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Kamco Invest wins “Kuwait’s Best for Alternative Investments” at Euromoney Private Banking Awards 2025

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KUWAIT CITY, Apr 8: Kamco Invest, a regional non-banking financial powerhouse with one of the ‎largest AUMs in the region, announced that it has been named “Kuwait’s Best for Alternative Investments” at ‎the Euromoney Private Banking Awards 2025. ‎

Hassan Farran, Chief Executive Officer of Kamco Invest – London, and Layla Diab, CFA, Vice President – ‎Alternative Investments, received the award on behalf of Kamco Invest at the Euromoney Private Banking ‎Awards 2025 ceremonyheld on March 27th at The Savoy Hotel in London. The prestigious recognition is the ‎result of a competitive evaluation process that included a comprehensive submission detailing the ‎Company’s achievements, followed by an in-depth interview with Euromoney’s judging panel.‎

The “Kuwait’s Best for Alternative Investments” award highlights Kamco Invest’s strong momentum and ‎growth in the alternative investment space. The recognition comes at a pivotal time following the ‎consolidation of Kamco Invest’s extensive experience in real estate, private equity and structured products, ‎bringing them together under the unified umbrella of Alternative Investments. This strategic move aimed to ‎streamline operations, enhance synergies, and create a more cohesive platform for delivering value to ‎clients.‎

Over the past year, each of these areas has demonstrated a strong performance, supported by targeted ‎initiatives, new investment opportunities, and a sharpened focus on expanding the Company’s footprint ‎across key regional and international markets. ‎

In 2024, the Alternative Investments continued to broaden its real estate under management which included ‎‎22 Grade A commercial properties across the USA, UK, and Europe with a total value of USD2.0bn as of ‎‎31 December 2024. These properties were carefully selected based on their location, tenant profile, and ‎long-term yield potential for investors. Additionally, Kamco Invest distributed USD58.1mn to clients from ‎real estate investments, while actively sourcing new opportunities. The Company also took a strategic step ‎forward by entering the private debt space for real estate projects, further diversifying its offerings and ‎tapping into new revenue streams for clients seeking exposure beyond traditional equity investments.‎

On the private equity front, Kamco Invest invested over USD1.9bn across 28 sectors, resulting in 123 ‎investments and 108 successful exits from the inception of the department till 31 December 2024. This ‎includes both controlling and minority stakes in high-potential businesses across the MENA region and ‎emerging markets. Over the years, the team has distributed USD1.05bn to its clients, demonstrating a clear ‎focus on value creation and capital efficiency. ‎

Furthermore, Kamco Invest implements two distinctive strategies that target diverse investment objectives. ‎The first strategyis focused on investing in venture capital in the international markets, whereas the second ‎is designed to support late-stage tech companies as they prepare for IPOs, primarily in Saudi Arabia and ‎the UAE.‎

Kamco Invest, through its Saudi and DIFC offices, has forged strategic alliances with leading international ‎asset managers to expand its offerings in leasing, private debt, and other specialized asset classes.‎

Commenting on the recognition, Mohammed Al Othman, Senior Executive Director of Alternative ‎Investments, said, “We are proud to be recognized by Euromoney for our efforts in alternative investments, ‎a space where we have not only expanded our capabilities but al delivered real, measurable value to our ‎clients. This award reflects the team’s collective efforts in implementing our strategic vision of offering ‎tailored alternative investment solutions that align with the diverse goals of our clients across real estate, ‎private equity and structured products.”‎

He added, “In today’s volatile market landscape, alternative asset classes such as private equity, private ‎credit, and real estate have proven to be powerful diversification tools due to their low correlation with ‎public markets. We believe the current environment offers a timely and compelling opportunity for investors ‎to consider increasing their exposure to alternatives to enhance portfolio resilience and unlock long-term ‎value.”‎

The Euromoney Private Banking Awards 2025 recognizes the leaders and pioneers among private banks ‎and financial institutions worldwide, with a particular focus on their ability to deliver tailored investment ‎solutions and generate long-term value for clients. The Alternative Investments category acknowledges ‎companies that have demonstrated outstanding performance, innovation, and client engagement across ‎non-traditional asset classes that continue to play a progressive role in diversified investment strategies. ‎

Al Othman added, “We would like to thank Euromoney for this recognition, which reflects the strength and ‎depth of our Alternative Investments platform. I also want to extend my sincere appreciation to our team, ‎whose dedication, expertise, and hard work have been central to achieving this milestone. Looking ahead, ‎we remain focused on leveraging our global network to unlock new opportunities and deliver innovative ‎investment solutions that continue to support our clients’ long-term success.” ‎

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Second phase of merging Kuwait oil companies underway

