News & Announcements

Kuwait: NBK welcomes students from Al Rajaa Secondary School

National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) recently hosted students from Al Rajaa Secondary School, who toured the bank’s head office to learn about the banking industry and the dayـtoـday work of the bank’s various departments.

The students had the chance to learn about the broad range of NBK financial and banking products and services. As part of the tour, the students visited NBK museum where they had the chance to learn about Kuwait’s history, key national historical events in addition to NBK’s establishment story.

NBK Communications team accompanied the students on their tour to the bank’s various departments including the banking hall, the safety box and different banking departments.

The tour is part of NBK’s ongoing commitment to its corporate social responsibility program and to promoting the education and development of the country’s youth. NBK regularly hosts students on field trips from both public and private schools in Kuwait and provides them with information about the banking industry and career opportunities.
 

Kuwait: NBK Launches for its Employees the “Wellness Week” Initiative with More Than 10 Companies

National Bank of Kuwait has launched the “Wellness Week” initiative for its employees during the period from 19 until 26 January at the bank’s headquarters.

This initiative, in which more than 10 companies specialized in the field of health will participate, aimed to reinforce the concept of wellness and wellbeing among employees by presenting diverse services and activities that support their mental and physical wellbeing, including fitness centers, health-promoting stores and products, and restaurants that offer subscriptions to meal plans, in addition to clinics that offer medical consultations and check-ups.

To ensure easier accessibility and allow the largest number of employees to participate, the initiative was held across three different locations at NBK’s headquarters. This reflects the bank’s commitment to offering a sustainable and healthy work environment that supports employees in achieving a balanced lifestyle while positively impacting their productivity and overall well being.

On this occasion, Yaqoub Al-Baqer, Assistant Vice President of the Public Relations and Event Management at NBK, commented: “NBK views its employees as the main driver behind its successes and achievements, which is why it’s always devoted to making such initiatives that reflect its commitment to establishing a healthy and sustainable work environment, in addition to providing all it takes for employees to adopt a balanced and healthy lifestyle”.

Al-Baqer added: “This initiative is not simply a passing awareness activity, but an event that echoes NBK’s philosophy of investing in the mental and physical wellbeing of its employees, who represent the bank’s true wealth, as continued giving and innovative contributions stem from the mentally and physically sound employee”. 

He also said: “We strive to continue implementing and developing these initiatives in line with the best world practices and standards, because our success as a financial institution does not rely solely on numbers, but also on our employees’ quality of life, for they are the foundation to achieving our strategic goals”.

Finally, Al-Baqer emphasized that NBK’s longstanding relations with many companies and institutions across different fields enable it to bring forth valuable initiatives and expertise that provide services and solutions aimed at enhancing the employees’ wellness and wellbeing. 000 also noted that these collaborations reflect the bank’s commitment to strengthening collaborations with the private sectors and society in their endeavors to establish comprehensive workplaces.

 For their part, the companies participating in the initiative expressed their pleasure in collaborating with a prestigious financial institution like NBK, stressing that such initiatives contribute to spreading health awareness and promoting a culture of wellness in the workplace, and represent an opportunity to provide innovative solutions and specialized services that help employees follow a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

It is worth noting that NBK is always keen to launch initiatives and events that positively and effectively impact society in many fields such as health, sports and education, stemming from its social responsibility and its pioneering role in supporting sustainable development, promoting community awareness and providing healthier and more developed work and social environment, which ultimately leads to the achievement of national development goals. 

Kuwait: Shaikha Al-Bahar: NBK’s 2025 Results Reinforce Its Sustainable Growth Trajectory

Ms. Shaikha Al-Bahar, Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer of National Bank of Kuwait (NBK), affirmed that the Bank’s financial results for 2025 reflect the strength of its financial position and its ability to deliver sustainable operating growth.

Speaking in an interview with CNBC International, Al-Bahar said: “Net profit reflected the impact of the newly introduced tax regime applicable to multinational corporations, which resulted in a doubling of the effective tax rate from 8.2% in 2024 to 16% in 2025. However, when viewed on a pre-tax basis, profits increased by 5.4% year-on-year to reach KD 734.6 million. We also delivered solid growth in net operating income of 3.6%, reaching KD 1.3 billion.”

She explained that core banking activities were a key driver of the Bank’s operating income growth in 2025, alongside an improvement in the cost of risk. She added that the Bank recorded strong growth in both total assets and its loan portfolio, with each increasing by more than 13% on a year-on-year basis.

Moreover, Al-Bahar noted that the Bank capitalized on the improving domestic business environment, while enhancing the contribution of its international operations to revenues and profitability and expanding cross-selling across the Group’s markets. 

A Balanced Mix

Al-Bahar explained that the notable growth in total assets and the loan portfolio was driven by a balanced mix of healthy performance in the domestic market and sustained momentum across the Group’s international markets. She noted that this growth was well diversified across both retail and corporate lending, reflecting the expansion of the customer base and the Bank’s ability to capture opportunities across a wide range of sectors.

Al-Bahar added that NBK continues to reinforce its position as a leading financial institution through the disciplined expansion of its international operations, emphasizing that this broad geographic footprint provides the Bank with a solid platform to strengthen its business model, diversify income streams, and capitalize on attractive opportunities in regional and global markets.

Interest Rates

Addressing the easing interest rate cycle, Al-Bahar noted that the US Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged at its most recent meeting last week, after having cut rates by a cumulative 75 basis points during 2025. She pointed out that most global central banks, as well as GCC central banks, tend to follow the Federal Reserve’s interest rate path, with the exception of the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK), which continues to adopt a more gradual approach. She added that this policy stance is expected to remain in effect over the coming period. 

