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Egypt: NBK-Egypt Launches Smart Membership Card for Heliopolis Sporting Club

As part of the strategic partnership and close cooperation between National Bank of Kuwait - Egypt (NBK-Egypt) and Heliopolis Sporting Club (HSC), and to give effect to the cooperation protocol and the framework agreement signed between them for supporting and optimizing "Heliopolis Smart Digital Club", the bank launched a smart membership card for HSC members of both branches in Heliopolis and El Shorouk City.

The new card will enable members to benefit from many features and services inside and outside the club, as the HSC Membership Card has become a smart payment card, offering a unique experience locally, using cutting-edge technology to integrate more than one application in one card.

The launch of this card was announced in a ceremony held at HSC in Heliopolis Area on Thursday, 11th of March, which was attended by Mr. Amr El-Sonbaty - Chairman of the Board of Directors at HSC, and a group of board members and executives. From NBK – Egypt’ side, the ceremony was attended by Mr. Amr El Alfy, Head of Business Group at NBK – Egypt, and Mrs. Salma Abou Hussein, Head of Consumer Banking at NBK-Egypt, and a large number of the bank’s top and executive management team.

On this occasion, Mr. Yasser El-Tayeb, NBK - Egypt Vice Chairman, Managing Director & CEO said: “This cooperation between NBK - Egypt and HSC serves the bank’s strategy to support digital transformation projects, inside or outside the bank, which comes in line with the directions of the government and the Central Bank of Egypt for transforming into a society less dependent on cash and moving towards a digital economy, being one of the strategic objectives of sustainable development, in accordance with Egypt's Vision 2030, the path on which the bank has taken remarkable steps over the recent past years.”

On his part, Mr. Amr El Alfy, Head of Business Group at NBK – Egypt said: “The bank’s launch of this smart card for HSC members represents a new step in a series of cutting- edge digital products and services provided by the bank to its customers from all segments.

This stems from the belief in the key role of digital solutions and alternative channels in the banking sector, and the understanding of their importance to enhance the competitive edge over other banks, and to establish “the one bank concept” for customers, especially, as we strive to acquire a larger share of the Egyptian market in the coming period.”

El Alfy added that in addition to its financial support for this project, the bank participated in supervising its implementation using its expertise in the areas of electronic payment and smart cards, and being the bank of payments for the smart system of those cards, including the various banking transactions associated with it.

This was done by embedding a smart chip to the membership cards which enables HSC members not only access at the club’s new electronic gates and parking spaces, but will also double as a prepaid card to be recharged and used to make various purchases and payments.”

Commenting on launching the card, Mrs. Salma Abou Hussein, Head of Consumer Banking at NBK-Egypt said: “The launch of HSC Smart Card, in cooperation with our bank, is a milestone in the bank’s digital products and advanced payment solutions, which the bank has been keen to adopt since some time by launching “NBK - Egypt Online Banking”, then “NBK – Egypt Mobile Banking App”, allowing our customers to make a variety of banking transactions in a simple and secure way, without the need to visit the branch for every transaction. Additionally, the bank launched e-Wallet, which enables customers to make transfers and various bill payments directly from their mobile phones in an easy and secure way. As a culmination of the bank’s digital services, the bank recently launched “Meeza” Prepaid Card, which allows customers to enjoy a unique banking experience.”

Abou Hussein added that the new HSC Membership Card is a co-branded card that is used as a membership card, and, in addition, doubles as a prepaid card that can be used to make various purchases and bill payments inside or outside the club. It can also be used to pay for subscriptions to various sporting activities inside the club, as well as to make online payments, making it easier for members to use one card for all their daily transactions and needs. Members can activate the card and recharge it at the bank’s branch inside HSC, after filling in the documents and updating customer's information on Content Management System. The new card will be distributed to the members by HSC management as a replacement for the current plastic card.

Egypt: NBK-Egypt Reports EGP 7.3 billion (Equivalent to KWD 51.9 million) in Net Profit in FY2024

National Bank of Kuwait - Egypt (NBK-Egypt) reported net profits of EGP 7.3 billion (Equivalent to KWD 51.9 million ) for the financial year  2024 compared to EGP 4.021 billion (Equivalent to KWD 41.4 million) reported in 2023 marking an impressive 81% increase compared to financial year 2023.

Net Operating Income stood at EGP 13.5 billion by the end of FY2024, recording a substantial increase of 57% from EGP 8.7 billion recorded by the end of FY2023. In the meantime, Net Interest Income grew by 66%, reaching EGP 11.6 billion compared to EGP 7 billion in FY2023.

Meanwhile, Net Operating Income (excluding interests) increased to EGP 1.9 billion in FY2024, compared to EGP 1.7 billion in FY2023, up by 17%, while Cost to Net Operating Income dropped from 28% in FY2023 to 21.2% in FY2024.

