National Bank shares its experience in empowering female talent at 'Women and the Economy' conference

In line with its firm commitment to supporting women’s empowerment and promoting sustainable economic development, National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) sponsored the Women and Economy Conference, held under the patronage and in the presence of the Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment and Acting Minister of Commerce and Industry, Abdulaziz Nasser Al-Marzouq. The conference discussed ways to expand women’s economic participation and the role of technology, finance, and policies in supporting them.

NBK participated in a main panel discussion during the conference titled “The Future of Women in the Economy: How Fintech, Artificial Intelligence, and Public Policy Will Shape a More Inclusive Economy,” moderated by His Excellency Qadsi Rashid, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Kuwait. The bank was represented in the session by Amal Al-Duwaisan, CEO of Wiyaya Bank. Additionally, Wiyaya Bank participated in the panel dedicated to youth and children, represented by Aliya Al-Sanea, Vice President of Marketing.

The Women and Economy Conference is a leading platform that brings together policymakers, business leaders, experts, and academics to discuss ways to enhance women’s economic participation and their role in building a more inclusive and sustainable economy. It aims to support dialogue on innovation, fintech, and public policies that contribute to women’s empowerment and sustainable economic growth.

This comprehensive participation reflects NBK’s vision of empowering national talent, enhancing financial inclusion, and supporting responsible digital transformation, thereby consolidating Kuwait’s position as a regional hub for financial innovation and sustainable economic development.

Women’s Role in Leading Economic and Digital Transformation

NBK’s participation in the “Future of Women in the Economy” session reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to strengthening women’s role in driving economic development and digital transformation. The bank continues to solidify its position as a supportive environment for empowering female talent and providing opportunities for them to assume leadership roles in the financial and technology sectors, in alignment with its vision of building a more inclusive and sustainable economy.

During the session, Amal Al-Duwaisan discussed the rapid transformations occurring in the labor market due to technological advancements, highlighting the growing demand for skills related to artificial intelligence, data analysis, and cybersecurity. She also showcased successful models of female leadership that have contributed to advancing digital transformation within the NBK Group, emphasizing the importance of continuous investment in developing and preparing national talent for future jobs. She stressed that women have become key partners in leading innovation and decision-making across various sectors, underscoring the need to create a supportive environment that enables them to leverage the opportunities offered by the digital economy.

Fintech as a Key Driver of Financial Inclusion and Economic Growth

The bank’s participation in the conference reflects its interest in supporting financial innovation and leveraging technology to enhance financial inclusion and enable diverse segments of society to access banking services easily and efficiently.

National Bank of Kuwait continues to develop innovative digital solutions that help meet evolving customer needs and enhance their banking experience. In this context, Al-Duwaisan discussed the growing role of financial technology in expanding financial services and supporting entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprise owners, noting that digital solutions have simplified financial operations and reduced challenges associated with accessing banking services. She also highlighted the importance of building a digital financial ecosystem that not only focuses on innovation but also contributes to strengthening financial literacy and encouraging savings and responsible financial management, thereby positively impacting the financial sustainability of individuals and society.

Flexible Policies to Keep Pace with Innovation and Build Trust

Stemming from its belief in the importance of balancing innovation and stability, National Bank of Kuwait reaffirms its support for efforts aimed at developing a flexible regulatory environment capable of keeping pace with the rapid developments in financial technology and artificial intelligence, while maintaining the highest standards of governance and customer protection. During the session, Al-Duwaisan emphasized the importance of regulatory frameworks based on fundamental principles such as transparency, consumer protection, privacy, and cybersecurity, thereby creating a conducive environment for responsible innovation. She also stressed that trust will remain the decisive factor in the success and sustainability of digital transformation.

This aligns with the bank’s approach to developing its digital services within a framework grounded in responsibility and transparency, which enhances customer trust and supports the long-term growth of the digital economy.

Investing in Women and Youth as Pillars for Building the Future Economy

National Bank of Kuwait’s participation in the Women and Economy Conference embodies its vision that places human capital at the core of the development process, through investing in national talent and empowering women and youth to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to keep pace with the future.

Al-Duwaisan emphasized during the session that the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and financial technology underscore the critical importance of investing in education, continuous development, and financial literacy. She noted that building a more inclusive and sustainable economy begins with empowering individuals and equipping them with the tools that help them succeed in a changing economic environment.

She added that institutions best positioned to deliver sustainable value to society and the economy will be those that succeed in deploying technology responsibly, while preserving human elements and trust as two fundamental pillars of growth. She stated, “At National Bank of Kuwait, we view technology as a means to empower individuals, enhance opportunities, and achieve financial inclusion, rather than an end in itself. The future belongs to institutions that successfully balance innovation with trust, and technology with the human element, thereby delivering positive and sustainable impacts on society and the economy.”

The Future of Banking for New Generations

In line with its commitment to empowering future generations and strengthening financial literacy among youth, Weyay Bank, the pioneer in providing digital banking solutions in Kuwait, participated in a distinguished panel discussion featuring Aliya Al-Sanea, Vice President of Marketing at Weyay Bank. The session was moderated by one of the child participants in the conference, a step that reflected the importance of involving emerging generations in dialogues about the future and listening to their views and aspirations regarding economic and technological issues.

The session was attended by a number of young people and students, including members of the Sabah Al-Ahmad Center for Giftedness and Creativity, along with a group of enthusiasts interested in technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

During the session, Al-Sanea presented Wiyaya Bank’s vision for the future of digital banking, emphasizing that the new generation seeks a smarter, easier, and more integrated banking experience that aligns with their digital lifestyle. She also highlighted the bank’s role in promoting a culture of savings and early financial planning through innovative digital solutions, notably features linked to savings accounts and expense management tools, as well as the “Jil” initiative, which aims to enhance financial literacy and instill sound financial habits among emerging generations. She stressed that the future of the banking sector extends beyond offering traditional financial services to empowering young people to build a healthy and sustainable relationship with money from an early age, enabling them to make more informed financial decisions and better prepare for the future. Al-Sanea concluded by reaffirming that Wiyaya Bank continues to develop innovative banking solutions specifically designed to meet the needs and evolving aspirations of young people, driven by its conviction that investing in new generations is a direct investment in the future of the economy and society.