Al-Bahar said: “While lower interest rates inevitably exert pressure on profit margins, we continue to diversify our revenue streams across the Group’s various markets and to capitalize on the strong momentum in major development projects launched by the government in line with Kuwait Vision 2035.”

Al-Bahar noted that the total value of awarded projects in Kuwait reached KD 4.3 billion in 2025, representing a significant increase compared with the previous year. She added that the value of projects currently in the tender phase is estimated at around KD 11.7 billion, the majority of which are aimed at strengthening infrastructure to meet the requirements of population growth.

Mortgage Regulations

Al-Bahar added that the anticipated approval of the mortgage law is expected to have a significant positive impact. She noted that the draft law has made substantial progress toward its final stages, in parallel with the roll out of major tenders to develop three new residential cities under the real estate developer model. She explained that these initiatives will strengthen the role of the private sector and expand homeownership options, which is expected to have a positive impact on banks’ loan portfolios.

Optimistic Outlook

Commenting on her expectations for the Bank’s performance in 2026, Al-Bahar expressed an optimistic outlook, reaffirming the Bank’s ongoing commitment to delivering strong and sustainable returns for its shareholders.

She explained that further improvements in the domestic business environment, supported by the introduction of new legislation such as the mortgage law, continued momentum in the award of major development projects, and ongoing sovereign issuances under the public debt framework, are expected to have a positive impact on the banking sector by driving higher credit demand, improving liquidity conditions, and supporting the growth of fee-based income.

Al-Bahar emphasized that NBK’s diversified business mix, together with its geographic footprint spanning 13 countries, provides the Group with a strong platform to capitalize on attractive opportunities across a wide range of markets.

Kuwait: Al-Sager: Confident in NBK’s Market Leadership Amid Kuwait’s Growth Opportunities

Mr. Isam Al-Sager, Vice Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer of National Bank of Kuwait (NBK), expressed his confidence in the Bank’s ability to further strengthen its leadership in the domestic market, as Kuwait’s evolving economic landscape continues to present promising growth opportunities.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 2025 earnings conference call, Al-Sager noted that, supported by NBK’s deep domestic roots and long-standing client relationships, the Bank is well positioned to achieve sustainable growth across both the corporate and consumer segments.

Al-Sager stated that the Bank recorded a net profit of KWD 575.6 million for the financial year ended 31 December 2025, noting that profitability was affected by the implementation of the new tax regime applicable to multinational entities, which led to an increase in the effective tax rate from 8.2% in 2024 to 16.0% in 2025.

He added that, excluding this impact, profit before tax increased by 5.4% year-on-year to reach KWD 734.6 million in 2025, supported by lower credit loss provisions and impairment charges, as well as growth in operating surplus.

Moreover, Al-Sager noted that the Group’s core performance indicators remained solid during the year, with return on average assets reaching 1.33% and return on average equity standing at 13.4%. He further pointed out that the Board of Directors has proposed a cash dividend of 35 fils per share for 2025, representing a payout ratio of 53% of profits attributable to shareholders, in addition to proposing the distribution of 5% bonus shares (five shares for every 100 shares owned), subject to approval by the upcoming General Assembly.

Al-Sager stressed that NBK continues to maintain a lucrative dividend policy alongside conservative capital management practices, ensuring that capital levels remain in line with the Bank’s strategic objectives.

Innovation & Digitalization

 “At NBK, our focus on innovation and digital banking continues to enhance how we serve our customers, supported by evolving digital platforms, strengthened mobile capabilities, and an expanding suite of digital products. These efforts have enabled more personalized experiences, higher digital adoption and deeper engagement, reinforced customer loyalty, and strengthened our connection with Kuwait’s youth and the growing digitally driven population,” Al-Sager said.

He explained that NBK continues to prioritize diversification as a key pillar of its strategy, strengthening operational efficiencies and supporting the delivery of sustainable returns. In the meantime, the Bank seeks to expand cross-selling activity across its regional and international locations, contributing to improved service delivery and deeper client relationships across different markets.

Al-Sager noted that, in parallel, NBK Wealth, the Group’s wealth management division, continues to leverage its expertise to offer a comprehensive range of portfolio management, advisory, and investment solutions. At the same time, Boubyan Bank, the Group’s Islamic banking arm, continues to reinforce its strong domestic presence, contributing to the diversification and resilience of the Group’s profitability streams.

Furthermore, Al-Sager reaffirmed NBK’s strong commitment to sustainability and to advancing its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) agenda, noting that during the past year the Bank surpassed its GHG operational emission reduction target ahead of schedule, achieving a 25% reduction well before 2025-end. He added that NBK also made significant progress in sustainable finance, with approximately 60% of the USD 10 billion sustainable assets target for 2030 already achieved. 

He noted that these milestones, combined with notable improvements in ESG ratings, reinforce NBK’s position among leading regional banks.

With regard to the growth of NBK’s loan portfolio by around 13.1% year-on-year in 2025, Al-Sager explained that more than 50% of this growth stemmed from the Group’s international operations, while the remainder came from its domestic operations in Kuwait, including Boubyan Bank.

“We ended 2025 with adequate capital position in line with our internal targets for capital buffers across all capital tiers. That said, we are expecting another year of strong growth in loans as the outlook in both our domestic market as well as overseas operations is positive,” Al-Sager added. 