Total assets reached EGP 196 billion by the end of FY2024, up by 50% compared to EGP 131 billion by the end of FY2023. Furthermore, total loans and credit facilities expanded to EGP 104 billion in FY2024, reflecting a growth rate of 37% compared to EGP 76 billion recorded at the end of FY2023.  Additionally, customer deposits increased to EGP 160 billion by the end of FY2024, up from EGP 106 billion at the end of FY2023, representing a growth rate of 51%.

Furthermore, the Return on Average Assets (ROAA) improved to 4.5% by the end of FY2024, compared to 3.4% by the end of FY2023, while the Return on Average Equity (ROAE) increased to 39.2% in FY2024, up from 30.7% in FY2023.

Commenting on the financial results announced by NBK-Egypt, Ms. Shaikha Al-Bahar, Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer, National Bank of Kuwait, and Chairman of NBK-Egypt, said: “NBK-Egypt delivered record profits in 2024, underscoring the success of its operational strategy and reaffirming its trajectory toward further strengthening its position in the Egyptian market. As NBK Group’s most significant market outside Kuwait, Egypt holds substantial growth potential, driven by its promising opportunities and positive economic outlook.”

Al-Bahar highlighted that NBK’s operations in Egypt are among the group’s most profitable, delivering the highest returns on equity and assets.

Al-Bahar emphasized that the sustained expansion of the balance sheet and the growth of the bank's financial indicators reaffirm the success of its business diversification strategy and accelerated digital transformation. This approach aims to strengthen market share, particularly in retail banking, within the region’s most populous country and a key hub for investment opportunities.

“We are committed to enhancing service quality, expanding our geographical presence, and reaching a more diverse customer base. This progress is driven by the significant advancements in our digital infrastructure, information technology, and alternative electronic channels, which have positioned the bank as a strong competitor with a distinct presence in the Egyptian banking sector. This comes amid the rising demand for banking services and the increasing momentum of financial inclusion,” Al-Bahar stated.

“Egypt is a key growth market for NBK Group and a long-term strategic investment, where the Group remains committed to reinforcing its presence and strengthening its position,” Al-Bahar confirmed.

Meanwhile, Vice Chairman, CEO, and Managing Director of National Bank of Kuwait-Egypt, Mr. Yasser El-Tayeb, said: “The bank's strong financial performance at the end of 2024 surpassed expectations and targets, despite challenges and exceptional circumstances affecting the business environment both locally and globally. This achievement underscores the bank’s resilience and prudent business model, reinforcing its ability to sustain success and growth.”

Al-Tayeb emphasized that the bank’s growth is balanced across all business activities, ensuring efficiency and a risk profile aligned with sustainable expansion. This success is driven by a prudent strategy that meets the evolving needs of both corporate and individual clients while diversifying income streams.

Al-Tayeb noted that the bank’s income sources stem from credit operations in the corporate sector, alongside a rapidly expanding retail banking segment, which has grown significantly in recent years. The bank’s credit portfolio reflects a diverse client base, encompassing large, medium, and small enterprises, while its retail banking portfolio serves a broad spectrum of customers. This diversity underscores the strength and stability of the bank’s revenue streams. He further emphasized the bank’s commitment to strengthening its position in retail banking by introducing more advanced services and products tailored to meet customers' evolving financial needs and aspirations.

El-Tayeb further emphasized NBK-Egypt’s commitment to supporting the global shift toward sustainable finance and the transition to a green economy. The bank actively backs environmentally friendly projects that promote sustainability and increased reliance on renewable energy while exploring solutions to mitigate climate change and reduce carbon emissions. He highlighted that sustainable finance has become a vital tool for ensuring long-term financial stability and resilience.

He also affirmed the bank’s strong commitment to leveraging technology and digital channels to enhance its competitive edge in the banking sector. Recognizing their pivotal role, NBK-Egypt continues to expand its electronic services and encourage broader customer adoption of digital payments. This aligns with the broader strategy of the Egyptian government and the Central Bank of Egypt to promote financial inclusion, integrate new customer segments into the formal banking system, and drive the transition toward a less cash-dependent economy.

El-Tayeb concluded by highlighting NBK-Egypt’s steadfast commitment to social responsibility, emphasizing that since the Group’s entry into the Egyptian market in 2007, the bank has actively supported the local community. Through partnerships with reputable civil society organizations, NBK-Egypt channels its development efforts toward impactful initiatives, reinforcing its role as a responsible corporate citizen. Social responsibility remains a cornerstone of the bank’s sustainability strategy, contributing to national development across key areas, including:

• Healthcare provision

• Education and employment support

• Environmental conservation

• Social solidarity

• Development of underserved areas

• Economic development