CEO of Al-Kuwait Finance House Ranked First Kuwaiti on Forbes List of Middle East Sustainability Leaders

- In recognition of its prominent impact and role in leading sustainability efforts within the group

- Ranked seventh in the Middle East

- The list included 145 participants distributed across 17 sectors

- The bank’s investments in sustainable and green sukuk rose to approximately $1.2 billion in 2025, representing a 30.7% annual growth

In recognition of its prominent impact and role in leading sustainability efforts within Kuwait Finance House (KFH) Group, Middle East Forbes magazine ranked KFH Group CEO, Khaled Yousef Al-Shamlan, first in the banking sector in Kuwait and seventh across the Middle East, on its 2026 Middle East Sustainability Leaders list.

The recognition was presented during the Sustainability Leaders Awards ceremony held in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, under the patronage of Dr. Amina bint Abdullah Al-Dhaheri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment of the UAE. The event brought together leaders in sustainability, technology, and finance to promote green practices and enhance sustainability. Meshal Al-Shaikh, Head of Compliance and Governance at KFH, accepted the award on behalf of Al-Shamlan.

The 2026 Sustainability Leaders list highlights executive leaders who contribute to advancing the sustainability agenda and influence the trajectory of leading companies in the region. It includes 145 participants distributed across 17 sectors, including: Banking, Energy and Utilities, Family Businesses, Financial Services, Food and Agriculture, Free Zones, Healthcare, Investment and Holding Companies, Industry, Oil and Gas, Real Estate and Construction, Renewable Energy, Technology and Telecommunications, Transport and Logistics, Development Funds, and others.

Middle East Forbes noted that KFH Group expanded its investments in sustainability sukuk to approximately $2.38 billion in 2025, reflecting its leading role in sustainable finance within Islamic finance markets.

It added that KFH’s investments in sustainable and green sukuk reached approximately $1.2 billion in 2025, marking a 30.7% year-on-year increase compared to 2024. These investments were allocated as 44% in sustainable sukuk and 56% in green sukuk.

The magazine pointed out that in 2025, KFH launched an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) sustainability plan targeting carbon neutrality for its operational activities by 2060, supported by an implementation roadmap for the period 2025–2030.

The bank continues to contribute to sustainability through its successful investments in sustainability and green sukuk, its commitment to integrating sustainable practices into its operations, and its proactive adoption of ESG principles as a core element of its corporate strategy, aligning with Kuwait Vision 2035’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Notably, KFH received an “A” rating in the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) ESG Index, published by Morgan Stanley, as well as inclusion in the FTSE4Good Global Sustainability Index, owing to its exceptional performance in ESG practices and its commitment to sustainable finance.

Kuwait Finance House (KFH) has successfully obtained the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification for several of its branches, bringing the total number of branches to achieve this distinguished rating to five since early 2026. Additionally, KFH Auto received the Gold Level Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) sustainability rating, making it the first bank in Kuwait to earn this prestigious recognition.

KFH continues its sustainability efforts in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It also continues to organize the pioneering “Business Sustainability” program for its small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) clients, aiming to provide them with a competitive edge to realize their aspirations and reaffirming its vision to promote sustainable development and its leadership in fostering an entrepreneurial environment.

KFH also continues its “Keep It Green” initiative, which enhances environmental protection and works to reduce carbon emissions for a more sustainable future.

KFH was the first institution to begin impact measurement reporting, and it annually publishes its Sustainability Report and Carbon Footprint Report. These reports include valuable information, insights, and detailed plans highlighting carbon neutrality and reducing the negative impacts of activities misaligned with environmental protection in the coming years, in line with global initiatives to combat climate change.