He explained that NBK will continue to closely monitor the key drivers of growth on its balance sheet and reflect on these trends in its capital planning process. He added that the Bank adopts an efficient capital management approach that strikes a balance between maximizing shareholder returns through sustainable payout policy and building adequate capital buffers that enable it to capture growth opportunities.

With regard to the Egyptian market, Al-Sager stated that Egypt remains among the Group’s most profitable markets in local currency; benefitting from government reforms and the growth in economic activity. He noted that risk levels have declined significantly following the reforms implemented in the Egyptian economy.

The Kuwaiti Economy

Commenting on the performance of the Kuwaiti economy, Al-Sager said: “Economic momentum has remained supportive, with GDP growth expected to return to positive territory in 2025 at around 2.3%, and to accelerate further to 4.5% in 2026. This recovery is underpinned by a rebound in oil production alongside continued resilience in the non-oil sectors.”

He noted that credit growth strengthened during 2025, driven by solid business lending and stable household activity, while public spending and ongoing reform initiatives continued to support economic activity.

With regard to project activity, Al-Sager explained that the value of projects awarded in 2025 exceeded KWD 4 billion, representing an increase of 61% compared to the previous year. He added that this momentum has been further supported by the government’s return to the debt markets following the passage of the public debt law which all has led to the upgrade of Kuwait’s sovereign ratings to AA- by S&P Global.

“The outlook continues to be supported by a sizable pipeline of large-scale infrastructure and development projects estimated to be worth more than KWD 11 billion. In addition, the government’s pledge to advancing its development agenda, especially in the absence of major political gridlocks reinforces its commitment to financing Vision 2035 priorities and advancing infrastructure development,” Al-Sager added. 

Regarding the mortgage law, Al-Sager said that it is advancing towards its final stages, expressing optimism that it may see the light soon.

Operating Momentum

In the meantime, Mr. Sujit Ronghe, Group CFO at NBK, said: “The 5.4% growth in operating profit before tax in 2025 reflects increased momentum in the Group’s operations and robust growth in business volumes.” 

He explained that the general operating environment in Kuwait and the GCC during 2025 has been relatively stable though global and regional geopolitical situation remained unstable. Macro-economic uncertainties and concerns regarding US tariffs are affecting the global operating environment adversely. 

Nonetheless, NBK’s resilient and well-diversified business model, enabled the bank to continue effectively navigating the uncertainties prevailing in the global economic environment.

 Ronghe added that the strong contribution of NBK’s key business segments to  2025net profits confirms the success of the diversification strategy and the resilience of the Group’s earnings. 

He also noted that NBK Group continues to benefit from its unique position among Kuwaiti banks in terms of geographical spread and the ability to conduct business in both Conventional and Islamic Banking.

Moreover, he highlighted that the net operating income, at KWD 1.3 billion, is 3.6% higher than the previous year, boosted by a sound contribution from both non-interest income and net interest income, with their mix remaining stable during the year.

Ronghe stated that total non-interest income stood at KWD 297 million in 2025, representing a growth of 9.6% compared to 2024. Fees and commission income grew by 5% to reach KWD 217 million, reflecting robust contributions across the Group’s different lines of business and geographies. 

With regard to provisions, Ronghe said: “Total credit provisions and impairment losses for 2025 were KWD 65 million in 2025, compared to KWD 86 million in 2024. Significant amount of recoveries of specific provision during 2025 have resulted in a lower-than-normal cost of risk of 0.15%.

He further highlighted that the Group’s balance sheet remains strong, with stable credit quality and comfortable liquidity. He noted that the Bank’s solid capital base, along with its ability to generate healthy operating profits, provides a strong credit loss-absorption capacity.

“Group total assets reached KWD 45.6 billion as of Dec 25, a 13.1% increase over December 2024. Group loans and advances at KWD 26.8 billion registered a strong y-o-y growth of KWD 3.1 billion i.e. 13.1%. Loan growth was recorded in Kuwait across both conventional and Islamic banking segments, alongside growth in the Group’s international operations, which accounted for more than 50% of total loan growth. This expansion was achieved across the Group’s network in different geographies and sectors, reinforcing the success of its diversification agenda and contributing to the mitigation of concentration risks,” Ronghe added.

Ronghe stated that the Group maintained a strong and stable capital adequacy ratio of 17% as at the end of 2025, significantly above the minimum regulatory requirements.

With respect to asset quality, Ronghe stated that the non-performing loan (NPL) ratio remained stable at 1.36%, while the loan loss coverage ratio stood at 240%, reflecting the Group’s conservative provisioning policy.

Furthermore, Ronghe noted that following the passage of the Public Debt Law in Kuwait, the Central Bank of Kuwait has issued KWD 2.2 billion in Kuwait Government Treasury Bonds since June 2025. He expressed his expectation that future debt issuances will continue, enabling the Bank to deploy its KWD more profitably.

With respect to loan growth, he highlighted that the Group continues to benefit from a strong pipeline of approved credit facilities and, accordingly, expects loan growth in 2026 to be in the low double-digit range.

As for the cost of risk, Ronghe explained that, amid the continued global economic uncertainty, NBK maintains a cautiously optimistic outlook, with the underlying cost of risk expected to remain around 40 basis points, which is considered as normal.

