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Kuwait: Al-Bahar: We are Optimistic for More Political Stability, Promoting Business Environment in Kuwait

06.02.2024

In an interview with Bloomberg, Ms. Shaikha Al-Bahar, NBK Deputy Group CEO, expressed optimism that a stabilized political environment will improve Kuwait's business landscape.

During the interview, Al-Bahar confirmed that in 2023, NBK consistently maintained strong asset quality and solid capitalization.

Optimism & Positivity 

Al-Bahar expressed confidence in the impact of Kuwait's political landscape on business prospects. She underscored the favorable perspective on the newly appointed government and the transformative policies introduced by the new Prime Minister. Recognized as technocrats committed to a reform agenda, the new cabinet representatives aim to implement strategic changes that will boost the business environment in Kuwait.

“The new cabinet has started to actively engage with the parliament to align on the direction and promote cooperation,” Al-Bahar stated, noting that while the political scene is currently calm, the resumption of sessions and further interaction and execution progress by the newly appointed government are key to gain more confidence in a more optimistic outlook.

“What is important here is to highlight that a stable period of political dialogue can see a lot of these hanging issues get resolved and translate into a more productive legislative calendar,” Al-Bahar added. 

Discussing the projections for 2024, Al-Bahar pointed out that NBK maintains an optimistic and positive outlook regarding the revival of project execution, fostered by a more stable political environment. Such stability is expected to catalyze improvements in the non-oil GDP growth and boost credit demand.

“The strong momentum of projects is expected to continue and feed into the market in 2024, with another KD 6.2 billion worth of awards in the pipeline,” Al-Bahar indicated.

She also pointed out that the projects market rebounded sharply in 2023 with KD +2.5 billion worth of awards: surpassing last year's awards by almost 300%.

“We are hopeful to see some political stability and an improved dialogue between parliament members and the newly appointed cabinet as this will trigger project activity that can revive non-oil GDP activity and demand for credit,” Al-Bahar noted.

Al-Bahar also mentioned that Saudi Arabia is considered a key market that NBK is approaching from all fronts. She also noted that as the operating environment in the kingdom continues to improve, presenting lot of emerging opportunities that align with the bank’s strategic goals.

“We are also expanding under our newly launched Global Wealth Management platform. We have been active in the Saudi market and the NBK franchise is playing an important role in our AUM growth in KSA,” Al-Bahar stated.

2024 Outlook: Navigating the Future

Al-Bahar emphasized that the performance in 2024 may be influenced by an anticipated shift in the Fed’s monetary policy towards a direction that generally does not favor banks, given their business models are designed to thrive in environments of high or rising interest rates. She pointed out that the operational challenge for banks in 2024 will be to defend their margins.

“With our diversification and our growing focus on fee business, we partially hedge revenue from interest rate movements. Our focus will remain on strategy execution and keeping the strength of our balance sheet intact as this is what helps us navigate through different economic cycles,” Al-Bahar explained.

Al-Bahar further elaborated that alongside the core banking's growth momentum, there is an expectation for the ongoing expansion of NBK’s international and wealth management operations, supported by the Group’s presence in key markets, stating that” Our commitment to digital investments will persist in defining our future, with an increased emphasis on incorporating digital services across all business sectors and markets”.

In answering a question regarding provisions in 2023, Al-Bahar explained that the provisions are primarily a precautionary measure, reflecting a historically prudent stance towards managing credit risk.

The challenges facing the Egyptian Pound

When asked about the Egyptian market's condition and the future of the bank's investments there, Al-Bahar stated, "The Group considers Egypt to be a key strategic market for our operations, often referring to it as our 'second domestic market.' She emphasized that NBK has a steadfast presence in Egypt and has no intentions of exiting from this investment, viewing it as a long-term commitment."

“With regards to our operations in Egypt and in domestic currency terms, it remains one of the most profitable in the Group with the highest ROEs and ROAs,” Al-Bahar responded.

“We are looking forward to some easing of geopolitical tensions to allow for some recovery in foreign currency inflows and a reactivation of the government’s asset sales program. Once the confidence is restored in the economy and the currency, we believe there are huge opportunities in Egypt and remain optimistic on its prospects,” Al-Bahar concluded.



