Kuwait Finance House Crowned 'Best Islamic Bank in the World'

Kuwait Finance Group (KFG) was awarded seven prestigious honors by Global Finance magazine in its 19th edition of the Annual Islamic Finance Awards for 2026, reaffirming the group’s leadership and unique standing in the global Islamic finance sector. The awards are: “Best Islamic Bank in the World,” “Best Islamic Bank for Corporate Banking Services 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 Group – Bahrain),” and “Best Islamic Bank in Turkey (Kuwait Finance Group – Turkey).”

These accolades 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 motivation to continue achieving further successes and strengthening the institution’s pioneering role in the global Islamic finance industry.

The awards were presented by Ahmed Al-Sumait, Head of Treasury – Kuwait at Kuwait Finance Group; Yousif Abdullah Al-Ruwaihi, Head of Public Relations and Media at the group; Afak Uyan, Chief Executive Officer of Kuwait Finance Group – Turkey; and Bassam Al-Ali, Executive Vice President – Treasury and Investment at Kuwait Finance Group – 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 Thai capital.

This recognition stems from the bank’s continuous efforts to strengthen the principles of sustainability, governance, and digital innovation, 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 Group’s leadership in Islamic banking and its distinction in offering innovative Sharia-compliant financial products and services. It also reflects the success achieved in consolidating its commitment to executing a strategy aimed at sustainable growth and the ability to adapt to diverse economic changes and operational challenges across markets, paving the way toward the goal of joining the list of the world’s top 100 banks.

The awards for “Best Islamic Bank in Kuwait,” “Best Islamic Bank in Bahrain” (awarded to Kuwait Finance Group – Bahrain), and “Best Islamic Bank in Turkey” (awarded to Kuwait Finance Group – 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.

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

As for the “Best Provider of Islamic Project Finance in the World” award, it highlights Kuwait Finance Group’s leading role in financing large-scale 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 oil and gas, infrastructure, urban development, services, and other vital sectors.

Exceptional efforts. Yusuf Abdullah Al-Ruwais, 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 success of its exceptional 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 community impact.

Al-Ruwais explained that winning the “Best Islamic Bank for Social Responsibility at the Global Level” confirms the bank’s leadership and excellence in integrating social responsibility into its business model through impactful initiatives in community development, support for education and health, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, environmental conservation, women’s empowerment, fostering digital skills among children and youth, volunteerism, as well as the implementation of best practices in environmental, social, and corporate governance. It also highlighted the execution of awareness and community initiatives with sustainable impact, aligned with development goals, which solidify its status as a model to emulate and a leader in social responsibility.

He emphasized that this recognition adds a new achievement to KFH’s record of accomplishments and serves as a motivation to continue developing community initiatives and strengthening meaningful partnerships, contributing to the realization of sustainable value for society. Al-Ruwais noted that KFH continues to play a pioneering national role in supporting social infrastructure and enhancing community well-being 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.

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 work to improve efficiency, attract new customers, and deliver the best services to their clients.”