This study examines the relationship between board characteristics and stock performance of commercial banks in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Using data from 65 banks across 10 MENA countries (2013–2022), the research employs pooled OLS, fixed, and random effect regression models to analyze the impact of board size, board independence, number of board meetings, and CEO duality on stock performance, measured by share price and market-to-book ratio. Control variables include capital adequacy, profitability, and bank size. The findings reveal that board independence positively affects stock performance, while board size has a negative relationship. Frequent board meetings and CEO duality do not significantly impact stock performance. Capital adequacy, size, and profitability positively influence stock performance. A one-limit Tobit model confirms these results, showing robustness. The study suggests that MENA banks should reduce board size and annual meetings to enhance performance. Key findings include: board independence improves stock performance, larger boards are associated with lower stock prices, and bank size and profitability positively affect stock performance. The study contributes to the literature by using two proxies for stock performance and applying a censored regression model. It highlights the importance of board size and independence for effective corporate governance in the MENA region.This study examines the relationship between board characteristics and stock performance of commercial banks in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Using data from 65 banks across 10 MENA countries (2013–2022), the research employs pooled OLS, fixed, and random effect regression models to analyze the impact of board size, board independence, number of board meetings, and CEO duality on stock performance, measured by share price and market-to-book ratio. Control variables include capital adequacy, profitability, and bank size. The findings reveal that board independence positively affects stock performance, while board size has a negative relationship. Frequent board meetings and CEO duality do not significantly impact stock performance. Capital adequacy, size, and profitability positively influence stock performance. A one-limit Tobit model confirms these results, showing robustness. The study suggests that MENA banks should reduce board size and annual meetings to enhance performance. Key findings include: board independence improves stock performance, larger boards are associated with lower stock prices, and bank size and profitability positively affect stock performance. The study contributes to the literature by using two proxies for stock performance and applying a censored regression model. It highlights the importance of board size and independence for effective corporate governance in the MENA region.