The experienced banker was previously Chief Banking Officer since 2023 and has been acting CEO in recent months, since the departure of former supremo, Paul Jennings in May this year.

BACB’s Board of Directors has now formalised his role as the new CEO on a permanent basis. Austin is tasked with continuing the modernisation and expansion of the bank.

As a member of its executive committee, he was central in developing BACB’s current strategic direction, which has delivered a series of record financial results for the lender. In 2025 the bank supported more than £4 billion in trade finance transactions across 42 markets.

Austin started his career at BACB in the 1990s, before leaving for senior positions at HSBC, Barclays and Bank ABC. He returned to BACB in 2022, to lead the bank’s core trade finance business, ensuring ongoing delivery of tailored solutions for clients trading in and out of frontier and emerging markets.

BACB is an international wholesale bank with over 50 years’ experience providing trade finance and treasury solutions. It also offers cash and liquidity management, UK Real Estate financing and operates a full treasury function, which is active in foreign exchange (FX), derivatives and debt capital markets. The bank is headquartered in the City of London.

Commenting on his ascension, Austin said: “I am delighted to have been appointed CEO at BACB … and grateful to the Shareholders and Board of Directors, led by Dr Yousef Al Awadi, for their confidence in me.”

“Throughout my time at BACB, I have seen first-hand the talent, dedication and professionalism of colleagues across the Bank.” he continued. “The progress we have achieved would not have been possible without their hard work and support. I feel privileged to now lead this exceptional group of people as we take BACB’s into its next phase.”

One of the appointees, BACB Chairman Dr Yousef Al Awadi KBE, said: “Damian is well placed to build on the bank’s current success and take it forward. He has a track record of delivery, and his wealth of experience in the sector is complemented by the strong relationships he’s developed over the years.”