Kuwait: NBK Posts Strong Net Profits of KD 575.6 Million in FY2025

National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) has announced its financial results for the financial year ended 31 December 2025.The Bank reported a net profit of KD 575.6 million (USD 1.9 billion), compared to KD 600.1 million (USD 2.0 billion) for the financial year 2024. Earnings per share (EPS) stood at 64  fils for 2025, compared to 66  fils for 2024.

Profit before tax increased by 5.4% on a year-on-year basis, reaching KD 734.6  million (USD 2.4 billion) at the end of 2025, compared to KD 696.8 million (USD 2.3 billion) in 2024.

Total assets as of December 2025 grew by 13.1% year-on-year, reaching KD 45.6 billion (USD 149.4 billion), while customer deposits grew by 14.0%, totaling KD 26.1 billion (USD 85.3 billion) by the end of 2025. 

Meanwhile, Group loans and advances reached KD26.8  billion (USD 87.8 billion) by December 2025, reflecting a growth of 13.1% year-on-year. In the meantime, shareholders' equity also saw an increase, standing at KD 4.3  billion (USD 14.0 billion), up by 9.2% year-on-year.

In terms of distributions, the Board of Directors has proposed a cash dividend of 35 fils per share for the financial year 2025, equivalent to 53% of net profits. In addition, the Board has recommended the distribution of bonus shares at a ratio of 5%. These proposed distributions are subject to the approval of the Annual General Assembly (AGM).

A Prudent Approach

Commenting on the Bank's annual financial results, Mr. Hamad Al-Bahar, NBK Group Chairman, affirmed that, despite the challenges posed by the global economic environment in 2025, including the repercussions of geopolitical tensions, tariff pressures, and the accommodative trajectory of interest rates, the Bank succeeded in further consolidating its position as a leading financial institution. This performance was underpinned by a prudent operating approach and a flexible strategy anchored in diversification and financial discipline.

Al-Bahar noted that the Bank’s financial results for the year ended 31 December 2025 reflect NBK’s ability to adapt and navigate a wide range of economic conditions, supported by a diversified business model, a strong capital base, high-quality assets, comfortable liquidity position, and a robust governance and risk management framework.

He added that the Bank continues to successfully execute its strategy of balancing the delivery of superior returns to shareholders with meeting the evolving needs of its customers. He further emphasized that sustainability has become a central pillar of NBK’s long-term growth agenda. The Bank recorded a significant year-on-year increase of approximately 23% in the value of its sustainable assets, reaching USD 6.10 billion by the end of 2025. This represents 61% of its strategic 2030 target of USD 10 billion. Al-Bahar added that 2025 marked a year of significant achievements that further reinforced NBK’s position as the largest contributor to corporate social responsibility initiatives in Kuwait. Among the most notable milestones were the inauguration of the Shuwaikh Beach Development and Beautification Project, funded by the Bank at a cost of KWD 3 million, as well as the laying of the foundation stone for the expansion of the NBK Children’s Hospital for Hematology, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplant. The expansion includes the construction of a new building at an estimated cost of nearly KWD 19 million.

Solid Operating Performance

Meanwhile, Mr. Isam J. Al-Sager, NBK Group Vice Chairman and CEO, said: “The Group’s 2025 results reflect the solid operating performance delivered across its various business segments, led by its core banking activities, despite the volatile global operating environment and its spillover effects on regional and local markets. During the year, the Group recorded a year-on-year growth of 3.6% in net operating income, reaching KWD 1.3 billion (USD  4.2 billion).”

He noted that the Group’s profit before tax recorded a year-on-year increase of 5.4% in 2025, while net profits were impacted by the application of the domestic top-up minimum tax on multinational entities operating in Kuwait. He emphasized that this impact on profit growth is transitional in nature, reflecting the base-year effect of 2025 as the first year of the tax’s implementation.

Al-Sager emphasized that NBK Group’s diversified business mix, carefully calibrated strategic investments, and disciplined risk management have mitigated the impact of adverse global economic conditions. He added that NBK continues to invest in technology and innovation as fundamental pillars of inclusive and sustainable growth, while also expanding its customer base and capitalizing on opportunities across promising markets and key sectors.

He further noted that, throughout 2025, the Bank continued to roll out innovative banking services and products specifically designed to meet the evolving needs of its customers. In addition, the Group’s Consumer and Digital Banking arm launched its new five-year strategy through 2030, marking a strategic shift from mere digitization of services to a fully customer-centric, underpinned by data collection and advanced analytics. This transformation further reinforces NBK’s leadership position locally and regionally, offering an exceptional banking experience. 

Furthermore, Al-Sager pointed to the key contribution of both NBK Group’s corporate banking and international operations, as well as Boubyan Bank— the Group’s Islamic banking arm— in strengthening the Group’s profits. He further highlighted that NBK Wealth has continued to consolidate its position as the largest wealth management entity in Kuwait and among the largest in the region, by offering an integrated suite of private banking, investment management, and advisory services through a globally connected network of operations.

On major financing transactions, Al-Sager stated: “During 2025, NBK led a KWD 1.5 billion syndicated term facility with Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC). This transaction represents the largest financing of its kind denominated in Kuwaiti Dinars. The Bank served as the mandated lead arranger and bookrunner for the facility, as well as the agent for the conventional tranche.  NBK’s share amounted to KD 495 million of the total financing, making it the largest contributor among all participating conventional and Islamic banks, accounting for approximately 60% of the KD 825 million conventional tranche.”

Al-Sager noted that this transaction reinforces NBK’s position as the largest financier of Kuwait’s oil sector and the primary banking partner for energy companies in supporting their expansion and growth plans.

