KFM participates in the Asia-Gulf Economic Forum in Bangkok

The Kuwait Finance House (KFH) announced its participation in the Gulf-Asia Economic Forum: Digital Banking, Investment, and Infrastructure, which is being organized in collaboration with the Kuwait Banks Association and The Business Year. The event is scheduled for October 14, 2026, in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, coinciding with the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

KFH’s participation in the forum aligns with its support for initiatives that enhance Kuwait’s international economic presence and open broader horizons for dialogue and cooperation between financial and investment institutions in global markets.

The forum brings together a select group of government officials, banking and investment leaders, and technology specialists from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Asia to discuss opportunities for strengthening financial integration and developing sustainable economic and investment partnerships between the two regions. Ali Khalil, CEO of KFH, will participate in the second panel discussion, titled “Cross-Border Investment, Capital Markets, and Investment Deal Flows,” alongside several senior representatives of Asian investment institutions.

The session will explore ways to translate economic cooperation between the two regions into actionable investment opportunities, with a focus on project and infrastructure financing, private credit and private equity, co-investment platforms, and access to capital markets and bond issuances. Drawing on KFH’s extensive experience in asset management and investment in global markets, Khalil will present his vision of the opportunities available to Gulf capital in Asian markets, the factors influencing institutional investors’ decisions, and the regulatory and legislative requirements that contribute to enhancing the flow and sustainability of investments.

Commenting on KFH’s participation in the forum, Khalil said, “Asian markets continue to offer promising investment opportunities for Gulf investors, driven by technological advancement, the growth of consumer markets, and the reshaping of global supply chains. However, translating these opportunities into successful long-term investments depends on several fundamental factors, most notably the clarity and transparency of regulatory frameworks, the robustness of the legal system, market liquidity depth, and the effectiveness of governance practices. These factors constitute key pillars in institutional investors’ assessment of markets and their determination of asset allocation strategies.”

He added, “Kuwaiti investors have a long history of exploring opportunities beyond traditional markets, with early presence in several Asian markets. As economic relations between the GCC countries and Asian economies grow, strengthening capital market interconnectivity and expanding institutional cooperation can facilitate the flow of investments. We see particularly promising opportunities in digital infrastructure and logistics, supported by structural shifts in technology, consumption patterns, and international trade. Developing appropriate regulatory and investment frameworks will play a fundamental role in creating conditions to capitalize on these opportunities.”

The forum’s agenda centers on three main strategic pillars addressing the financial and technological foundations to enhance economic cooperation between the Gulf countries and Asia.

The first axis, “Banking Partnerships and the Utilization of Balance Sheets,” explores ways to enhance cooperation between Gulf and Asian banks through cross-border financing, syndicated loans, conventional and Sharia-compliant financing, as well as liquidity management and collaboration in treasury activities.

The second axis, “Cross-Border Investment, Capital Markets, and Investment Transaction Flows,” focuses on developing viable investment opportunities and boosting capital flows through project financing, investments in private markets, co-investment platforms, and capital market instruments.

The third axis, “Digital Infrastructure, Artificial Intelligence, and the Financial Architecture for Cross-Border Financing,” addresses the development of cross-border payment systems, digital identity, data governance, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence applications, and the enhancement of interoperability among financial systems.

The Center’s participation is grounded in over five decades of investment experience and specialized capabilities in asset management and investment banking services.

Since its establishment in 1974, the Center has continued to develop a diverse range of investment solutions and services tailored to the needs of institutional and individual investors. As of June 30, 2026, total assets under management reached approximately 1.57 billion Kuwaiti dinars, with investments spanning 13 countries.

Through its participation in the Gulf-Asia Economic Forum, the Center continues to contribute to enriching international financial and investment dialogue, exchanging institutional expertise, and supporting initiatives that help develop capital markets and strengthen investment cooperation between Kuwait, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and global markets.