Shaikha Al-Bahar only Kuwaiti on Fortune's 100 powerful businesswomen in 2025 list
KUWAIT: Shaikha Al-Bahar, Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer of National Bank of Kuwait (NBK), has been recognized as Kuwait's most influential businesswoman and the sole Kuwaiti featured in Fortune Magazine's prestigious 2025 list of the 100 Most Powerful Women in Business.
Al-Bahar stands as the second-highest ranked executive from the Middle East region on this coveted list. The list, compiled by Fortune editors, is based on company size and health of the business, as well as an executive's career trajectory, influence, innovation and efforts to make business better. More than 50 women currently lead Fortune 500 companies, yet only 20 made this year's list — a testament to how increasingly competitive the ranking has become.
Featured in the 2025 ranking are some of the most influential figures in global business, including Mary Barra, Chair and CEO of General Motors; Julie Sweet, Chair and CEO of Accenture; Jane Fraser, CEO of Citigroup; Lisa Su, Chair and CEO of AMD; and Ana Botín, Executive Chairman of Banco Santander.
In her role at NBK, Al-Bahar continues to play a pivotal part in driving the bank's sustained growth and transformation. Her leadership spans critical initiatives including digital innovation, sustainability strategies, and policy development to extend NBK's regional footprint. She has been instrumental in advancing sustainable finance efforts aligned with the global transition towards a low-carbon economy and climate risk mitigation.
Driven by her strategic vision, NBK reinforced its position as Kuwait's largest bank and a regional powerhouse with top-tier credit ratings. Building on this momentum, she spearheaded the Group's digital transformation, notably launching 'Weyay,' Kuwait's first fully digital bank tailored to redefine financial engagement for younger generations. Al-Bahar was also a key architect behind NBK's Sustainable Financing Framework, embedding global ESG standards into the bank's operations.
Beyond business, Al-Bahar is a strong advocate for social impact. She launched NBK RISE, a transformative initiative aimed at empowering women in leadership roles and led the 'Bankee' Financial Literacy Program in partnership with the Ministry of Education and the Public Authority for Anti-Corruption 'Nazaha.' In the 2024–2025 academic year alone, the program reached more than 32,000 students and 7,200 teachers, marking a significant step forward in advancing financial literacy among Kuwait's youth.
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Kuwait Times
2 hours ago
- Kuwait Times
NBK achieves top-tier ESG ratings across MENA region
Prestigious recognition from leading global agencies KUWAIT: In recognition of its leadership in advancing sustainability and corporate responsibility across the MENA region, National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) has earned high distinctions from leading global ESG rating agencies, underscoring the Bank's unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility, social impact, and robust governance. In its latest assessment, Morningstar Sustainalytics improved NBK's ESG Risk Rating from 27.4 (medium risk) to an impressive 19.4 (low risk), reflecting the Bank's enhanced ability to manage material ESG risks. Concurrently, MSCI upgraded NBK's ESG rating from 'BBB' to 'A'—a notable leap that places the Bank firmly among the top five regional banks in ESG ratings. ESG rating agencies, such as Morningstar Sustainalytics and MSCI, play a critical role in evaluating how institutions manage sustainability-related risks and opportunities. 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'
Kuwait Times
2 hours ago
- Kuwait Times
Boursa Kuwait sees a 61.12% surge in its net profit for the first half of 2025
Total operating revenues came in at KD 24.20 million, while net profit totaled KD 15.11 million in the first half of 2025 KUWAIT: In a meeting of its Board of Directors on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, Boursa Kuwait announced that it recorded a net profit of KD 15.11 million for the first half of 2025, a 61.12% increase from its total for the corresponding period in 2024, when the company recorded profits of KD 9.38 million. The company's remarkable improvement in net profit was largely driven by strong growth in total operating revenues, which reached KD 24.20 million in the first half of 2025, representing a 41.13% increase from the KD 17.15 million recorded in the same period in 2024. Operating profit also saw a significant boost, rising 59.53% from KD 11.58 million to KD 18.47 million, while earnings per share increased 61.12% from 46.71 fils in the first half of 2024 to 75.27 fils for the period ended June 30, 2025. The Group's total assets came in at KD 123.87 million as of June 30, 2025, which is a 9.26% increase over its KD 113.37 million total in 2024, while shareholders' equity attributable to equity holders of the parent company increased from KD 58.75 million as of June 30, 2024, to KD 66.20 million as of June 30, 2025, an increase of 12.68%. Boursa Kuwait's financial results for the first half of 2025 serve as a clear indicator of the company's strong financial position and the effectiveness of its operational strategies. Boursa Kuwait Chairman Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi 'These results reaffirm Boursa Kuwait's capacity to navigate the complex geopolitical and economic challenges experienced worldwide while maintaining sustainable growth supported by revenue diversification and enhanced liquidity levels, which strengthens confidence in the exchange's operational efficiency and long-term resilience,' said Boursa Kuwait Chairman Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi. 