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Egypt: NBK-Egypt reports EGP 1.055 billion (KWD 18.7 million) in Net Profits in 1H2019

NBK-Egypt - a member of NBK Group – reported EGP 1.055 billion in net profits (KWD 18.7 million) for 1H2019 up 6.7% compared to EGP 988.78 million (KWD 16.9 million) for the corresponding period of last year.

Total assets as of June 30, 2019 reached EGP 68.55 billion up 5.26% compared to EGP 65.12 billion by the end of June 2018. Total customers deposits grew by 19.24% for the same period to reach EGP 56.68 billion, compared to EGP 47.54 billion for the corresponding period of last year. 

Ms. Shaikha Al-Bahar, Deputy Group CEO, National Bank of Kuwait and Chairman of NBK-Egypt said that NBK-Egypt's record financial results reflect NBK Group's insightful long-term investments strategies in the Egyptian market. The profit growth in 1H2019, mainly driven by operating income, also reflects the stability of the Egyptian economic environment and its rapid development.

Al-Bahar highlighted that NBK-Egypt is considered one of the most important branches for the Group, as it contributes about third of the reported profits from the Group’s international branches. She also stressed that the growth witnessed by the Egyptian economy will create new investment and financing opportunities for the bank, which will in turn improve product integration between the bank and the parent group, thus strengthening its position in the Egyptian market.

“NBK Group is working on transferring its Fintech expertise to the Egyptian market through NBK-Egypt as part of the Group’s "digital transformation” strategy. This step was reflected positively on the outstanding and unique banking services offered by NBK-Egypt to its customers, thus position us as a pioneering bank in introducing the latest technological solutions”. Shaikha Al-Bahar commented.

Al-Bahar also added that NBK-Egypt aims to further expand its market share in the Egyptian market, confirming that all indicators support the successful implementation of NBK’s strategy focused on the retail sector in addition to corporate finance. “NBK aims to expand and diversify its business scope to increase its geographical footprint and reach more customers throughout all Egyptian governorates”. Al-Bahar added.

Al-Bahar stressed that the Egyptian economy is beginning to reap the benefits of its economic reform program, which the government managed to successfully implement over the past three years. That initiative included a wide array of economic and financial reforms, which led to a substantial improvement in the macroeconomic and financial indicators, as confirmed by the leading international institutions. Most recently, Fitch upgraded Egypt's credit rating to B+ with a stable outlook and Moody's upgraded its credit rating to B2 with a stable outlook.

Meanwhile, Managing Director of NBK-Egypt, Mr. Yasser El-Tayeb highlighted that 1H2019 financial results reflect that NBK-Egypt has continued its growth and solid performance across most financial indicators, supported by the Bank's success in overcoming unfavorable market conditions at the beginning of this year, thanks to the prudent policy adopted by the Bank as a member of NBK Group and its business model based on the diversification of its income and credit portfolio while offering flexible financing solutions and providing innovative  banking products at the same time to cater to its customers actual needs derived through detailed in-depth market studies. This is in addition to the bank's solid financial position, strong balance sheets, successful strategy and the experienced and accomplished team that brings comprehensive banking knowledge and expertise. 

El-Tayeb added that most of NBK-Egypt’s profits are driven by corporate credit services, with a highly diversified portfolio drawing on the diversification of the Egyptian economy itself. He also highlighted that NBK strives to strengthen its position in retail banking as well over the coming period and that it has made huge strides in presenting innovative services and products to its retail clients to fulfill the needs and requirements of various segments.  

He further added that NBK-Egypt has a wide network of 50 branches spread over premium locations in various Egyptian governorates and cities including: Cairo, Giza, Alexandria, Delta, Sinai, Red Sea and Upper Egypt, in addition to the industrial zones in 6th of October and 10th of Ramadan cities. The bank is also privileged to be among the elite banks within the Egyptian market that hold an Islamic banking license in addition to its conventional licensing. It has two Islamic branches, one in Cairo and the other in Alexandria, thus enabling the bank to offer a comprehensive selection of Sharia compliant products and services in addition to its traditional offerings.

Moreover, NBK-Egypt has a wide network of ATMs spread across the country to service the bank’s clients around the clock. NBK- Egypt also provides a range of e-services that provide its clients with unique banking experiences, enabling them to execute many of their banking transactions anywhere anytime without having to visit the branch.

 National Bank of Kuwait was incorporated in 1952 as the first local bank and the first shareholding company in Kuwait and the Gulf region. NBK continues to enjoy collectively one of the highest ratings among all banks in the Middle East from the three international rating agencies Moody’s, Fitch Ratings and Standard and Poor’s. The Bank’s ratings are supported by its strong financial indicators, asset quality, high capitalization in addition to its highly recognized and very stable management team, as well as strategic vision and stable funding base. NBK was also named among Global Finance’s list of the 50 safest banks in the world for the thirteenth consecutive time. NBK enjoys the widest banking presence with a local and international network exceeding over 150 branches and subsidiaries reaching 4 continents. NBK’s international presence spans many of the world’s leading financial centers including the United States of America, Europe, GCC, the Middle East, China as well as Singapore.

Egypt: NBK-Egypt reports EGP 4.021 billion (Equivalent to KWD 41.4 million) in net profit in FY2023

National Bank of Kuwait - Egypt (NBK-Egypt) has announced net profits of EGP 4.021 billion (Equivalent to KWD 41.4 million) for the financial year 2023, a significant increase from the EGP 1.826 billion (Equivalent to KWD 30.7 million) reported in 2022, showcasing an impressive annual growth rate of 120.21%.

Net Operating Income stood at EGP 8.66 billion, recording a substantial increase of 87.04% from the EGP 4.63 billion recorded in 2022. In the meantime, Net Interest Income jumped by 82.51%, reaching EGP 6.99 billion compared to EGP 3.83 billion in 2022.

