Kuwait Finance House Wins 'Bank of the Year' Among Islamic Banks in MENA
Kuwait Finance House wins the 2026 Banking Excellence Award from MEED magazine.
Translated by Qiyas from السياسة — Original source
From MEED, in a new confirmation of its regional and global leadership and its distinction in Islamic banking
Kuwait Finance House (KFH) won the “Bank of the Year for Islamic Banks in the Middle East and North Africa 2026” award as part of the Corporate and Investment Banking Excellence Awards organized by the global MEED magazine. This achievement underscores the bank’s leading position regionally and globally across various banking sectors, its pioneering role in the Islamic finance industry, and its success in delivering innovative banking solutions and a comprehensive banking experience to its clients.
The award reflects KFH’s success in continuing to develop an integrated business model that combines deep banking expertise with continuous innovation in products, services, and financial solutions, thereby meeting the needs of diverse customer segments and supporting companies and institutions in executing their financing and investment plans efficiently and flexibly.
KFH was honored with the award during a ceremony held in Dubai, coinciding with Dubai Future Finance Week, with participation from a select group of financial and banking sector leaders, decision-makers, and experts from across the region. The award was presented by Abdullah Al-Saif, Executive Director of Public Relations and Social Media Services at KFH.
This recognition honors KFH’s pioneering journey in consolidating the position of Islamic banking and enhancing its role in financing economic and investment activities, through specialized banking and financing solutions that keep pace with market developments and meet the needs of companies, investment institutions, and the aspirations of its clients.
The selection of KFH as “Bank of the Year for Islamic Banks in the Middle East and North Africa” for 2026 reflects its status as one of the largest Islamic financial institutions in the world, boasting strong financial soundness and outstanding operational performance. This was reflected in achieving the highest profits across the banking sector and the Kuwaiti market. The bank reported net profit attributable to shareholders of 523.4 million Kuwaiti dinars through the end of the third quarter of 2026, representing a growth rate of 6.2% compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, net operating income rose to 1,004.7 million Kuwaiti dinars through the end of Q3 2026, recording an 11.7% growth. Additionally, the bank succeeded in implementing its strategy aimed at accelerating the pace of digital transformation, developing innovative banking products and services that enhance the customer experience and strengthen its competitiveness in the markets, while continuing to achieve sustainable growth.
Strategic Partner for Development Projects
KFH continues to strengthen its local, regional, and global presence, leveraging its accumulated expertise and wide geographical footprint. Its network includes more than 600 branches across approximately 10 countries worldwide, alongside advanced capabilities in structuring financing solutions, building partnerships, managing customer relationships, and providing banking and investment services tailored to the nature of their businesses and expansion plans.
The award highlights KFH’s pivotal role as a strategic partner in supporting development projects and contributing to the realization of Kuwait Vision 2035, by providing innovative and diverse financing solutions that meet the needs of major vital projects, and help drive sustainable and inclusive economic development. This reflects the bank’s commitment to supporting investment and enhancing the corporate banking sector.
Precise Selection Criteria
Participating institutions in the 2026 Middle East and North Africa Banking Excellence Awards are assessed according to precise and transparent criteria by an independent jury panel comprising a select group of senior experts and specialists in the banking sector. The committee reviews and evaluates all submissions before finalizing the results and selecting the winners.
The evaluation criteria are based on measurable financial performance, financial strength, innovation, compliance with Islamic Sharia principles, leadership in Islamic financing and sukuk issuance, development of investment products, and the provision of high-quality advisory and financing solutions for corporate and investment clients.
The publication is among the leading specialized media platforms for economic analysis and the business sector in the Middle East. In collaboration with GlobalData Financial Services, the magazine presents the Middle East and North Africa Banking Excellence Awards to institutions that have achieved outstanding accomplishments in the banking and financial services sector, with a focus on innovation, service quality, and excellence in customer experience.
