Kuwaiti banks strengthen their presence at international forums

As part of its attendance and participation in the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group, the Kuwait Banks Association hosted a reception for Kuwaiti banks in the Thai capital, Bangkok, on the evening of last Friday. The event was attended by a select group of senior officials, decision-makers, and leaders from the financial and banking sectors in Kuwait, the region, and the world.

The reception was held under the patronage and presence of Bassem Ahmed Al-Haroun, Governor of the Central Bank of Kuwait, and featured the participation of Minister of Finance Dr. Yaqoob Sayed Yousef Al-Rafai, Kuwait’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand, Dr. Meshal Al-Mansour, along with several governors of central banks in Arab countries, chairmen of the boards of directors of Kuwaiti banks, senior executives of financial and banking institutions, and prominent economic and investment figures from various countries around the world.

Organizing this reception aligns with the Kuwait Banks Association’s commitment to strengthening the presence of the Kuwaiti banking sector at major international economic and financial forums, and to solidifying communication ties with global financial leaders and institutions, thereby reflecting the advanced standing enjoyed by the Kuwaiti banking sector both regionally and internationally.

Hamad Abdulmohsin Al-Merzouq, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Kuwait Banks Association and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Kuwait Finance House, stated that participation in the 2026 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the IMF, held in Bangkok, represents an important opportunity to explore cooperation and partnership prospects with global financing institutions, and to showcase key economic and financial developments.

He noted that the Kuwaiti Banks Association’s reception of Kuwaiti banks, held on the sidelines of the IMF and World Bank Group Annual Meetings, is among the most prominent economic events that bring together government officials, decision-makers, and heads of financial and investment institutions from around the world, with the aim of exchanging views and discussing economic and financial challenges and developments.

Al-Merzouq emphasized that such participation offers an opportunity to highlight the strength of the Kuwaiti economy and the competence, financial soundness, and resilience of the Kuwaiti banking sector, amid significant advancements in financial technology and sustainable growth. He also pointed to the positive ratings awarded by prestigious global rating agencies, as well as the safety and robustness of its financial indicators, reflecting the prudent supervision of the Central Bank of Kuwait and the banking sector’s adoption of the best regulatory and supervisory standards, which contribute to knowledge exchange, enhanced bilateral investment, and financial cooperation.

He further noted that Kuwait Finance House’s participation in the IMF and World Bank Group Annual Meetings underscores its leading position in both regional and global arenas, as a leading global Islamic banking group whose operations span 10 countries worldwide. This participation also highlights the importance of the Islamic finance industry and its role as a model capable of supporting financial stability and achieving sustainable development.

Issam Jasim Al-Saqer, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Kuwait Banks Association, and Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of National Bank of Kuwait, stated that the National Bank of Kuwait’s participation in the Kuwaiti banks’ reception embodies its commitment to supporting the international presence of the Kuwaiti banking sector and enhancing its role in global economic and financial forums.

This meeting, held on the sidelines of the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group, offers a valuable opportunity to engage with officials, policymakers, and representatives of financial and economic institutions from around the world, and to exchange views on the most significant developments and challenges facing global markets. It also contributes to building new professional relationships and exploring opportunities for cooperation and partnerships, thereby enhancing the standing of the Kuwaiti banking sector and highlighting its progress and leadership at both the regional and international levels.

Al-Saqer added that this event helps strengthen cooperation and strategic partnerships with international financial institutions, supporting the Kuwaiti banking sector’s efforts to expand its global footprint and enhance its competitiveness. These meetings provide an important platform to highlight the resilience of the Kuwaiti economy and the strength of the local banking sector, which enjoys high levels of stability, liquidity, and financial soundness, as well as the ability to keep pace with rapid economic and technological changes.

Al-Saqer noted that this occasion also presents an opportunity to discuss issues related to economic growth, risk management, and developments in capital markets. It reflects Kuwaiti banks’ commitment to strengthening international dialogue and cooperation, and exchanging expertise and best practices with various stakeholders. He pointed out that “Al-Watani” believes that active participation in such international events helps consolidate Kuwait’s position as a trusted regional financial hub, opening new horizons to support economic development, attract investments, and enhance opportunities for sustainable growth, serving the interests of both the banking sector and the national economy.

For his part, Sheikh Ahmad Duaij Al-Sabah, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Commercial Bank of Kuwait, stated that the bank’s participation in the IMF and World Bank Group annual meetings represents a valuable opportunity to enhance the bank’s presence in the banking arena and reinforce its position as a financial institution with a broad network of banking relationships with a select group of international financial institutions. He noted that these meetings serve as a global forum to discuss economic and financial issues, as well as topics related to financial technology, digitalization, and cybersecurity, offering greater opportunities for cooperation, knowledge exchange, and support for cross-border banking operations. He emphasized the Commercial Bank’s commitment to continuing investments in digital transformation to deliver innovative, secure, and sustainable financial solutions.

On his part, Abdullah Al-Samit, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Kuwait Finance House (KFH) Group, expressed his pleasure at participating in the reception hosted by the Kuwait Bankers Association on the sidelines of the annual meetings of the Boards of Governors of the World Bank Group and the IMF. He stressed the importance of such global gatherings in exchanging views on the latest economic and financial developments, and exploring a foundation for cooperation that supports and enhances sustainable growth and long-term prosperity.

