n1ovvWUautte1AfQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/HibretBank
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hibretbank
• Instagraminstagram.com/hibretbank
• TikToktiktok.com/@hibretbankofficial

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Hibret Bank