He further noted that Kuwait Clearing Company’s selection of NBK as the country’s main settlement bank represents a testament to the Bank’s substantial investments in digital infrastructure and its high level of operational readiness. This milestone further strengthens NBK’s role in advancing the development of Kuwait’s capital market infrastructure.

On the sustainability front, Al-Sager affirmed that NBK continues to deepen its leading role in shaping a more sustainable future through its green financing initiatives and the development of products and solutions that reflect global best practices in sustainable finance. In this context, he pointed to the Bank’s signing in 2025 of Kuwait’s first-ever green loan agreement. He also highlighted NBK’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) framework through measurable initiatives that support emissions reduction and the achievement of carbon neutrality by 2060.

The Operating Environment 

Al-Sager expressed his optimism regarding an improvement in the domestic operating environment in 2026, supported by a number of key factors. 

He explained that the Financing and Liquidity Law enacted in 2025 has established an advanced framework for long-term sovereign debt issuances, thereby enhancing banking system liquidity through high-quality sovereign assets and supporting the financing of large-scale projects. He added that the Real Estate Financing Law—once approved—would enable banks to provide long-term financing for the residential sector, helping address the housing challenge  and stimulating activity across construction and real estate–related sectors.

Moreover, Al-Sager noted that the value of government-awarded projects in 2025 exceeded KWD 4 billion, surpassing 2024 levels by well over 60%. Meanwhile, bank credit recorded solid performance, with credit to residents growing by approximately 7.63% year-on-year as of the end of December 2025, the fastest pace since 2023.

He indicated that project awards are expected to gain further momentum in 2026, supported by the broad pipeline of initiatives under the government’s capital projects program across multiple sectors, alongside a gradual pace of interest rate cuts. This combination bodes well for the outlook and is set to create a favorable environment for credit growth for both corporates and individuals during the year.

He emphasized, however, that while the domestic outlook remains positive, it is accompanied by certain regional and global challenges, including persistent geopolitical tensions, tariffs, and their associated negative economic repercussions.

Prestigious Awards

During 2025, NBK further consolidated its leadership position by receiving a series of prestigious awards from leading global institutions and publications.

Among these accolades, MEED named NBK Best Retail Bank and Best SME Bank in Kuwait, in addition to awarding the Bank several regional honors across the Middle East and North Africa, including Best Loan Offering, Best Contactless Payment Experience, and Best Payment Solutions for SMEs. NBK’s digital subsidiary, Weyay Bank, was also recognized with the Most Innovative Product Award for its children’s card, “Jeel.”

NBK also received three prestigious awards from Global Finance, including Best Digital Payment Solutions and Best Online Product Offerings in Kuwait, while Weyay Bank was named Best Digital Bank in Kuwait. Furthermore, the Bank won four awards from Euromoney, including Kuwait’s Best Bank for ESG, Kuwait’s Best Bank for Large Corporates, Kuwait’s Best Bank for Diversity and Inclusion, as well as Kuwait’s Best Digital Bank for Weyay Bank.

Key financial indicators for the financial year ended December 31, 2025 

• Net operating income stood at KD 1.3 billion (USD 4.2 billion), up 3.6% year-on-year

• Total assets grew by 13.1% year-on-year, at KD 45.6 billion (USD 149.4 billion)

• Total loans and advances increased by 13.1% year-on-year to KD 26.8 billion (USD 87.8 billion)

• Customer deposits grew by 14.0% year-on-year to KD 26.1 billion (USD 85.3 billion)

• Total shareholders’ equity amounted to KD4.3  billion (USD 14.0 billion), registering an annual growth of 9.2%.

• Strong asset quality metrics, with NPL/gross loans ratio at 1.36% and an NPL coverage ratio of 240%

• Robust Capital Adequacy Ratio of 17.0%, comfortably exceeding regulatory requirements.   

Kuwait: NBK Raises the Bar in Institutional Excellence Through Employee Development

National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) has redefined the meaning of investing in its human capital. Thousands of training hours were not merely figures, but rather stories of growth, transformation, and the shaping of new leaders. Across every department, every branch, and every job level, there was an employee taking a new step toward a future marked by greater professional maturity and confidence.

Over the course of the past year, the Bank has taken notable strides in developing its employees, empowering leaders, and strengthening its institutional capabilities through a series of advanced initiatives and training programs across all levels. Through these efforts, NBK has further strengthened its position as one of the leading financial institutions committed to capacity building and to investing in human capital as a fundamental pillar of excellence and sustainability.

The initiatives launched over the past year ranged from introducing new waves of the Bank’s academies and graduating participants from leading leadership programs, to expanding digital learning and delivering high-quality specialized programs. This underscores NBK’s continued commitment to developing its people and equipping them to adapt confidently to the rapid transformations shaping the financial sector.

In 2025, the Bank delivered more than 147,000 training hours to Group employees, with the participation of 5,320 trainees, while overall employee satisfaction across all training courses and development programs reached 91%.

NBK Academy

In 2025, the Bank launched NBK Academy – Wave 30 and the second wave of NBK Tech Academy, with the participation of 29 trainees, reinforcing its commitment to developing top national talent and future banking leaders.

The programs offered participants a rigorous learning journey that combined technical, behavioral, and experiential modules, designed to prepare them for successful careers across the Bank’s various divisions.

NBK Tech Academy 

At the same time, the second wave of NBK Tech Academy enrolled nine high-caliber Kuwaiti technology talents. Participants received specialized training in cybersecurity, software development, AI, and data analytics, in support of the Bank’s digital transformation strategy and its commitment to driving innovation.