Kuwait: Al-Sager: NBK Achieved Record Profits, Leveraging a Strategic Expansion

04.02.2025

Mr. Isam Al-Sager, Vice Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer of National Bank of Kuwait (NBK), announced that the Group achieved a record net profit of KD 600.1 million for 2024, marking its highest-ever annual performance. He credited the 7% profit increase compared to the previous year to the Group's exceptional operating performance and the ongoing expansion of its diversified business model.

In an interview with CNBC Arabia, Al-Sager attributed the robust net profit performance to increased business volume and the relatively high average interest rates throughout much of 2024, compared to 2023. He also highlighted the strong performance of fees and FX income across various business sectors and regions where the Group operates.

Al-Sager explained that in 2024, NBK Group saw an 8.3% year-on-year growth in net interest income, while operating income rose by 7.2% to KD 1.3 billion. He attributed this positive performance to the strong growth in the Group's loan portfolio, which expanded by 6.4% compared to 2023. This growth was seen across both domestic and international markets, encompassing both conventional and Islamic banking services.

“We have consistently upheld healthy levels of cost of risk, primarily driven by a 16% decrease in provisions for credit provisions and other impairments in 2024. The Group remains committed to its prudent approach in managing credit exposure,” Al-Sager noted.

International Operations & Wealth Management

Al-Sager highlighted the strong performance of NBK Group's international operations and wealth management, emphasizing the Group's distinctive advantage among Kuwaiti banks. He noted the strategic geographical spread through international banking services, along with the ability to conduct business in both Conventional and Islamic Banking.

He further noted that in 2024, the International Banking Group (IBG) contributed 24% of the Group’s net operating income and 23% of its profits, underscoring the robust performance across these segments. 

Additionally, NBK Wealth contributed 9% to operating income and 11% to profits, reinforcing the effectiveness of the Group’s strategic diversification efforts.

The Future Outlook

Al-Sager conveyed a confident outlook for NBK's performance in 2025, driven by several pivotal factors. He underscored the influence of monetary and fiscal policies, notably the anticipated gradual pace of interest rate cuts, which are poised to support margins. Furthermore, he emphasized the ongoing momentum in projects award in Kuwait and the favorable climate for the enactment of several crucial economic laws, all of which are anticipated to further bolster the local operating environment.

Interest Rate Trajectory and Margin Impact

In response to a question about interest rates and their impact on margins, Al-Sager stated, “With uncertainty surrounding the scale of future rate cuts, intensifying competition, and a challenging global operating landscape, we anticipate some pressure on margins. Consequently, we expect net margins in 2025 to edge slightly lower, by a few basis points, compared to year-end 2024 levels.”

“However, it is important to consider that the expansion in business activity driven by a low-interest-rate environment could help offset margin pressures. With a well-diversified business model and an increased focus on fee-based income, we continuously hedge against interest rate fluctuations, ensuring resilience in varying market conditions,” Al-Sager explained.

Market Consolidation and Its Implications

Assessing the impact of ongoing mergers in the Kuwaiti banking sector, Al-Sager stated: “As one of the largest banks in the region, NBK is well accustomed to operating in highly competitive markets. However, these dynamics do not impose any pressure on us, as we remain steadfast in pursuing our strategic objectives.”

“We are years ahead of the current wave of mergers, having successfully expanded through strategic acquisitions in earlier growth phases. These expansions strengthened our business diversification and service integration. Today, we are capitalizing on the success of our expansion strategy, having mitigated the risks of business consolidation and sharpened our focus on delivering exceptional services across all the markets in which we operate,” he added.

Al-Sager emphasized that banking mergers are often followed by challenges that can provide NBK with opportunities to seize.

He further emphasized NBK Group’s commitment to expanding its presence in regional markets, reaffirming its readiness to pursue acquisition opportunities that strengthen service integration and drive added value for shareholders.

Projects Award

Commenting on the projects market in Kuwait, Al-Sager expressed optimism due to the strong activity in the market, noting that the awarding of development projects by the end of 2024 reached its highest level in nearly eight years. He anticipates this momentum to persist into 2025.

He emphasized the widespread consensus on the importance of prioritizing major development projects and enhancing Kuwait's appeal as an investment hub. This includes the urgent need to approve a set of long-awaited laws that would align with and support ongoing economic reform efforts.

“With decision-making now solely in the hands of the government, we no longer face the disruptive entanglements of the past, and this will positively impact the anticipated economic reforms,” Al-Sager noted.