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KUWAIT CITY, June 30: In preparation for the second phase of merging the subsidiaries of the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC), informed sources revealed that the executive phase of merging Gulf Oil Company with Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) has begun through the transfer of the corporation’s shares in the capital of the Gulf Oil Company to KOC. They highlighted a meeting held recently between the two companies’ CEOs to start making administrative decisions regarding this matter. The sources explained that the second phase, following the initial merger of KIPIC with the Kuwait National Petroleum Company, is part of KPC’s strategy to restructure the oil sector. This phase commenced with a meeting between KOC’s CEO Ahmed Al-Eidan, acting CEO of Gulf Oil Company Bader Al-Munaifi, and representatives from the oil sector’s leadership and workforce. The meeting also discussed the implications of Decision No. 60/2024, issued on May 5, 2024, concerning the transfer of KPC’s ownership of shares. ‘

Al-Eidan affirmed the importance of job stability and preserving all benefits of Gulf Oil employees. It was decided that the legal and administrative status of Gulf Oil Company will remain unchanged at this stage, including the company’s name, logo, and operational sites at its headquarters and joint operations in Khafji and Al-Wafra. The sources clarified that Al-Eidan indicated the change is limited solely to the transfer of share ownership, with KOC becoming the owning entity instead of KPC. Consequently, the highest authority will be the Board of Directors of KOC, without affecting daily operations or the current institutional structure.

By Najeh Bilal
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff 

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Kuwait enhances laws to combat money laundering and terror funding

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Kuwait enhances laws to combat money laundering and terror funding

The Kuwait government approves tougher measures to tackle financial crimes.

KUWAIT CITY, June 30: Kuwait is intensifying efforts to combat money laundering and terrorist financing by enhancing its legislative framework, announced Minister of Finance and Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment Noura Al-Fassam on Monday.

The minister spoke in a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance following the publication of Decree Law No. (76) of 2025 in the official gazette, Kuwait Today. This decree introduces important amendments to Law No. (106) of 2013, reflecting Kuwait’s integrated government efforts to strengthen measures against financial crimes.

During the Cabinet meeting on June 17, the draft of the amended decree law was approved, underlining Kuwait’s commitment to raising the effectiveness of the national response to money laundering and terrorism financing. The amendments align with the requirements of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and relevant international standards.

The new decree law includes two significant amendments:

  • Article One replaces Article (25) of Law No. (106) of 2013, empowering the Council of Ministers, upon the recommendation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, to issue necessary decisions to implement United Nations Security Council resolutions related to terrorism, terrorism financing, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction under Chapter VII of the UN Charter. These decisions will take effect immediately upon issuance, consistent with Security Council Resolution No. 1373 of 2001. The executive regulations will define the rules for publishing these decisions, appealing them, authorizing the release of frozen funds for essential living expenses, and managing such assets.n
  • Article Two adds a new Article (33 bis) to Law No. (106) of 2013, stating that any violation of decisions issued under Article (25) will result in fines ranging from 10,000 to 500,000 Kuwaiti dinars per violation. This penalty complements any additional sanctions imposed by regulatory authorities on financial institutions or designated non-financial businesses.n

The Ministry emphasized that these amendments support the National Committee for Combating Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing by broadening its powers to apply targeted financial sanctions in compliance with FATF standards. This includes the mandatory freezing of assets belonging to individuals and entities listed locally as terrorists, effective immediately upon decision issuance.

Furthermore, the amendments enable the Committee to impose fines on violators and require publishing the national list of designated terrorists on the Committee’s official website, enhancing transparency and meeting international obligations.

Minister Al-Fassam concluded that the updated legislative measures reaffirm Kuwait’s strong commitment to fighting financial crimes, safeguarding national security and stability, and fulfilling its global responsibilities.

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Kuwait updates regulations for public properties and service fees

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Kuwait updates regulations for public properties and service fees

Updated regulations aim to boost fair use and revenue from state properties.

KUWAIT CITY, June 30: The Ministry of Finance announced on Sunday the issuance of a new ministerial decision amending the regulations governing the use of state-owned real estate and service fees, in a move aimed at achieving a fair balance between public interest and the needs of individuals and institutions.

In a press statement, the Ministry said the decision comes as part of its broader efforts to regulate the use of government-owned properties and protect national resources. Ministerial Resolution No. 54 of 2025 introduces amendments to the regulations first outlined in Resolution No. 40 of 2016.

Minister of Finance and Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment, Eng. Noura Al-Fassam, stated that the amendments are intended to ensure fairness, clarify procedures, and improve transparency in the utilization of state assets.

“These changes aim to establish a fair balance in how state-owned properties are used by citizens and entities, while safeguarding public interests,” Al-Fassam said.

She added that the updated regulations were the result of a comprehensive pricing study comparing Gulf and international markets. The amended prices remain below average rates in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and were developed with Kuwait’s economic and social conditions in mind. The goal, Al-Fassam noted, is to promote equal opportunities and secure sustainable revenue streams for the state.

The amendments cover a wide range of activities involving the use of state-owned property, including chalets, rest houses, commercial complexes, cooperative societies, banks, and warehouses. They also apply to educational institutions, sports clubs, and hospitals.

In support of national food security and the promotion of local production, the Ministry also announced the stabilization of agricultural coupon prices under the new regulations.

The revised framework reflects Kuwait’s continued efforts to modernize its public asset management policies while maintaining a strong emphasis on economic fairness, efficiency, and sustainability.

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