'This growth marks a significant milestone in our journey, giving us greater momentum to advance our development plans to modernize market infrastructure, diversify investment instruments and strengthen its appeal to both local and international investors. It also reinforces Boursa Kuwait's position as a key driver of economic growth and a major contributor to the state's vision of becoming a competitive financial and investment hub in the region, capable of attracting strategic and long-term capital from around the world,' he added. To pave the way for Part Two of Phase Three of the Market Development Program, the Kuwaiti capital market apparatus has undertaken major enhancements to restructure its regulatory and operational infrastructure. Officially rolled out earlier this month, the phase reflects the close collaboration between Boursa Kuwait, the Capital Markets Authority, the Central Bank of Kuwait, Kuwait Clearing Company, local banks and investment and brokerage firms as well as their collective efforts to advance the development and sustainability of the Kuwaiti capital market and the national economy. Al-Kharafi stressed that this achievement is the direct result of seamless collaboration across the capital market apparatus and a shared determination to create tangible value for investors, stating that Boursa Kuwait remains committed to accelerating growth and delivering transformative milestones that secure the long-term sustainability of the national economy, working closely with all stakeholders in the Kuwaiti capital market apparatus. 'This breakthrough underscores the private sector's agility and effectiveness in advancing development and forging impactful partnerships with the public sector, further cementing Kuwait's position as a confident and rising regional financial hub,' he said. The Boursa Kuwait Chairman concluded his statement, saying: 'On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to express my gratitude to our shareholders for their continued trust in the company and to executive management and employees for their unwavering dedication and commitment to excellence. I would also like to thank the Capital Markets Authority and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry for their ongoing support and collaboration, which have contributed to strengthening market stability and raising its standards. 'My appreciation also goes to the investors, traders and market participants for their sustained confidence in Boursa Kuwait, reaffirming our commitment to deliver a superlative investment experience and working closely with the capital market apparatus to deliver greater milestones in the future,' he said. The Kuwaiti capital market continued its upward trajectory in the first half of 2025, with traded value soaring by 90.39% from KD 6.63 billion in the first half of 2024 to KD 12.63 billion in the corresponding period in 2025, while traded volume rose by 82.95% from 27.03 billion shares to 49.45 billion shares. Meanwhile, average daily traded value increased by 95.31% from KD 55.73 million during the period ended June 30, 2024, to KD 108.85 million in the period ended June 30, 2025. Additionally, market capitalization reached KD 50.53 billion, marking a 23.20% increase from the total of KD 41.02 billion recorded during the first half of 2024. The 'Premier' Market was a key driver of market activity, with value traded increasing 47.09% from its total of KD 4.99 billion in the first half of 2024 to KD 7.34 billion in the first half of 2025, with approximately 20.21 billion shares traded in the first half of 2025, an increase of 40.98% over the 14.34 billion shares traded in the period ended June 30, 2024. Meanwhile, the market capitalization in Boursa Kuwait's flagship market increased by 24.45% from KD 33.97 billion to KD 42.27 billion in the period ended June 30, 2025. The 'Main' Market also played a significant role in enhancing overall market liquidity, as traded value increased by 221.36% from KD 1.65 billion to KD 5.29 billion in the first half of 2025, while trading volume increased from 12.69 billion shares in the first half of 2024 to 28.60 billion shares in the first half of 2025, an increase of 125.38%. Market capitalization, meanwhile, rose by 17.20% from KD 7.05 billion in the period ended June 30, 2024, to KD 8.27 billion in the period ended June 30, 2025. Boursa Kuwait's Chief Executive Officer Mohammad Saud Al-Osaimi Boursa Kuwait's Chief Executive Officer Mohammad Saud Al-Osaimi praised the Kuwaiti capital market's performance during the first half of 2025, emphasizing that these results are an indication of the positive response to the operational and regulatory enhancements in the Kuwaiti capital market, noting Boursa Kuwait's commitment to developing a balanced and efficient investment environment that serves investors of all asset classes. 'These positive indicators showcase the robustness of the Kuwaiti capital market's regulatory framework and our continued efforts to enhance infrastructure, diversify products and elevate the investor experience, further strengthening Boursa Kuwait's position as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth that meets the standards of investors across all segments,' he added. 