“We are witnessing meaningful discussions on the adoption of key laws, such as the real estate financing and public debt laws. The enactment of these laws would serve as a crucial catalyst, driving the Kuwaiti economy toward smoother and faster growth,” He stated.

Multinational Corporate Tax

Commenting on Kuwait's recent enactment of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Taxes (DMTT) on multinational enterprises (MNEs), effective 2025, Al-Sager explained that this corporate tax follows a global standard already in place in many countries where NBK Group operates. He emphasized that its local implementation would benefit Kuwait by ensuring these revenues stay within the country, rather than flowing to other nations.

In response to a question regarding the potential impact of the tax implementation on the bank’s profits, Al-Sager stated: “Naturally, there will be an impact on our profits in 2025, with an anticipated increase in the tax applied to the Group’s profits by approximately 8 to 15%. However, this impact is expected to be temporary, as the base year 2025 marks the introduction of the tax.”

Real Estate Financing Law

Commenting on the Real Estate Financing law, Al-Sager stated: “We view the real estate financing law, or housing finance, as the most effective practical solution to Kuwait's housing crisis. With over 97,000 pending housing applications at the Public Authority for Housing Welfare and approximately 10,000 new applications each year, this issue has only intensified without any tangible resolution.”

He highlighted the recent positive developments supporting the adoption of the law, noting that this comes at a time when the government has clearly stated that refinancing Kuwait Credit Bank is challenging due to the anticipated ongoing budget deficit. He also emphasized that the Kuwaiti banking system is in an excellent position, with high levels of liquidity and capitalization, and is well-equipped to play a crucial role in addressing the housing issue.

Al-Sager expressed strong confidence that the right legislative and regulatory framework will empower banks to take a central role in resolving the housing crisis, using financing mechanisms akin to those in neighboring markets. He highlighted this as a major growth opportunity for Kuwaiti banks, especially given the substantial backlog of housing applications and the steady influx of new applicants each year. Additionally, he pointed out that Kuwait's youth demographic, which makes up the majority of the population, adds urgency to the need for effective solutions.



Kuwait: NBK Reports Net Profit of KD 600.1 Million for FY2024

02.02.2025

National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) has announced its financial results for the financial year ended 31 December 2024.The Bank reported a net profit of KD 600.1 million (USD 1.9 billion), compared to KD 560.6 million (USD 1.8 billion) for the financial year 2023, an increase of 7.0% year-on-year.

Earnings per share (EPS) stood at 69 fils by the end of 2024, compared to 65 fils by the end of 2023, Meanwhile, total assets as of December 2024 grew by 7.1% year-on-year, reaching KD 40.3 billion (USD 130.9 billion).

Customer deposits grew by 4.2%, totaling KD 22.9 billion (USD 74.2 billion) as of December 2024. Meanwhile, Group loans and advances reached KD 23.7 billion (USD 76.9 billion) by December 2024, reflecting a growth of 6.4% year-on-year.

In the meantime, shareholders' equity also saw an increase, standing at KD 3.9 billion (USD 12.7 billion), up by 5.9% year-on-year.

In terms of distributions, the Board of Directors has proposed a cash dividend of 25 fils per share for the second half of 2024, bringing the total cash dividend for the year to 35 fils, equivalent to around 50% of net profits. Furthermore, the Board has recommended the distribution of bonus shares at a ratio of 5%. These proposed distributions are subject to the approval at the Annual General Assembly (AGM).

Adapting To Changing Conditions

Commenting on the bank's annual financial results, Hamad Al-Bahar, NBK Group Chairman stated, “In 2024, we delivered strong performance, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of our flexible, diversified business model in response to varying economic conditions. This success was bolstered by a robust capital base, high asset quality, strong liquidity, and prudent risk management.”

He explained that the bank remains committed to balancing the achievement of optimal returns for its shareholders while addressing the evolving needs of its customers. He further emphasized that sustainability has become a key driver in strengthening the bank's long-term growth prospects, as it continues to implement significant initiatives that support responsible business practices and contribute to the sustainable development of Kuwait’s economy.

"In 2025, NBK aims to accelerate its sustainable financing efforts, targeting a sustainable asset portfolio of approximately USD 10 billion by 2030," stated Al-Bahar. He further highlighted that the bank continues to implement various initiatives as part of its efforts to achieve carbon neutrality.

