+965 2224 8361
Kuwait: NBK Holds Dinner Banquet for the KCCI Delegates to Egypt
05.10.2022National Bank of Kuwait-Egypt (NBK-Egypt) held a dinner banquet in honor of the delegation representing Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry that visited Cairo earlier this week to discuss further strengthening the economic cooperation between the two nations and expanding investment opportunities.
The banquet was held at the Four Seasons Cairo Nile Plaza and was attended by Kuwait's Ambassador to Cairo, H.E. Ghanem Saqr Al-Ghanim, Chairman of the Financial Regulatory Authority, Mr. Mohamed Farid Saleh, and Chairman of the Stock Exchange, Mr. Rami El-Dokany, along with a group of Kuwaiti and Egyptian businessmen.
Unbreakable Ties
As part of his welcoming speech, Mr. Isam Al-Sager. Vice-Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer of National Bank of Kuwait, stressed the strong connections and deep bonds between Kuwait and Egypt, underscoring their strategic partnership and shared visions on various bilateral and regional issues, as well as the keenness of the two countries’ leaderships to promote these ties in a way that achieves the common interest of the Egyptian and Kuwaiti people.
“The Egyptian economic performance has recently showed remarkable growth in all sectors, as the State reaps the fruits of its successful economic reform that started years ago.” Al-Sager said.
Al-Sager also highlighted in his speech the comprehensive infrastructure development plan sweeping across the country, and the launch of numerous national projects in vital sectors, including transportation and energy, aimed at providing a favorable environment for economic growth and attracting foreign investments.
Strategic Vision
Al-Sager emphasized that NBK group has always maintained a proactive vision and a strategic course for its investments in the Egyptian market, that has seen encouraging development and promising growth prospects over the past few years. “Our development plan has been put into high gear since 2007, effectively working on further developing our banking services and products, and successfully implementing our digital transformation strategy, supported by our state-of-the-art digital infrastructure and extensive expertise.” Al-Sager explained.
Al-Sager further clarified that NBK provides the best financial solutions and its top-notch advisory services to the Egyptian and Kuwaiti markets, utilizing the Group’s vast expertise and enormous capabilities, thus contributing to investment growth and aiding trade exchange as well as enhancing the cooperation between various business sectors and government agencies, which should reflect positively on the growth and prosperity of both economies.
Best Bet
Al-Sager stressed that when it comes to the Egyptian economy and its potential, NBK has been on the right track for the past 15 years. NBK - Egypt has become the largest Kuwaiti investment in Egypt, noting that the Bank successfully positioned itself as a leading financial institute on the map of private banks operating in Egypt.
“Our huge investment in the Egyptian market is a vote of confidence in this buoyant market and a strategic pillar in our long-term growth plan”. Al-Sager said. “NBK-Egypt has been making vast strides forward, achieving enormous growth and adopting a transformational approach. This is evident in the Bank’s growth, as total assets increased to about EGP 87 billion on the back of the rapid growth of our loan portfolio to EGP 48 billion through financing various sectors across the Egyptian market, including mega national projects and key development activities. NBK-Egypt also managed to successfully gain a leading position in the Egyptian banking sector, thanks to our strong balance sheet and our wide network spreading across key locations across the country, in addition to providing the latest banking solutions and industry-leading advisory services, in line with the latest digital banking trends.”. Al-Sager added.
Al-Sager also pointed out that the Group has also been focused on developing NBK-Egypt’s digital infrastructure, upgrading its IT foundation and electronic channels, and strengthening its competitive edge in the banking sector. Moreover, the Bank’s digital roadmap is firmly aligned with “Egypt Vision 2030”, the national direction and the Central Bank’s strategy focused on a smooth transition towards digital economy and financial inclusion.
Highlighting the Banks’ community involvement, Al-Sager stressed that NBK - Egypt is dedicated to serving the Egyptian community, with a special focus on being a reliable partner in the development process to accelerate the achievement of Egypt’s sustainable development goals as outlined in “Vision 2030”. It is worth noting that the Bank’s CSR contributions stood at around EGP 158 million over the past five years.
Presidential Reception
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received the delegation of Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry visiting Cairo this week at the presidency headquarter in Cairo to discuss boosting the economic relations across various sectors and increasing investment opportunities between both countries.
The President asserted Egypt’s keenness to strengthen its communication with Kuwaiti investors and Egypt’s full commitment to pave the way to overcome any obstacles they may face. Meanwhile, the Kuwaiti delegation praised the attractive investment environment that Egypt is currently promoting, thanks to the strenuous steps taken by the Egyptian government to accommodate investors’ needs, highlighting the importance of the Egyptian market to Kuwaiti businessmen, as they continue to seek more investment opportunities in this lucrative market, capitalizing on the serious fundamental changes and investment climate reforms that the Egyptian government has undertaken.
The delegation pointed out that Kuwaiti investments in Egypt promote economic and social development, further consolidate and strengthen their cooperation, and encourage their cooperation to achieve sustainable development and improve trade exchange. The meeting was attended by Chairman of Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Mohammad Al-Sager, and representatives of the Chamber, Kuwaiti government agencies, unions, and companies
Economic Forum
The Kuwaiti delegation attended the Egyptian-Kuwaiti Cooperation Forum, organized by the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce and Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Among the key issues to be discussed during the forum was the signature of a cooperation protocol between both parties. The forum also discussed investment opportunities and the business environment in Egypt, major national projects across various sectors, including agriculture, industrial and real estate investment, in addition to tourism and service projects.
Other topics discussed during the forum included the Direct Investment Promotion Authority’s presentation on the investment climate in Kuwait. The forum was concluded by paying a visit to the New Administrative Capital to witness the latest development and infrastructure achievements of this vital national project.
Historical Ties
Egypt-Kuwait relations have been growing steadily throughout history, at all levels, officially and publicly. The strength of relations between the two countries stems from deep ties as they extend bridges of cooperation in all fields. Public and private sectors in Kuwait invest heavily in the Egyptian economy, with about USD 19 billion in investments, while trade exchange between Egypt and Kuwait stood at USD 5 billion in 2020. Moreover, Kuwait is Egypt's third largest Arab trading partner after Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Kuwait: NBK Posts Strong Net Profits of KD 575.6 Million in FY2025
28.01.2026National 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.