NBK launches Microsoft copilot across all divisions, pioneering AI integration, empowering employees
Microsoft Copilot harnesses the capabilities of Generative AI to assist staff with daily tasks such as drafting documents, analyzing complex data sets, summarizing key information, and automating repetitive activities. By embedding this advanced technology directly into employees' digital workspace, NBK is enabling its teams to focus on strategic initiatives and high-value client engagement, thereby reinforcing its reputation for service excellence and innovation.
The adoption of Copilot is the first in a series of AI-driven initiatives planned under NBK's digital innovation roadmap. It reflects the Bank's long-term commitment to building a future-ready workforce and fostering a digitally intelligent workplace culture. NBK's strategic embrace of responsible AI ensures that innovation is deployed in a manner that is secure, ethical, and aligned with international best practices in data privacy and governance.
Commenting on the launch, Mohammad Al Kharafi Group Chief Operating Officer, Group Operations, Technology and Data said: 'We recognize the transformative potential of AI in reshaping the future of banking, not just as a tool for automation but as a catalyst for innovation and growth. The adoption of Microsoft Copilot marks a pivotal step in our digital evolution—one that empowers our employees to become more efficient, creative, and customer-centric in everything they do.'
Mohammed Al Kharafi
'By embedding generative AI into the Bank's daily internal workflows, we are enabling smarter decision-making, faster execution, and more meaningful engagement across the organization. Copilot leads the way as one of NBK's first generative AI solution—paving the way for a full suite of AI-driven tools under its long-term innovation roadmap,' Al Kharafi explained.
He concluded by adding, 'As we continue to embrace emerging technologies, our focus remains firmly on responsible innovation. We are committed to ensuring that every advancement is delivered with the highest standards of security, compliance, and ethical integrity. Ultimately, our goal is to build a future-ready organization that blends human ingenuity with digital intelligence to drive sustainable value for our customers, employees, and stakeholders alike.'
Beyond the deployment of Microsoft Copilot, NBK remains committed to enhancing the employee experience through a comprehensive approach that combines cultural transformation with digital enablement. The Bank continues to modernize internal systems and deliver targeted upskilling programs, fostering a work environment where people and technology thrive together. These efforts are part of a broader vision to promote continuous learning, collaboration, and human-centered innovation across the organization.
This strategic launch builds on a series of IT enhancements that NBK has introduced as part of its ongoing digital transformation journey. Across its operations in Kuwait and internationally, the Bank has upgraded core systems, strengthened its digital infrastructure, and accelerated the automation of routine processes to boost efficiency and reduce operational risk. These developments have also improved system resilience, enhanced cybersecurity protocols, and strengthened business continuity. Together, these advancements contribute to a more agile, secure, and digitally empowered workplace, enabling employees to focus on delivering exceptional service and value to clients.
In recognition of its efforts in digital advancement, innovation excellence, and responsible technology adoption, NBK has received numerous accolades from leading global and regional institutions, further cementing its position as a pioneer in the region's banking sector. As NBK continues to lead the financial sector in Kuwait and the region through responsible digital transformation, initiatives like this demonstrate the Bank's unwavering focus on empowering talent, accelerating innovation, and setting a new benchmark for AI-led transformation in the banking sector—delivering long-term value to customers, shareholders, and the communities we serve.
