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KFH Reports Net Profit Attributable to the Shareholders of KD ‎‎168.1 million for Q1 2025‎, Highest net profit in the Kuwaiti banking sector

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KUWAIT CITY, Apr 22: Chairman of Kuwait Finance House (KFH) Hamad Abdulmohsen Al Marzouq ‎announced that KFH achieved a net profit of KD 168.1 million for the first ‎quarter of 2025 for shareholders, representing an increase of 3.2% ‎compared to the same period last year, and an increase of 41.4% ‎compared to the fourth quarter of last year.‎

Earnings per share for the first quarter of 2025 reached 9.77 fils; an ‎increase of 3.1% compared to the same period last year.‎

Net financing income for the first quarter of the year reached KD 318.9 ‎million; an increase of 21.1% compared to the same period last year.‎

Total operating income for the first quarter of the year increased, ‎supported by an increase in all core activities to reach KD 454.9 million; an ‎increase of 15.9% compared to the same period last year.‎

Net operating income for the first quarter of the year reached KD 295.7 ‎million; an increase of 19.4% compared to the same period last year.‎

Financing receivables increased as of the end of the first quarter of 2025 to ‎reach KD 19.3 billion; an increase of 1.1% compared to the end of last year.‎

Total assets increased as of the end of the first quarter of 2025 to reach KD ‎‎36.9 billion; an increase of 0.4% compared to the end of last year. ‎Shareholders’ equity amounted to KD 5.5 billion at the end of the first ‎quarter of 2025.‎

Depositors’ accounts increased as of the end of the first quarter of 2025 to ‎reach KD 19.5 billion; an increase of 1.3% compared to the end of last year.‎

In addition, the capital adequacy ratio reached 19.38% which is above the ‎limit required by regulators. This ratio confirms the solid capital base of ‎KFH.‎

Sustainable profits

In a press release, Al Marzouq stated that KFH`s Q1 2025 growth in key ‎financial indicators demonstrates the successful execution of the strategy ‎approved by the bank`s Board of Directors. He further noted that this ‎performance, achieved despite a complex operating environment and ‎market shifts driven by regional and global economic developments, ‎underscores the strength of KFH`s comprehensive and integrated business ‎model. Al Marzouq added that the growth in all key financial indicators and ‎balance sheet items confirms KFH`s progress in generating higher-quality ‎and sustainable profits.‎

Al Marzouq highlighted that KFH`s financial performance demonstrates its ‎consistent ability to grow profits sustainably. This success validates the ‎effectiveness of KFH`s efforts at every level in attaining its objectives. These ‎objectives include boosting profitability, sustaining high growth, ‎rationalizing expenses, elevating service quality, embracing technology and ‎digitization, and enriching customer interactions through well-defined and ‎carefully managed approaches, rigorous and measurable professional ‎standards, and the capacity for prompt and effective responses to market ‎changes. Furthermore, these efforts take into account increasing ‎competition and evolving customer expectations. ‎

He also commended the experienced management for their skill in ‎navigating the business environment and boosting confidence in the bank. ‎

Giant banking entity

Al Marzouq explained that the expansion abroad had gained significant ‎momentum and brought about a qualitative transformation in KFH`s ‎growth strategy, turning it into a substantial banking entity with a presence ‎in eight countries worldwide. These notably include Kuwait, Bahrain, Egypt, ‎Turkey, the UK, and Germany, supported by an extensive network of over ‎‎600 branches. He also noted that KFH continues to lead all banks and ‎companies listed on Boursa Kuwait, with a current market capitalization ‎near to KD 13 billion.‎

‏”‏KFH`s recently launched “Beyond Horizons” visual identity reflects the ‎bank`s substantial growth, achievements, global reach, and future ‎ambitions. This new identity also underscores KFH`s ongoing commitment ‎to technological advancement, digital innovation, and its leading position in ‎Islamic finance,‎‏”‏‎ he added.‎

Supporting the national economy ‎

Underscoring KFH`s pioneering position, Al Marzouq stated that the bank ‎will maintain its support for the Kuwaiti market and national economy. This ‎includes providing financing to corporates within established credit ‎guidelines, as well as its continued focus on corporate banking, corporate ‎and retail financing. KFH actively collaborates with relevant authorities to ‎support and finance small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). ‎Recognizing the vital role of these businesses in Kuwait`s economy, job ‎creation, and youth employment, KFH holds the largest SME financing ‎portfolio in the market by the number of beneficiaries.‎

Green Sukuk

Al Marzouq highlighted KFH`s ongoing commitment, via its investment arm ‎KFH Capital, to issue more Sukuk for both governments and companies ‎globally. He also stressed a particular focus on green Sukuk, aligning with ‎KFH`s broader strategy for sustainability and the adoption of ESG ‎standards.‎

