Kuwait Finance House best institution in expatriate employment localization in the private sector

Achieved high rates of job substitution and localization among private sector institutions in Kuwait

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Ministers of Labor Council honored the bank for its leadership and excellence in job localization and national talent development

Al-Hamad: Selecting Kuwait Finance House as the best reflects the success of our strategy in investing in national cadres

The Council of Ministers of Labor and Social Affairs of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries honored Kuwait Finance House (KFH) in appreciation of its excellence in substitution, localization, and training programs, and its pioneering results in attracting and developing national cadres within Kuwait’s private sector. This recognition was presented during a special ceremony hosted under the patronage of the ministers of labor and social affairs of the GCC states, held in the Bahraini capital of Manama.

The honor for Kuwait Finance House was bestowed during the twelfth meeting of the Council of Ministers of Social Affairs and Development of the GCC countries, attended by a number of senior officials and Gulf decision-makers, including Sheikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain; Jassem Al-Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council; Dr. Amthal Al-Huwail, Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Childhood; and Jassem Al-Naqim, Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to the Kingdom of Bahrain. This event underscored the bank’s leading position in the localization of national labor and the development of human capital.

National Human Capital

Upon receiving the commemorative plaque, Ahmed Hamad Al-Hamad, Acting Head of Human Resources at Kuwait Finance House Group, expressed his pride in this honor, which embodies official recognition of the bank’s pioneering efforts in developing national human capital and supporting localization programs. He affirmed the bank’s continued cooperation with relevant authorities to enhance opportunities for the qualification and training of national cadres, and to elevate their scientific and professional capabilities in accordance with best practices and global standards.

Best Institution in Labor Localization

Al-Hamad clarified that the selection of Kuwait Finance House as the best institution in labor localization across Kuwait’s private sector was based on precise criteria and advanced performance indicators, which enabled the bank to achieve distinguished levels in Kuwaitization rates and training and development programs, according to data and classifications from official competent authorities.

He noted that Kuwait Finance House is proud to be the largest employer of national talents among Kuwaiti banks and all private sector institutions. The proportion of Kuwaitis among new hires over recent years ranged between 98% and 100%, while the overall Kuwaitization rate reached 83%.

Al-Hamad emphasized the continuation of efforts to enhance Kuwaitization rates in line with regulatory requirements and controls, with a focus on expanding the participation of national talents in managerial and leadership positions. He pointed out that Kuwaitis hold approximately 76% of leadership roles.

In the same context, Al-Hamad noted that Kuwait Finance House continues to make tangible progress in sustainability goals related to human resources by reinforcing transparency principles, developing professional policies, and strengthening commitment to environmental, social responsibility, and governance standards. These efforts contribute to building an advanced corporate culture and reinforcing the bank’s values.

He added that the bank pays special attention to empowering women and enhancing their presence across various departments and job levels, reflecting its belief in their vital role in supporting economic and social development. Many female employees hold leadership and executive positions, demonstrating high competence in managing diverse tasks and responsibilities within the bank. He noted that women’s representation in the bank’s branches reached approximately 32%.

Award Criteria

The recognition was based on several controls and criteria, including that each member state of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) selects private sector institutions that achieve high and advanced rates in implementing localization and nationalization programs, rely heavily on national workforce employment, and commit to providing appropriate qualification and training opportunities for national employees. Consideration is also given to the quality of benefits and incentives offered by the nominated institution, which contribute to stabilizing the national workforce, and the extent to which such benefits are available within the institution.

As part of the selection process, a specialized committee supervised by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs is formed, in cooperation with chambers of commerce and industry and other relevant entities, to review and evaluate information about the institution under consideration, based on available statistical data and the specified criteria and conditions for the award.

Awards and Recognitions

The record of Kuwait Finance House (KFH) Group is replete with awards and honors that reflect its leadership and distinction in the field of human resources and human capital development. The group won seven prestigious awards in 2026, including five awards at the 23rd edition of the Stevie Awards, as well as two awards from the Association for Talent Development (ATD). This achievement confirms the success of its strategy in building an advanced work environment, adopting innovative best practices in human resource management, enhancing employee experience, empowering talent, and consolidating an institutional culture based on continuous learning, development, and innovation.

Seven Prestigious Awards

1. Award for Excellence in Advanced Use of Employee Analytics and Data.

2. Award for Achievement in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Standards.

3. Award for Employee Experience Development and Enhancement of Internal Career Mobility.

4. Award for Excellence in Talent Attraction and Recruitment System, won by Kuwait Turk.

5. Award for the AI-Enabled English Skills Development Platform, won by Kuwait Turk.

6. Award for AI-Enabled Learning and Education Development from the Association for Talent Development (ATD) within the Middle East Excellence Awards, won by Kuwait Turk.

7. Award for the Talent Attraction Center from the Association for Talent Development (ATD) within the Middle East Excellence Awards, won by Kuwait Turk.

This international recognition reflects Kuwait Finance House (KFH) Group’s leading position in human resource development and its continuous commitment to investing in its human capital as the fundamental pillar for achieving sustainable growth and institutional excellence.

Indicators and Figures

• 98% to 100% rate of Kuwaiti recruitment among new hires

• 83% Kuwaitization rate

• 6% of Kuwaitis in leadership positions

• 32% female representation in Kuwait Finance House branches