'The segmentation of the market plays a pivotal role in structuring trading activities to meet liquidity needs and accommodate a diverse investor base. The 'Premier' Market has maintained stable trading values, while the 'Main' Market has shown remarkable activity, reflecting heightened interest and interaction with the investment opportunities it offers,' he said. As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen the Kuwaiti capital market's global presence, Boursa Kuwait organized a series of roadshows and corporate days targeting the international investment community in collaboration with Kuwait Clearing Company. These included a virtual roadshow for asset managers in Asia in collaboration with HSBC, as well as an in-person roadshow in London in collaboration with Jefferies Financial Group. The events showcased Boursa Kuwait's journey since privatization and highlighted the key developments and investment opportunities within the Kuwaiti capital market. Additionally, Boursa Kuwait participated in the fourth GCC Exchanges Conference, organized by HSBC in London, coinciding with its 15th Corporate Day, which featured eight companies listed on the 'Premier' Market. Al-Osaimi noted that Boursa Kuwait continues to attract investors through its series of Corporate Days and Roadshows held in major financial capitals, reflecting the State of Kuwait's vision to emerge as a premier financial and investment hub in the region. He added, 'Through active engagement with world-renowned investment banks, sovereign wealth funds, pension funds and asset management firms, the exchange has cultivated a robust investor base as institutional investors accounted for 65.08% of total participants, a testament to the Kuwaiti capital market's growing stability, enhanced liquidity, and increasing appeal to both local and international investors.' The Boursa Kuwait CEO concluded his remarks by thanking the Capital Markets Authority, Kuwait Clearing Company and market participants for their continued trust in Boursa Kuwait and its role as a vital contributor to the country's economic development and reaffirmed the company's commitment to expanding its range of products, enhancing market efficiency and accessibility, focusing on strong governance and transparency to further strengthen investor confidence. Since its inception, Boursa Kuwait has worked diligently to create a thriving capital market that attracts local and foreign investors through a broad spectrum of new products and services, infrastructure upgrades, and market reform initiatives, as part of its multi-phase market development plans. The company was fully privatized in 2019, the first government entity in the country to successfully undergo the process, bringing about greater levels of efficiency. Boursa Kuwait also self-listed in September 2020 and has made great strides in sustaining its operations and business continuity in the face of uncertainties and challenges. The company has rolled out numerous market reforms and new initiatives as part of its comprehensive multi-phase market development (MD) plans and showcases some of the standout listed companies and the investment opportunities that reside in the Kuwaiti capital market through its series of Roadshows and Corporate Days, putting these companies in touch with some of the world's leading investment firms and financial institutions and highlighting their financial health and business strategies and outlooks, to help investors gain an in-depth understanding of the benefits and opportunities of investing in Kuwaiti companies. Financial results for the first half of 2025
Arab Times
3 hours ago
- Arab Times
Kuwait-Benin ties 5 decades strong
KUWAIT CITY, July 30: Deputy Assistant Foreign Minister for African Affairs Ambassador Nayef Al-Mudhaf said the relationship between Kuwait and Benin spans more than 50 years, characterized by strong ties and fruitful cooperation in many areas. In a statement to the press when he attended the recent celebration of the 65th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Benin, Al-Mudhaf disclosed that the two countries signed 11 agreements, including the skilled labor agreement; in addition to the existence of a joint committee, ongoing political consultations, and other agreements that support the frameworks of bilateral cooperation. Al-Mudhaf disclosed that the Republic of Benin opened its embassy in Kuwait in 2009, while Kuwait opened its embassy in Cotonou in 2012, a manifestation of the strength of bilateral relations. He confirmed that coordination is underway to arrange the visit of the Benin Foreign Affairs Minister to the State of Kuwait, which will be announced in due course. Regarding the domestic worker agreement, Al-Mudhaf explained that it is still under negotiation between the two sides, hoping that an agreement will be reached soon. He added that the number of Benin citizens in Kuwait exceeds 10,000, and most of them are domestic workers. He pointed out that Kuwait, through the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), has so far provided 14 development loans to the Republic of Benin, a total of around KD42 million. He asserted this reflects the depth of the development partnership between the two countries. On the other hand, Ambassador of the Republic of Benin to Kuwait Prof. Baderou Dine Aguemon pointed out that the 65th anniversary of his country's independence is a glorious national occasion to celebrate not only freedom and sovereignty, but also the collective commitment of Benin to move toward a more prosperous, peaceful, and internationally cooperative future. He emphasized that the new Republic of Benin is open and ambitious, ready to forge fruitful strategic partnerships with sisterly and friendly countries, especially Kuwait. He said the Beninese Embassy in Kuwait is ready to serve the community and provide the necessary support to anyone wishing to learn about the opportunities available in his country, urging everyone to contact the embassy whenever necessary. He also expressed his gratitude and appreciation to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled for their support and commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. He appreciated the warm welcome and the joint efforts to develop cooperation between Benin and Kuwait. He added that cooperation between the State of Kuwait and the Republic of Benin is a model worthy of emulation in terms of relations between the Arab world and sub-Saharan Africa, stressing that the future holds broad prospects for a constructive partnership that serves the aspirations of the two friendly peoples.