Social leadership

Highlighting KFH`s significant societal impact, Al Marzouq noted the ‎progress achieved through numerous strategic social contributions ‎recently. Key initiatives include a KD 15 million pledge to establish a cardiac ‎center at Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital in partnership with the Ministry of ‎Health, and a KD 2 million donation to the Ministry of Social Affairs` debt ‎relief campaign. Previously, KFH also contributed over KD 20 million to ‎settle insolvent individuals` debts in collaboration with the Ministry of ‎Justice.‎

KFH Group Chief Executive Officer, Khaled Yousef AlShamlan

Solid financial position

KFH Group Chief Executive Officer, Khaled Yousef AlShamlan stated that the ‎Q1 2025 financial indicators demonstrated balanced performance and ‎significant financial strength, showing notable improvements in solvency ‎and growth compared to the same period last year. He added that ‎increased and diversified operating income, along with solid performance ‎across most balance sheet items, highlight the Group`s creditworthiness, ‎reliability, and diverse avenues for future growth and expansion.‎

Diverse financing streams

AlShamlan highlighted the successful issuance of a 5-year, US$1 billion ‎Senior Unsecured Sukuk under KFH`s US$4 billion Sukuk Program. This ‎issuance aims to finance KFH`s operations and diversify its funding sources. ‎Furthermore, it will enable KFH to increase its financing and investment ‎capabilities, support infrastructure projects and local productive economic ‎sectors, and assist customers with their regional and global expansion plans.‎

Qualitative digital solutions

AlShamlan stated that KFH is focused on increasing its market share and ‎improving service quality by consistently offering qualitative and ‎competitive digital solutions through KFHOnline (both mobile and web), ‎XTMs, and KFH Express. He detailed that KFH offers about 200 electronic ‎services, including online payments, online account opening, instant ‎printing of all bank card types, gold trading, opening deposit and account, ‎instant cheque and card printing, and QR code-based cardless withdrawals ‎via mobile, along with many other financing and banking services that are ‎quick, simple, and secure.‎

Human resources are central to achieving success

‏”‏KFH underscores the paramount importance of its employees, actively ‎working to boost their skills, performance, and academic and professional ‎growth. Viewing them as central to its success, KFH remains committed to ‎fostering their innovation in services and solutions that improve customer ‎experience, exemplified by the annual “Innovation Challenge”. Moreover, ‎to foster employee development, KFH offers educational scholarships ‎alongside extensive in-class and online training programs. KFH also focuses ‎on nurturing Kuwaiti youth for leadership roles, empowering them to drive ‎development,‎‏”‏‎ AlShamlan said.‎

He pointed out that KFH is keen on empowering human talents and ‎competencies, noting that the bank celebrated over 230 outstanding staff ‎members at the 2024 Qadha program company. This program, the first of ‎its kind in Kuwaiti banking, has recently earned global recognition with a ‎Gold Medal from the prestigious Brandon Hall Group for Best Advance in ‎Employee Recognition Program at the global level.‎

Global recognition

In appreciation of its exceptional efforts, AlShamlan said that KFH received ‎global recognition, scooping around 15 awards for the current year from ‎world-class entities and institutions. Most notable of these awards are: ‎‎“Best Islamic bank in the Middle East” and “Best Bank in Kuwait” from ‎EMEA Finance Magazine. Additionally, KFH attained ISO 22301 certification ‎for its Business Continuity Management Systems (BCMS), reflecting the ‎bank`s proactive capacities and preparedness to face potential risks, in ‎addition to its sustainability in operations and operational efficiency. ‎

Thanks and appreciation

AlShamlan commended the support of the Board of Directors, the Central ‎Bank of Kuwait and the regulatory authorities for supporting the banking ‎sector. He also praised the efforts of Executive Management, all employees, ‎partners, and stakeholders for their key role and stressed the continuous ‎efforts to maintain KFH`s leading position locally and globally‏.‏

Business

Real estate transactions dip sharply in Kuwait

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KUWAIT CITY, Sept 9: The real estate market witnessed a significant decline in the number and value of transactions in the first week of September, compared to the same period last year, as well as the last week of August. This is a clear indication that the market has entered a period of relative calm and investment anticipation driven by seasonal factors and qualitative shifts in transactions, particularly commercial real estate, which accounted for about 60 percent of the total trading value during the week, compared to only three transactions. It reflects the interest of major institutions or entities in ‘heavy’ commercial transactions. The weekly report of the Real Estate Registration and Documentation Department at the Ministry of Justice for the period from Sept 1 to 3 showed that the number of real estate transactions was 62, with a total value of KD83.92 million.

These include 37 private transactions worth KD 13.5 million, 22 investment transactions worth KD 17.6 million, and three commercial transactions worth KD 52.8 million. Compared to the first week of September 2024, weekly trading recorded a decline of approximately 39 percent in the number of transactions, compared to a 16.8 percent increase in total value due to the completion of qualitative commercial deals. The number of transactions during that period reached 101, valued at KD 69.8 million, reflecting a quantitative decline versus a qualitative increase in transactions on an annual basis. Compared to trading during the fourth (and final) week of August 2025, the decline was more severe, with 139 transactions recorded, valued at KD 163.24 million.