On the other hand, Net Operating Income (excluding interests) increased to EGP 1.67 billion in 2023, compared to EGP 0.8 billion in 2022, up by 108.75%, while Cost to Net Operating Income dropped from 37.14% in 2022 to 28.02% in 2023.

Total assets reached EGP 130.61 billion in 2023, up by 24.22% compared to the year-end balance of EGP 105.14 billion in 2022. Furthermore, the net balance of loans and credit facilities expanded to EGP 76.06 billion 2023, reflecting a growth rate of 38.42% compared to EGP 54.95 billion recorded at the end of 2022. Moreover, customer deposits continued to grow, rising by 25.42% to reach EGP 105.93 billion in 2023, compared to EGP 84.46 billion by the end of 2022.

The Return on Average Assets (ROAA) surged from 2% at the end of 2022 to 3.4% at the end of 2023, while the Return on Average Equity (ROAE) increased from 16.9% at the end of 2022 to 30.7% by the end of 2023.

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: “In 2023, NBK- Egypt achieved its highest annual profits to date, accompanied by record growth rates. This success is credited to a strong operational performance, highlighting the resilience of our financial position and the flexibility of our business model, which allows for profit generation despite operational challenges.

“At NBK - Egypt, our objective is to enhance banking transactions and elevate their quality to meet growing market demand. We pursue this goal by focusing on the advancement of our digital services, leveraging the expertise and excellence of the Group in this domain. Additionally, we aim to expand our loan portfolio for SMEs, broaden the scope of our operations, and diversify them to encompass a wider geographical reach and cater to various customer segments,” Al-Bahar added.

Al-Bahar emphasized that Egypt stands as one of the key strategic markets for fostering the Group's business growth, consistently regarded as the second domestic market. Being the largest Kuwaiti investment in Egypt, the bank holds a significant presence in the Egyptian banking sector, evident in its rapid growth trajectory and strong financial performance. The Bank's positive momentum underscores its commitment to expanding further and strengthening its market position.

Al-Bahar also highlighted that the Group perceives the Egyptian market as a strategic long-term investment. Given that the Egyptian economy ranks among the largest in the region, it holds substantial growth potential once it regains momentum.

She further emphasized that Egypt represents a significant growth market, and that the Bank is committed to its continuous expansion. The operations in Egypt continue to be among the most profitable within the Group, boasting the highest rates of return on shareholders' equity and assets.

“As geopolitical tensions in the region subside, economic recovery efforts will receive a significant boost. By restoring confidence in the economy and currency, substantial opportunities will emerge. We maintain an optimistic outlook on future prospects, buoyed by the momentum generated from the Egyptian government and the Central Bank of Egypt's reform and exceptional measures,” Al-Bahar confirmed.

Meanwhile, Vice Chairman, CEO, and Managing Director of National Bank of Kuwait-Egypt, Mr. Yasser El-Tayeb, said: “The robust financial results and key indicators serve as the most compelling evidence, showcasing the Bank's capacity to maintain growth and attain favorable business outcomes throughout 2023, notwithstanding the unprecedented challenges faced both locally and globally. These challenges include the aftermath of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, the Gaza war, import crises, and fluctuations in the foreign exchange rate against the Egyptian pound”.

El-Tayeb emphasized that NBK-Egypt maintains a well-balanced distribution of revenues across diverse business activities. This strategic approach is coupled with efficient operational rates and risk ratios, aligning with the dual objectives of achieving growth and ensuring business sustainability. Credit for this success is attributed to the Bank's prudent policies and a sound business model, demonstrating its capability to meet customer needs.

El-Tayeb further explained that the majority of NBK's income sources in Egypt are derived from credit operations in both the corporate sector and the rapidly expanding retail banking sector. The latter has notably increased in prominence, particularly in recent years, with a very diversified credit portfolio including a wide range of businesses across various sectors ranging from large scale corporations to SMEs. Meanwhile, the retail banking portfolio is also well diversified. This solid position reflects the Bank’s strength and the diversity of its revenue streams. He also highlighted that going forward, NBK-Egypt strives to further strengthen its position in retail banking by offering innovative services and products to its retail customers, in addition to continuing the horizontal growth plan by inaugurating new branches covering key locations throughout the Egyptian market.

Al-Tayeb also emphasized the Bank's firm belief in the pivotal role of technological advancements and electronic channels within the banking sector. Recognizing their significance in bolstering competitive advantages among banks, we, at NBK-Egypt have prioritized a robust expansion of our electronic banking services, making substantial investments in this area. Our ultimate goal is to provide customers with an exceptional banking experience, offering a unique facility that enables them to conduct the majority of their banking transactions conveniently, anywhere, anytime. Furthermore, we aim to encourage customers to utilize electronic means and channels for payments, aligning with the broader policy objectives of the state and the Central Bank of Egypt in this regard.

Furthermore, El-Tayeb highlighted NBK-Egypt's commitment to align its strategies with the global movement towards sustainable finance and the transition to a green economy. The Bank aims to actively support environmentally friendly projects that promote sustainability and the utilization of renewable energy sources to mitigate climate change, since sustainable financing has emerged as a fundamental mechanism and instrument for facilitating and maintaining enduring financial stability.

In terms of the bank's social responsibility, Al-Tayeb highlighted that since NBK Group entered the Egyptian market in 2007, NBK-Egypt has remained dedicated to serving the Egyptian community. This commitment is demonstrated through the support, donations, and contributions extended to numerous charitable organizations. Additionally, the Bank actively collaborates with reputable civil society institutions, establishing partnerships aimed at becoming the operational arm of the Bank's development initiatives.