 Al-Bahar stated that throughout 2024, NBK strengthened its social contributions by launching and supporting numerous programs and initiatives across various sectors, including health, social development, the environment, youth, education, and women's empowerment. These efforts are aimed at reinforcing the foundations of sustainable development in alignment with Kuwait Vision 2035 and the National Development Plan (NDP), further advancing NBK's leading position as the largest contributor to social responsibility in Kuwait.

Sustainable Growth

Meanwhile, Mr. Isam J. Al-Sager, NBK Vice Chairman and Group CEO, said: “Despite heightened geopolitical tensions regionally and globally in 2024, along with their adverse economic repercussions and the onset of declining interest rates, NBK successfully maintained its trajectory of sustainable growth. The Group's net operating income grew by 7.2% year-on-year, reaching KD 1.3 billion (USD 4.1 billion)”. 

Al-Sager emphasized that NBK's financial results for 2024 reflect exceptional operational performance across its various business sectors, particularly its core banking operations. He highlighted the significant contributions of the Group's international operations and Boubyan Bank, the Group's Islamic banking arm, to both revenues and net profits during the year.

Al-Sager highlighted NBK's ongoing efforts to expand its customer base by offering innovative digital products and services of international standards, coupled with exceptional customer service. He emphasized the bank's continued investments in technology and innovation, reinforcing its leadership in digital banking solutions that drive sustainable growth. These efforts not only maximize value for customers and shareholders but also contribute positively to our communities and to all stakeholders. This commitment has earned the bank numerous prestigious accolades, including being named the “Best in Innovation- Global Winner” for 2024, for the second consecutive year by Global Finance magazine.

Al-Sager emphasized that NBK Group is dedicated to further advancing its reputation as a trusted financial partner by fostering deeper relationships with existing customers and capitalizing on emerging opportunities. He highlighted the Group’s commitment to reinforcing its leadership in investment and wealth management services across the region, noting the launch of the "NBK Wealth" brand in 2024, which has established the largest wealth management entity in Kuwait and positioned it among the leading providers in the region.

Al-Sager highlighted NBK’s significant advancements in sustainability during 2024, emphasizing the bank's commitment to its ESG strategy, which underscores its leading role in shaping a more sustainable and prosperous future for all. He noted that NBK was the first bank in Kuwait to join the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF) and achieved a major milestone by issuing Kuwait’s first green bonds, valued at USD 500 million, solidifying its position as a trailblazer among financial institutions in the country. 

In the meantime, Al-Sager emphasized NBK’s unwavering commitment to investing in human capital, highlighting that in 2024, the bank continued to attract and nurture young talent through top-tier training and development programs aligned with international standards. These initiatives aim to cultivate a highly skilled generation of banking professionals, with a particular focus on digital competencies that have become indispensable in the evolving landscape of banking transactions driven by advanced technology and artificial intelligence.

Operational Environment

Regarding his outlook for the operational environment in 2025, Al-Sager expressed optimism about the continued momentum in project awards, building on the progress achieved in 2024 amid political stability. 

He noted that with decision-making now centralized within the government, processes have become more streamlined and efficient. Al-Sager also expressed hope that this positive trajectory would be complemented by the enactment of key laws and legislations aimed to bolster domestic economic growth.

Al-Sager emphasized that NBK aims to play a pivotal role in financing upcoming mega projects, further solidifying its position as the government’s primary partner in funding major strategic initiatives. He highlighted that the anticipated improvement in project awards, coupled with the downward trajectory of interest rates, is expected to positively impact credit demand across both corporate and retail sectors. 

However, he acknowledged the persistence of certain challenges that could have adverse economic repercussions, particularly the ongoing geopolitical tensions at both regional and global levels.

Key financial indicators for FY2024

 

• Net operating income stood at KD 1.3 billion (USD 4.1 billion), up 7.2% year-on-year

• Total assets grew by 7.1% year-on-year, at KD 40.3 billion (USD 130.9 billion)

• Total loans and advances increased by 6.4% year-on-year to KD 23.7 billion (USD 76.9 billion)

• Customer deposits grew by 4.2% year-on-year to KD 22.9 billion (USD 74.2 billion)

• Shareholders’ equity amounted to KD 3.9 billion (USD 12.7 billion), registering an annual growth of 5.9%.

• Strong asset quality metrics, with NPL/gross loans ratio at 1.34% and an NPL coverage ratio of 263%

• Robust Capital Adequacy Ratio of 17.3%, comfortably exceeding regulatory requirements.