This year also marked a significant milestone, as the Bank celebrated 15 years and 30 waves of the NBK Academy during a distinguished event that brought together alumni from previous cohorts. The gathering featured a leadership masterclass and an engaging panel discussion with a select group of speakers and graduates. The event underscored the Academy’s pivotal role in developing hundreds of national talents and reinforced the Bank’s enduring legacy in empowering Kuwaiti youth.

Empowering Women in Leadership

A major highlight of 2025 was the graduation of NBK RISE – Cohort 2, with the participation of 25 high-potential female leaders. The program is one of the Bank’s flagship initiatives aimed at advancing women into leadership roles and fostering a culture of empowerment and equal opportunity.

Participants embarked on a comprehensive development journey that included executive education, leadership training, mentorship by senior executives, and exposure to real business challenges. Cohort 2 graduates demonstrated notable growth in leadership confidence, strategic thinking, and organizational impact.

High Potential Talent Programs

NBK celebrated the graduation of participants from the PRIME Leadership Program and the NBK Pioneers Program, both designed to enhance leadership capabilities and performance excellence within the Bank’s Sales and Distribution Divisions. The programs focused on strengthening the skills of branch managers and sales leaders in customer engagement, operational efficiency, and effective people leadership.

In addition, the Bank launched NBK High Fliers Program – Cohort 9, a fast-track development journey targeting high-performing early-career employees identified as future leaders. The program offers participants project-based learning, leadership mentorship, and exposure to cross-functional initiatives.

Leadership Programs 

A total of 390 leaders from across the Bank participated in advanced leadership development programs focused on strategy, leadership effectiveness, and fostering a strong coaching culture within the organization.

AI Mindset

As part of NBK’s digital transformation journey, 2025 marked the launch of the AI Mindset Curriculum, a comprehensive learning series delivered through both e-learning modules and instructor-led workshops.

The initiative aims to enhance AI awareness across all job levels and equip employees with a clear understanding of how artificial intelligence can be leveraged to support decision-making, boost productivity, and improve customer experience. The program also addressed key dimensions of AI, including ethics, innovation, risk management, and data-driven strategy.

Specialized Talent Programs

A total of 1,863 employees participated in a wide range of specialized programs, including the Credit Curriculum in collaboration with Moody’s, the Trade Finance Academy in partnership with Euromoney, as well as advanced programs in audit, information technology, data, and more.

Bright Knowledge Network

The Bank continued to strengthen its learning culture through the Bright Knowledge Network initiative, an internal peer-to-peer learning platform. The initiative recorded more than 2,000 learning hours, with the participation of 743 employees across 27 interactive sessions, supporting knowledge sharing and the exchange of expertise across the organization.

NBK Ebtakir 

The Bank launched the NBK Ebtakir intrapreneurship program, with the participation of 50 employees, in collaboration with the global Plug and Play platform. The program aims to empower employees to develop innovative ideas and future-ready solutions that support the Bank’s innovation strategy.

NBK Learning Hub

The NBK Learning Hub delivered more than 27,000 learning hours across a wide range of areas, including banking, financial services, artificial intelligence, innovation, self-development, customer success, and more, reinforcing opportunities for continuous learning for all employees.

Development Programs for International Locations

NBK’s development efforts extended to its international locations, with 119 employees from overseas branches participating in behavioral and skills development programs, ensuring the consistent application of the Bank’s standards of excellence across all markets in which it operates

Numerous Awards

The Human Resources efforts at NBK Group during 2025 were crowned with a host of prestigious awards from leading local, regional, and international institutions. These included the Best Bank for Diversity and Inclusion in Kuwait Award from the renowned Euromoney magazine, as well as the Silver Award for Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion for the NBK RISE program from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

In addition, the bank received two accolades at the GCC Government Human Resources and Youth Awards, namely: Most Distinctive Learning & Development in the Private Sector for the NBK Academy and NBK Tech Academy programs, and Excellence in E-Learning Innovation for the bank’s learning platform, NBK Learning Hub.

NBK also secured the Bronze Award at the Brandon Hall Group Excellence in Human Capital Management Awards in two categories: Feedback and Recognition for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) Awards Program, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the NBK RISE program.

On this occasion, Najla Al-Sager, SVP - Head of Talent Management & Learning at NBK commented: “The scale of investment made by NBK this year in developing its employees reflects a firm conviction that human capital is the true driver of excellence and sustainability. We have delivered thousands of training hours through diverse and comprehensive programs, reaffirming our commitment to equipping our people with the knowledge and skills needed to keep pace with the rapid transformations in the banking sector and to strengthen their long-term adaptability and preparedness for the future.”

“We have been keen to ensure that our initiatives reach all job levels, from senior leadership to new employees, through advanced leadership programs, specialized initiatives, and digital learning platforms, in addition to innovative programs in AI and innovation. These integrated efforts reflect our vision of building a work environment founded on continuous learning, empowerment, and capability development,” she added.

 “We are proud of what we have achieved in 2025, not only in terms of the number of participants or training hours, but in terms of the tangible impact we have seen on our employees’ performance, confidence, and ability to innovate. NBK will continue to invest in the development of national talent, driven by its firm belief that the Bank’s future and success rest on the strength and competence of its people,” Al-Sager concluded.

