Kuwait Finance House wins 'Best Islamic Bank in the World' 2026 from Global Finance

Kuwait Finance House (KFH) Group clinched seven prestigious awards from Global Finance magazine at the 19th edition of the World’s Best Islamic Financial Institutions Awards for 2026, reaffirming the Group’s leadership and unique standing in the global Islamic finance sector.

- Best Islamic Bank in the World

- Best Islamic Bank for Corporate Banking in the World

- Best Islamic Bank for Social Responsibility in the World

- Best Provider of Islamic Project Finance in the World

- Best Islamic Bank in Kuwait

- Best Islamic Bank in Bahrain (Kuwait Finance House - Bahrain)

- Best Islamic Bank in Turkey (Kuwait Finance House - Turkey)

These awards are the result of a clear strategy centered on AI-driven digital transformation, enhanced Group-wide integration, and a strong customer focus. They also serve as a catalyst for continued success and for reinforcing the institution’s pioneering role in the global Islamic finance industry.

The awards were accepted by Ahmed Al-Sumait, Treasurer of Kuwait Finance House; Yousif Abdullah Al-Ruwais, Head of Public Relations and Media at the Group; Avcu Oyan, CEO of Kuwait Finance House - Turkey; and Bassam Al-Ali, Executive Vice President of Treasury and Investment at Kuwait Finance House - Bahrain. The ceremony took place on the sidelines of the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand.

This recognition stems from the Bank’s sustained efforts to strengthen sustainability, governance, and digital innovation principles, alongside delivering strong financial performance and balanced, sustainable growth across its various markets.

The “Best Islamic Financial Institution in the World” award for 2026 acknowledges Kuwait Finance House’s leadership in Islamic banking and its excellence in offering innovative financial products and services compliant with Islamic Sharia principles. It reflects the success achieved in consolidating its commitment to a strategy aimed at sustainable growth, its ability to adapt to various economic changes and operational challenges in its markets, and its progress toward joining the list of the world’s top 100 banks.

The awards for “Best Islamic Bank in Kuwait” and “Best Islamic Bank in Bahrain,” won by Kuwait Finance House - Bahrain, and “Best Islamic Bank in Turkey,” won by Kuwait Finance House - Turkey, underscore the excellence and superiority of the Group’s units in their respective markets, guided by a unified and flexible strategy tailored to the nature of each market.

Kuwait Finance House holds a leading position as a global economic entity operating through a network of branches in 10 countries. It boasts strong financial solvency and competitive performance, reflected in achieving the highest profits in the banking sector and the Kuwaiti market, as well as topping all Kuwaiti private sector banks and companies in market capitalization, which reached a record high by surpassing the 15 billion dinar threshold.

Regarding the “Best Islamic Bank for Corporate Banking in the World” award, it reflects growing global confidence in Kuwait Finance House’s capabilities and its excellence in building long-term strategic partnerships with its corporate clients, providing advanced financial solutions that support business expansion and enhance competitiveness in local and international markets.

Kuwait Finance House continues to achieve exceptional performance in corporate banking services, supported by strategic growth and leadership.

Rooted in these strengths, alongside its continued innovation in Islamic finance solutions and leadership in numerous prominent financing deals, which have contributed to strengthening its pivotal role in supporting the trajectory of economic development. Regarding the “Best Islamic Finance Provider for Projects in the World” award, it underscores Kuwait Finance House’s leading role in financing major projects and its significant contributions to funding diverse strategic sectors in Kuwait and the region. The bank is a key partner in providing financing for projects in the oil and gas, infrastructure, urban development, services, and other vital sectors.

The bank provides comprehensive corporate banking services based on digital transformation and financial flexibility that meet the needs of various economic sectors and contribute to supporting sustainable development, while delivering an exceptional banking experience to corporate clients through the eCorp electronic platform, which has seen notable uptake in usage rates, especially after the launch of the enhanced version of electronic services and the mobile application. The bank also plays its role as a strategic partner in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, which were launched with financing from the bank.

Yousef Al-Ruwaih, Head of Public Relations and Media at Kuwait Finance House (KFH), stated that the “Best Islamic Bank for Social Responsibility in the World 2026” award reflects the exceptional success of its efforts and underscores its clear footprint and leadership in the field of social responsibility in the markets and countries where it operates. It embodies its vision of social responsibility as a strategic pillar in its business model, thereby reinforcing its position as a leading financial institution that combines economic growth with sustainable social impact.

Al-Ruwaih clarified that winning the “Best Islamic Bank for Social Responsibility Worldwide” award confirms the bank’s leadership and excellence in integrating social responsibility into its business model through impactful initiatives in community development, supporting education and health, empowering youth, fostering entrepreneurship, environmental conservation, women’s empowerment, enhancing digital skills among children and youth, volunteer work, as well as implementing best practices in environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG). It also involves executing awareness and community initiatives with a sustainable impact aligned with development goals, solidifying its status as a model and leader in social responsibility.

Al-Ruwaih emphasized that this recognition adds a new milestone to Kuwait Finance House’s record of achievements and serves as a motivation to continue developing community initiatives and strengthening purposeful partnerships, contributing to achieving sustainable value for society. He noted that KFH continues to play a pioneering national role in supporting social infrastructure and enhancing community welfare and quality of life through strategic initiatives and substantial investments in the field of social responsibility.

These long-term commitments reflect a sustainable approach that extends beyond the traditional concept of corporate social responsibility. Among the key strategic social initiatives are:

- Supporting the Kuwait Emergency Response Fund through a financial contribution of $13 million, as well as an additional contribution of $6 million to repair damaged power stations.

- Contributing over 61 million Kuwaiti dinars to settle various debts of guarantors.

- Contributing to the reconstruction of the damaged area in Souq Al-Mubarakiya, valued at approximately 8 million dinars.

- Contributing 20 million Kuwaiti dinars to establish 15 ambulance centers.

- Contributing the largest share to the fund supporting government efforts during the Corona crisis, valued at 10 million dinars.

- Supporting a sustainable environmental initiative to develop Al-Watania Square.

- Establishing and equipping the tenth wing of the Addiction Treatment Center, continuing the bank’s initiative to establish the center in 2005.

- Donating $20 million to the Kuwait Red Crescent Society to support relief efforts for earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria.

- Various cooperation programs with the Kuwait Red Crescent Society, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

- Continuing its pioneering role in providing community contributions to the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), the National Employment Support Program, and the Banking Institute.

These and other diverse community initiatives underscore Kuwait Finance House’s social leadership. For his part, Joseph Di Giambattista, founder and editor-in-chief of Global Finance magazine, said: “As Islamic finance continues its rapid growth, leading institutions are focusing on digital transformation, product innovation, and the expansion of banking services.” He added: “The annual Global Finance Awards honor institutions that enhance efficiency, attract new customers, and deliver superior services to their clients.”