'Global Finance': KFH Awarded 'Best Islamic Bank in the World'

It was awarded the 2026 prize in recognition of its well-deserved global standing during an awards ceremony held on the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund meetings in Bangkok.

Kuwait Finance House (KFH) was honored with seven prestigious awards from Global Finance magazine at the 19th edition of its annual Islamic Financial Institutions Awards for 2026, further affirming the Group’s leadership and unique position in the global Islamic finance sector.

The awards are:

● Best Islamic Bank in the World

● Best Islamic Bank for Corporate Banking in the World

● Best Islamic Bank for Corporate 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 accolades are the result of a clear strategy focused on AI-driven digital transformation, enhanced Group-wide integration, and a strong customer-centric approach. They also serve as a catalyst for continuing to achieve further successes and strengthening the institution’s pioneering role in the global Islamic finance industry.

The awards were presented by Ahmed Al-Samit, Treasurer of Kuwait Finance House; Yousif Abdullah Al-Ruwais, Head of Public Relations and Media at KFH; Afak Uyan, CEO of Kuwait Finance House – Turkey; and Bassam Al-Ali, Executive Vice President – 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, Thailand.

This recognition reflects the Bank’s continuous efforts to strengthen principles of sustainability, governance, and digital innovation, alongside achieving strong financial performance and balanced, sustainable growth across its various markets. The “Best Islamic Financial Institution in the World” award for 2026 acknowledges KFH’s leadership in Islamic banking and its distinction in offering innovative financial products and services compliant with Islamic Shariah principles. It also highlights the Group’s success in reinforcing its commitment to executing a strategy aimed at sustainable growth, and its ability to adapt to various economic changes and operational challenges across different markets, thereby paving the way toward its 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 House – Bahrain), and “Best Islamic Bank in Turkey” (awarded to Kuwait Finance House – Turkey) underscore the excellence and superiority of the Group’s units in the markets where they operate, 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. Additionally, it leads all Kuwaiti private sector banks and companies in market capitalization, which reached a record high by surpassing the 15 million KD threshold.

Regarding the award for “Best Islamic Bank for Corporate Banking in the World,” it reflects the growing global confidence in Kuwait Finance House’s capabilities and its distinction in building long-term strategic partnerships with its corporate clients, providing advanced financial solutions that support their business expansion and enhance their competitiveness in local and international markets. Kuwait Finance House continues to achieve exceptional performance in corporate banking, supported by strategic growth and established leadership, alongside ongoing innovation in Islamic financing solutions and leading several prominent financing deals that have contributed to strengthening its pivotal role in supporting economic development.

With regard to the award for “Best Provider of Islamic Project Finance in the World,” it underscores Kuwait Finance House’s leading role in financing major projects and its significant contributions to financing 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.

The bank offers integrated corporate banking services based on digital transformation and financial flexibility, meeting the needs of various economic sectors and contributing to sustainable development. It delivers an exceptional banking experience for corporate clients through its eCorp digital platform, which has seen notable adoption rates, especially following the launch of the enhanced version of its electronic services and mobile application. Additionally, the bank plays a strategic partner role in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which have been launched with financing from the bank.

Yousef Abdullah Al-Ruwais, Head of Public Relations and Media at Kuwait Finance House, noted that the “Best Islamic Bank for Corporate Social Responsibility in the World 2026” award reflects the exceptional success of its efforts and confirms its clear footprint and leadership in corporate social responsibility within 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-Ruwais clarified that winning the “Best Islamic Bank for Corporate Social Responsibility Worldwide” award confirms the bank’s leadership and distinction in integrating social responsibility into its business model through impactful initiatives in community development, education and health support, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, environmental conservation, women’s empowerment, digital skills development for children and youth, volunteerism, as well as the implementation of best practices in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. It also involves executing awareness and community initiatives with sustainable impact aligned with development goals, solidifying its status as a model and leader in social responsibility. Al-Ruwais emphasized that this recognition adds a new achievement to Kuwait Finance House’s record and serves as a motivation to continue developing community initiatives and strengthening purposeful partnerships, contributing to achieving sustainable value for society.

Al-Ruwais stated that Kuwait Finance House 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 corporate social responsibility. These long-term commitments reflect a sustainable approach that extends beyond the traditional concept of corporate social responsibility. Among the most prominent 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 more than KWD 61 million to settle various debts of debtors.

● Contributing approximately KWD 8 million to reconstruct the damaged area in Souq Al-Mubarakiya.

● Contributing KWD 20 million to establish 15 ambulance centers.

● Contributing the largest share to the fund supporting government efforts during the coronavirus crisis, valued at KWD 10 million.

● Supporting a sustainable environmental initiative to develop Al-Wataniya Square.

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

● Providing $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 UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

● Continuing its leading role in providing community contributions to the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences, the National Employment Support Program, the Banking Institute, and other various community initiatives that 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 expansion of banking services.” He added: “The Global Finance Annual Awards honor institutions that work to improve efficiency and deliver the best services to their clients.”