This is a decline of approximately 55 percent in the number of transactions (77 transactions) and a 49 percent decrease in the value or KD 79.32 million. It is a clear indication that the market has entered a short-term slowdown after a remarkable wave of activity in August. Regarding private real estate transactions, they declined from 89 in the last week of August to just 37, a decrease of nearly 58 percent. The value also fell from KD 33.4 million to KD 13.5 million — by KD19.9 million, a decrease of nearly 60 percent. This indicates a decline in residential ownership activity due to travel or investors’ anticipation of market movements following the recent enactment of several real estate laws. Despite the decline in the number of investment transactions from 28 in August 2025 to 22 in September, the value of transactions increased to KD 17.6 million, compared to KD 15.3 million in August. It means continued demand for investment properties and the search for attractive, quality opportunities. As for commercial transactions, only three transactions were recorded this week, worth KD52.8 million or 60 percent of the total weekly trading value. It shows the execution of quality deals and investors’ focus on quality transactions and assets with long-term returns.

By Marwa Al-Bahrawi
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff

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Kuwait urges GCC tax reform for economic integration

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Kuwait urges GCC tax reform for economic integration

Undersecretary of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Finance, Aseel Al-Munifi

KUWAIT CITY, Sept 9: Undersecretary of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Finance, Aseel Al-Munifi, on Tuesday emphasized the need to develop the tax system and achieve financial sustainability to promote economic integration among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states.

Speaking at the 15th meeting of the Committee of Heads and Directors of Tax Administrations in GCC countries in Kuwait, Al-Munifi said the meeting is part of ongoing efforts to coordinate GCC tax authorities and develop mechanisms to unify joint tax policies that serve the interests of member states and their populations.

She expressed hope that the annex to amend the unified excise tax agreement would be signed at the upcoming financial and economic cooperation meeting scheduled in Kuwait next October, which will bring together the GCC finance ministers. Al-Munifi also commended the heads and directors of tax authorities and the Unified Tax System Working Group for their efforts in preparing studies, working papers, and recommendations.

Khalid Al-Sunaidi, Assistant Secretary-General for Economic and Development Affairs at the GCC General Secretariat, said the meeting continues the process of cooperation among GCC countries in tax policies. He noted that the aim is to unify tax frameworks, enhance economic integration, and support competitiveness at the regional and international levels.

Al-Sunaidi added that discussions at the meeting included outcomes from the GCC Unified Tax System Working Group on redefining energy drinks to reduce the consumption of unhealthy products, and plans to establish a comprehensive electronic system for all types of indirect taxes, alongside other related topics.

During the meeting, GCC tax heads and directors reviewed recommendations and decisions from the 14th meeting and previous sessions, submitting them to the undersecretaries of finance in the GCC. It was agreed to form a technical working group to develop the electronic system for indirect taxes and to redefine energy drinks in the Unified Excise Tax Agreement according to international definitions and classifications.

The 15th GCC Tax Committee meeting held in Kuwait.

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Kuwait aims to attract value-added direct investments

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KUWAIT CITY, Sept 9: The Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA) on Monday announced that BlackRock has obtained regulatory approvals and commercial licenses to operate in Kuwait, reflecting confidence in the country’s economic development.

KDIPA Director General Sheikh Dr. Meshaal Al-Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah told KUNA that Kuwait is committed to attracting value-added direct investments, with a strong focus on developing national competencies, strengthening long-term partnerships, and ensuring sustainable growth based on knowledge.

BlackRock CEO and Chairman Larry Fink said the company values its decades-long partnership with Kuwait and looks forward to reinforcing it through a direct presence in the country, contributing to the financial system, and supporting the development of national competencies.

The initiative aims to achieve several strategic objectives, including enhancing mutual trust between the company and its clients and supporting Kuwait’s “New Kuwait 2035” vision, in line with BlackRock’s broader goal of contributing to the development of capital markets in the Middle East.

BlackRock will start operations in Kuwait with an office that includes a customer service team, a financial advisory team, and an Aladdin system team, enabling the provision of advanced investment solutions and services. Ali Al-Qadi has been appointed head of the Kuwait office while continuing his role as head of client team management for both Kuwait and Qatar.

The Capital Markets Authority of Kuwait officially granted a license to BlackRock Advisors – United Kingdom Limited to operate as an investment advisor in Kuwait. The authority described this as a step that underscores Kuwait’s growing position on the global financial map, noting that BlackRock is one of the world’s largest asset managers.

The CMA said the move marks a milestone in developing Kuwait’s financial market and confirms the country’s ability to attract major international institutions, aligning with national efforts to consolidate Kuwait’s vision as a leading global financial and commercial center.

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