Kuwait: NBK Wins the Gold Medal in Corporate Social Responsibility from Brandon Hall Group Excellence Awards

In a new achievement that confirms its leadership in social responsibility and commitment to sustainability, National Bank of Kuwait won the Gold Medal in the Corporate Social Responsibility category of the Brandon Hall Group Excellence Awards.

This international recognition comes in appreciation of NBK’s exceptional efforts during 2025 that strengthened its position as the largest contributor to the field of social responsibility in Kuwait’s private sector and proved its success in realizing its vision of becoming an active partner in national development through global initiatives that leave positive impact and serve upcoming generations and society.

Brandon Hall Group based its selection of winners in the Corporate Social Responsibility category on an evaluation of entries by a panel of experts and executive analysts within the group, in addition to several strict measures that assess the quality and effectiveness of programs and initiatives, such as design quality, innovation, clarity of objectives, the effectiveness of the tools and processes used, and finally the measurable results that determine the tangible impact of such programs on society. 

This award comes in recognition of NBK’s exceptional efforts and achievements in several areas, most notably:

The "Bankee" financial literacy program: which focuses on instilling financial awareness through applied learning, achieving a clear improvement in financial behavior among young people from an early age.

Employee health and well-being: NBK promotes a culture of physical and mental care within the work environment, through visits to the in-house clinic, visiting doctors, mental health sessions and workshops.

Community initiatives: NBK’s launch of several community initiatives contributed to obtaining this remarkable global recognition.

Among the most prominent of these initiatives is NBK’s annual NBK Run, which always achieves unparalleled success. This grand sporting event supports the adoption of a healthy lifestyle and includes the category of people with disabilities, which enhances their integration with other groups within society.

Additionally, NBK continues to launch its Ramadhan “Do Good in the Holy Month” campaign, which highlights the values of solidarity and safety, including diverse programs, such as distributing Iftar meals at traffic lights in various areas of Kuwait.

Promoting environmental awareness: NBK implemented several environmental programs in collaboration with “Omniya” for plastic recycle and “LOYAC”’s environmental programs, in which young men and women participated, with the aim to integrate environmental activities with practical application, encourage volunteer work, and empower young people to be part of sustainable environmental solutions.

An Exceptional Year of Giving

2025 was another year full of achievements for NBK in the field of social responsibility, as it launched a range of initiatives and projects that covered various health, educational, environmental and sports aspects, within a comprehensive approach aimed at improving the quality of life, supporting sustainable development and youth empowerment.

Among the most prominent initiatives and projects launched and implemented by NBK in 2025:

-    The Project of Shuwaikh Beach Development and Beautification was inaugurated with funding from NBK amounting to KD 3 million, transforming the 1.7 KM-long Shuwaikh Beach waterfront into an integrated urban haven that includes modern facilities, green spaces, and areas for sports and recreation. This project stands as remarkable model of effective public and private partnerships. 

-    The foundation stone was laid for the expansion of NBK’s Children Hospital for the treatment of blood diseases, cancer and stem cell transplantation, valued approximately at KD 19 million, which is a step that reflects the bank’s commitment to providing the highest levels of specialized healthcare.

-     Contributing to the East Area Development Project by constructing a multi-story parking building and a public park valued at around KD 7 million, in support of the infrastructure and quality of life in the capital.

-    Launching innovative awareness campaigns to combat digital fraud.

-    Maintaining the strategic partnership with LOYAC by sponsoring several programs aimed at empowering national youth by helping them achieve their goals and aspirations through academic and environmental training programs that joined 290 trainees, aiming to support the youth’s ambitions to become effective and impactful leaders in the future.

-    Sponsoring the KALD Award ceremony for outstanding students, as part of its strategic partnership with the Kuwait Association for Learning Differences, with the participation of 1700 students, in addition to supporting 85 participants at Center 21 for people with special needs by organizing periodic activities and exhibitions.

-    Implementing programs aimed at developing young talents, most notably the Aspire National Summer Training Program, which is specifically designed for male and female school students aged between 14 and 18 years to provide them with a unique opportunity to gain valuable professional experience through theoretical and practical training. The program attracted 142 male and female students in four training courses at NBK headquarters during the period from June 10 to August 7, 2025.

-    Launching and sponsoring cultural and artistic initiatives in cooperation with the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre, in addition to supporting sports through an ongoing partnership with the Rafa Nadal Academy, including 3 training camps and tournaments in 2025.

-    Continuing work on the Bankee program, which now covers 104 schools with a total of 13,000 female teachers and 53,000 male and female students.

-    Continued focus on the health and well-being of employees through organizing programs, doctor visits, workshops, physical and mental therapy sessions, trips, activities, competitions and recreational programs in which more than 2,000 employees participated, while the NBK clinic recorded about 4,000 visits for general medical check-ups throughout the year.

-    NBK continued to launch social solidarity and corporate social responsibility programs as part of its annual Ramadhan campaign, with the number of beneficiaries of these programs reaching approximately 6,800.

-    NBK Run, which the bank has been organizing for more than three decades, saw the participation of more than 7,000 runners in the 2025 edition, including people with disabilities, who have always been part of the culture of this race with the aim of promoting awareness of the importance of social inclusion.

Through its corporate social responsibility initiatives, NBK affirms that it is not merely a financial institution, but a true partner in building a prosperous society and a sustainable future.

With its firm belief that investing in human capital is investing in the future, NBK places youth empowerment at the heart of its priorities through training programs and educational and sporting initiatives that meet their needs and prepare them to be an effective and dynamic workforce in the future.

