Banking
From The Report: Kuwait 2025
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Economic growth, consolidation and new fiscal laws passed in 2025 are driving the banking sector’s growth, diversification and lending opportunities. Despite market uncertainty due to US tariff policy, oil market volatility and geopolitical tensions, domestic banks in Kuwait have remained resilient. Kuwait’s leading banks posted strong balance sheets and liquidity for 2024, with capital buffers above regulatory minimums, while positive growth in terms of net profit and total assets continued into the first half of 2025.
Kuwaiti banks are poised for expansion, supported by capital and liquidity cushions and an accommodative monetary policy. The government has also signalled its commitment to supporting domestic banks – regardless of size or ownership structure – to maintain market confidence and stability. As a result, the positive trajectory of Kuwaiti lenders – marked by profitability and asset growth reported in 2024 – is expected to continue through 2025, providing a robust base for the economy.

This chapter contains interviews with Basel Al Haroon, Governor, Central Bank of Kuwait; Isam Al Sager, Group CEO, National Bank of Kuwait; and Mai Al Owaish, CEO, Kuwait Credit Information Network Company.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Market strength: Regulatory reforms, asset growth and consolidation activities demonstrate resilience amid shifting global conditions
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Economic growth, consolidation and new fiscal laws passed in 2025 are driving the banking sector’s growth, diversification, and lending opportunities. Despite market uncertainty due to US tariff policy, oil market volatility and geopolitical tensions, domestic banks in Kuwait have remained resilient. Kuwait’s leading banks posted strong balance sheets and liquidity for 2024, with capital buffers above regulatory minimums, along with positive growth in terms of net profit and total assets recorded for the first half of 2025. The year 2025 saw the government enact far-reaching fiscal reforms, notably the Public Debt Law passed in March, which…

Interview

Digital resilience: Basel Al Haroon, Governor, Central Bank of Kuwait, on liquidity, innovation, risk management and shaping future competitiveness
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Interview: Basel Al Haroon, Governor, Central Bank of Kuwait, on liquidity, innovation, risk management and shaping future competitiveness How has recent growth in domestic banking assets affected liquidity levels and the ability of banks to finance large-scale infrastructure projects? BASEL AL HAROON: Banking sector assets grew by 4.6% in 2024, demonstrating the sector’s resilience even amid tighter global financial conditions. Strong asset growth has supported liquidity and provided banks with…

Analysis

Open to change: New technologies transform the provision of financial services
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Open banking has rapidly emerged as a transformative force in global finance, redefining traditional banking models by enabling secure, application programming interface (API)-driven data sharing and third party service integration. Valued at approximately $25.1bn in 2023 and poised to surge to $29.6bn by 2025 – ultimately eclipsing $306.6bn by 2035 – the global market’s projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26.3% through 2035 underscores its potential to reshape financial services worldwide. Within the GCC, a concerted drive towards digital transformation, economic diversification and enhanced financial inclusion has rendered…

Interview

Future finance: Isam Al Sager, Group CEO, National Bank of Kuwait, on driving innovation, digital transformation and financial inclusion
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Interview: Isam Al Sager, Group CEO, National Bank of Kuwait, on driving innovation, digital transformation and financial inclusion In what ways are digital banking and financial technology reshaping customer expectations? ISAM AL SAGER: Digital platforms now dominate retail transactions, with younger generations driving demand for seamless, real-time and contactless payments. For corporations, digital tools in cash management and trade finance enable businesses to operate more efficiently in a…

Interview

Smarter lending: Mai Al Owaish, CEO, Kuwait Credit Information Network Company, on enhancing credit information exchange
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Interview: Mai Al Owaish, CEO, Kuwait Credit Information Network Company, on enhancing credit information exchange To what extent is the role of credit information evolving, particularly in improving access to financing and supporting decision-making? MAI AL OWAISH: Reliable credit data allow lenders to assess risk accurately and make smarter decisions, whether it is for a small personal loan or a large corporate facility. Under current regulations, every lender must review a credit report before…