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These agencies assess companies across a range of criteria—including environmental impact, social responsibility, and corporate governance—to provide stakeholders and investors with transparent, data-driven insights into organizational performance. High ESG ratings not only promote accountability but also guide capital allocation and investment decisions, reflecting how well highly rated companies are positioned for long-term resilience and responsible growth. Commenting on NBK's achievement, Amir Hanna, Group Chief Communications Officer at NBK, stated: 'NBK's recognition through these prestigious ratings underscores its growing focus on championing sustainable finance and reinforcing sustainability risk management across the region. It also serves as a global testament to its sustained success. The Bank continues to make significant strides in integrating ESG principles into its corporate culture and operational framework, firmly establishing sustainability as a foundational pillar of its strategic agenda. Hanna highlighted that these ratings reflect NBK's continued momentum in implementing its comprehensive ESG strategy, which is anchored in four strategic pillars: Governance for Resilience, Responsible Banking, Capitalizing on our Capabilities, and Investing in our Communities. These pillars serve as a roadmap for integrating sustainability across the Bank's operations and delivering long-term value to shareholders, clients, employees, stakeholders, and the broader society. He further emphasized that NBK's growing commitment to sustainable finance remains a cornerstone of its progress in ESG governance. He also noted that the Bank's vision for sustainability extends well beyond its internal ecosystem, reflecting a steadfast commitment to community development. Across the markets in which it operates, NBK continues to drive meaningful impact, particularly through its focus on education, healthcare, youth empowerment, and expanding access for all segments of society to benefit from its initiatives. Green bonds NBK's landmark issuance of the first Green Bonds by a Kuwaiti institution in 2024, valued at $500 million, stands as a clear testament to the strong confidence investors place in the Bank, as well as the alignment of its sustainability strategy with international standards for transparency and accountability. Through its Green Bond Allocation and Impact Report, NBK provided clear and credible insights into the deployment of proceeds, which were directed toward initiatives such as renewable energy, green buildings, and clean transportation—delivering tangible environmental outcomes including lower carbon emissions and enhanced energy efficiency. Measuring the bank's carbon footprint In addition to financing sustainable projects, NBK has aligned its operations with key international climate frameworks. It became the first bank in Kuwait to sign the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF), a major step in measuring and disclosing the carbon footprint of its lending and investment portfolios. The Bank also continues to implement the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), embedding climate-related considerations into its governance structures, risk management, and strategic decision-making and has recently published its first TCFD report. In terms of NBK's environmental footprint, a target was set to reduce 25 percent of the Bank's operational emissions by 2025. As of 2024, NBK exceeded this target with a 28.3 percent reduction in operational emissions. A comprehensive framework NBK's commitment to sustainability is further reinforced by the implementation of a comprehensive Environmental and Social Risk Management (ESRM) framework, which integrates ESG considerations into to the Bank's risk management practices. This framework plays a critical role in identifying and mitigating environmental and social risks not only in credit assessments but also in project financing, investment decisions, and client engagement. By embedding ESG principles into its risk management and governance processes, NBK ensures that its activities consistently align with sustainable development objectives and uphold the highest standards of responsible banking. Equity & inclusion On the social and governance fronts, NBK has made significant strides in fostering an inclusive and equitable corporate culture. Through the publication of its Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) Statement, NBK reaffirmed its pledge to build a diverse workforce and promote inclusive leadership. NBK continues to lead in championing women's empowerment through targeted leadership programs, most notably NBK RISE, a dedicated initiative designed to support the advancement of women in leadership roles. Moreover, the Bank continues to reinforce its commitment through mentorship opportunities, and inclusive workplace polices, solidifying its position as a regional model for the best-in-class organizational practices. By embedding ESG principles into the heart of its corporate strategy, NBK continues to enhance its resilience, elevate risk management, and unlock new opportunities for sustainable growth. The Bank's progress reflects not just adherence to global standards, but a proactive drive to lead the financial sector's transition toward a more sustainable and inclusive future. Looking ahead, NBK remains committed to advancing its ESG performance through innovation, transparency, and stakeholder engagement. It will continue to invest in sustainable solutions, adopt evolving international frameworks, and champion environmental and social progress across the region. With strong governance foundations, measurable impact, and a forward-looking approach, NBK is not only setting new benchmarks in sustainable finance but also shaping the regional ESG landscape for generations to come. •NBK's sustainability vision extends beyond its internal ecosystem to encompass the broader communities across the markets it serves •The latest ESG ratings underscore the Bank's expanding regional influence in advancing sustainable finance and reinforcing sustainability risk management practices •These recognitions serve as a global endorsement of NBK's significant strides in embedding ESG principles within its corporate culture and day-to-day operations •MSCI upgraded the Bank's rating from 'BBB' to 'A' •Morningstar Sustainalytics revised its risk assessment of NBK from 'Medium' to 'Low Risk'