Al-Samit added that, amid the rapid changes characterizing the global economy, strengthening international cooperation and maintaining open dialogue among financial institutions have become more important than ever. Such events provide a valuable platform to strengthen relationships with major banks and financial institutions, exchange expertise, and explore new opportunities for cooperation. They also enable the leveraging of future insights to contribute to the continued development of the Kuwaiti banking sector and enhance its competitiveness.

Kuwait International Bank Raed Jawad Bu Khamseen, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Kuwait International Bank, stated that the bank is proud to participate in this international forum, viewing it as a vital opportunity to connect and strengthen the bank’s relationships with international financial institutions, and to exchange views on the future of the banking industry and its prospects. He emphasized that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group meetings are highly significant, as they address growth, financing, and risk trends. The bank’s participation comes as part of a high-level delegation of Kuwaiti banks, reflecting its conviction that the sector’s standing is built through impactful presence rather than mere statistics. This comes at a time when Kuwait International Bank (KIB) continues to develop innovative Islamic financial products and solutions, expand its digital services to serve diverse customer segments more efficiently and conveniently, and enhance its role in capital markets, thereby opening broader avenues for local and regional financing and elevating the performance of the Kuwaiti banking sector. The bank also appreciates the role of the Kuwait Banks Association in sponsoring such forums and supporting the presence of the Kuwaiti banking sector at international platforms.

Burgan Bank Faisal Mansour Sarakha, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Burgan Bank, said that Burgan Bank’s participation in the Kuwaiti Banks Reception reflects its commitment to being present and active at key international financial platforms, and to continuing its contribution to dialogues discussing the transformations and issues shaping the future of the banking sector, alongside expanding its network of relationships with global financial and economic institutions and leaders. He noted that this occasion, held on the sidelines of the IMF and World Bank Group Annual Meetings, holds special importance as it provides opportunities to exchange perspectives and expertise, strengthen international partnerships and cooperation, and highlight the strength and standing of the Kuwaiti banking sector, while consolidating Kuwait’s presence within the global financial system.

Boubyan Bank Adel Abdulwahab Al-Majed, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Boubyan Bank Group, stated that participation in the IMF and World Bank Group Annual Meetings allows for tracking economic and financial developments, exchanging expertise and perspectives on achieving economic balance, and leveraging the experience of international institutions to develop proactive plans that support the resilience and development of the Kuwaiti banking sector. He added that the Kuwaiti Banks Reception, organized by the Kuwait Banks Association on the sidelines of the meetings, has become a prominent gathering for banking and economic leaders, offering an opportunity to enhance Boubyan’s presence on the international stage. He affirmed that these meetings contribute to consolidating the bank’s position as a leading financial institution, strengthening its relationships with a select group of international financial institutions, and opening avenues for partnerships that support growth and financial innovation, thereby contributing to the development of the global banking industry.

Wahat Bank Mi Mahlah Al-Mutairi, a Board Member of Wahat Bank, emphasized that the Kuwaiti Banks Reception in Bangkok represents an important opportunity to enhance the presence of the Kuwaiti banking sector and strengthen its relationships with international financial and economic institutions. She noted that participation in this event reflects Kuwaiti banks’ commitment to communication, exchanging expertise, and keeping pace with developments in the banking industry. She added that such occasions contribute to opening new horizons for cooperation, strengthening partnerships, and showcasing the expertise and capabilities of the Kuwaiti banking sector, thereby supporting its growth and development trajectory and enhancing Kuwait’s position as a promising regional financial hub.

Al-Eissa: The banking sector is built on a solid institutional foundation. Sheikhah Al-Eissa, Secretary-General of the Kuwait Banks Union, expressed her deep appreciation to the Governor of the Central Bank of Kuwait, Bassem Ahmed Al-Haroun, for his patronage and attendance at the reception, as well as to Minister of Finance Dr. Yaqoub Al-Sayed Yousef Al-Rafai and the Ambassador of the State of Kuwait in Bangkok, Dr. Meshal Al-Mansour. She also expressed her gratitude to the chairs of the boards of directors of Kuwaiti banks and their executive leaders for their support and active participation, as well as to all participating guests, whose presence contributed to the success of the event and the achievement of its objectives.

Al-Eissa extended her thanks to the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters for its continuous cooperation and contribution to enriching the event with an authentic Kuwaiti cultural presence, which helped showcase Kuwait’s heritage and identity in a distinguished manner to participating guests from various countries around the world.

She emphasized that the Kuwaiti banking sector is built on a solid institutional foundation and possesses a high capacity to keep pace with the rapid changes in the global financial industry. She noted that the Union will continue, in the coming phase, to strengthen its role in coordinating efforts, supporting the joint presence of Kuwaiti banks, and expanding areas of cooperation with international financial institutions, thereby contributing to consolidating Kuwait’s and its banking sector’s position regionally and internationally.

For her part, Al-Eissa stressed that the Kuwaiti banking sector enjoys exceptional levels of liquidity and capital that comfortably exceed regulatory and supervisory requirements. This underscores the strength and resilience of Kuwaiti banks, the soundness of their financial positions, and their ability to continue supporting the national economy and meeting financing needs without any adverse impact on liquidity indicators or financial stability.