For more information about the 2025 Brandon Hall Group Excellence Awards winners, please visit:

Past Winners of The Excellence Awards

Kuwait: NBK Accelerates National Talent Growth in 2025

In a year marked by accelerating digital transformation and intensifying competition for specialized skills, National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) distinguished itself as a leading force in attracting, empowering, and developing national talent. Throughout 2025, the bank significantly strengthened its workforce through new hires, achieved tangible progress in its Kuwaitization rates, and expanded its investments in developing the next generation of local competencies, particularly in digital and technical fields. 

This strategic momentum reflects NBK’s deep commitment to supporting Kuwait’s national agenda, strengthening the participation of national talent in the private sector, and building a future-ready workforce capable to leading the banking sector through innovation.

An Exceptional Year in Talent Attraction

The Group Human Resources - Talent Acquisition Department delivered one of its strongest performances to date, further affirming NBK’s position as the employer of choice for ambitious national talent. During the year, the Bank participated in six major job fairs across Kuwait, enabling meaningful engagement with thousands of job seekers, showcasing its diverse career pathways, and highlighting its expanding opportunities in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and data analysis, reflecting its strong focus on innovation and digital transformation.

These events played a key role in attracting the top national competencies and talents to NBK, building a strong pipeline of qualified candidates to support its digital transformation strategy, and reinforcing its presence among graduates and young professionals seeking meaningful career opportunities within the financial sector. 

Moreover, NBK’s participation in these events generated strong interest, with the Bank receiving more than 8,000 CVs in 2025, underscoring the high level of trust and confidence the Kuwaiti community places in NBK as a leading employer and talent destination. 

A Bigger and More Diverse Workforce

From this extensive pool of applicants, NBK recruited 249 new employees during the year, marking a notable increase and reaffirming its commitment to strengthening its capabilities in line with evolving market demands.

Most notably, Kuwaiti nationals accounted for 90% of these new hires, reflecting NBK’s leadership in supporting national employment and providing sustainable career opportunities for Kuwaitis.

More specifically, the Bank’s recruitment strategy focused on attracting talent in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), with 68 new hires in these vital disciplines. These additions strengthen the Bank's capabilities in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science and analytics, software engineering, and digital product development. They also play a pivotal role in advancing NBK’s digital transformation journey, enabling continued innovation and the delivery of enhanced banking experiences.

Higher Kuwaitization Rates

One of NBK’s most notable achievements in 2025 was raising its Kuwaitization rate to 76.8% of its total workforce, placing it among the highest in the banking sector.

This achievement reflects the Bank's commitment to supporting Kuwait’s vision of increasing national participations in the private sector and underscores its conviction that national talent is the cornerstone of its long-term success and sustainability.

By prioritizing local recruitment, NBK contributes to strengthening Kuwait’s economic development and building a workforce that embodies the values and aspirations of the local community.

On this occasion, Gadeer Al Kooheji, VP - Head of Talent Acquisition, commented on the Bank's achievements in attracting and developing talent during 2025, stating:

“At NBK, we are deeply proud of the tangible progress we have achieved this year in attracting national talent and enhancing our Kuwaitization rates, reflecting our firm commitment to supporting Kuwait’s vision and empowering the country’s youth. We have witnessed a strong interest from outstanding candidates, and through our participation in major job fairs, we have been able to attract a select group of high-caliber talents who represent a valuable addition to the Bank”.

“The achievement of a Kuwaitization rate of 76.8%, alongside the recruitment of 249 new employees, 90% of whom are Kuwaiti nationals, underscores the success of our strategy in building a national workforce capable of shaping the future of the banking sector. Moreover, the recruitment of 68 professionals in STEM disciplines strengthens our readiness for digital transformation and reinforces our competitive edge across technical and digital domains,” Al Kooheji added:

 “We continue to invest in human capital through advanced training programs, leadership development pathways, and specialized academies, firmly believing that national talent is the cornerstone of realizing our future vision and reinforcing the Bank’s leadership position, both locally and regionally,” Al Kooheji concluded.

Developing the Next Generation of Leaders

It is worth noting that NBK’s employment strategy goes beyond recruitment to encompass sustained investment in the development of its employees through comprehensive training programs, structured leadership pathways, and specialized academies, designed to equip Kuwaiti talents with world-class skills.

The Bank’s development ecosystem includes foundational programs for new graduates, leadership tracks for high-potential employees, specialized academies in cybersecurity, data and digital transformation, as well as training initiatives delivered in collaboration with leading global institutions.

A National Workforce Spearheading the Digital Transformation Journey

As the pace of digital transformation accelerates, NBK recognizes that its long-term success is fundamentally anchored in the strength of its human capital. This is why attracting STEM talent represents a strategic priority in building an integrated ecosystem capable of driving digital innovation and strengthening cybersecurity.

By embedding these advanced disciplines across all its operations, NBK continues to consolidate its position as one of the region’s leading banks in delivering best-in-class cutting-edge financial solutions.

A Solid Foundation for the Future

NBK’s recruitment achievements in 2025 reflect more than strong numbers; they represent a long-term vision centered on national development, innovation, and sustainable growth. The Bank's success in attracting and nurturing Kuwaiti talent underscores its capacity to shape the future of the financial sector and support Kuwait’s broader economic objectives.

With the continued expansion of its national workforce, rising Kuwaitization rates, and the growth of its development programs, NBK remains firmly on its paths to building a solid foundation for the future, anchored in empowering national youth, creating meaningful career opportunities, and cultivating the next generation of banking leaders.