NBK's Shaikha Al-Bahar only Kuwaiti on Fortune's 100 list
In 1977, Al-Bahar joined NBK, where she proved her leadership capabilities as she rose through the ranks over the years. At present, she is the only woman in the executive management team of the bank. She currently heads NBK-France and Egypt; in addition to her post as board member of NBK (International) -- the subsidiary of the bank in the United Kingdom. Al-Bahar was the brain behind the launching of NBK RISE, a program that aims to empower women leaders and train them within nine months to assume leadership posts.
NBK is one of the largest financial institutions in Kuwait and one of the leading banks in the region. The total value of its assets as at the end of March reached more than $135 billion. Group CEO of First Abu Dhabi Bank in the United Arab Emirates Hana Al-Rostamani joins Al-Bahar as the only two women from the Gulf on the list, ranking 76th and 92nd respectively. The Fortune editors compiled the list based on company size and health; in addition to an executive's career path, influence, innovation, and efforts to make business better.
The 2025 list includes 52 women from the United States of America and 48 from other countries as follows: eight from China; seven each from France and the United Kingdom; three each from Germany, Singapore and Brazil; two each from Australia, Hong Kong, Japan and Spain; and one each from Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. Chief Operator at Costco and merchant Claudine Adamo, who ranked 43rd, is one of 16 newcomers. She helped millions of Americans navigate inflation by keeping prices low on essentials, and the next-gen execs such as ByteDance CFO Julie Gao (81st), who steered the finances of the TikTok owner through its tangles with the US government.
Following are the top 10 Most Powerful Women in Business in 2025:
1. Mary Barra, Chair and CEO, GM (U.S.)
2. Julie Sweet, Chair and CEO, Accenture (U.S.)
3. Jane Fraser, CEO, Citigroup (U.S.)
4. Lisa Su, Chair and CEO, AMD (U.S.)
5. Ana Botín, Executive Chairman, Banco Santander (Spain)
6. Tan Su Shan, Deputy CEO and Group Head of Institutional Banking, DBS Group (Singapore)
7. Thasunda Brown Duckett, President and CEO, TIAA (U.S.)
8. Marta Ortega, Chairperson, Inditex (Spain)
9. Abigail Johnson, Chairman and CEO, Fidelity Investments (U.S.)
10. Meng Wanzhou, Deputy Chairwoman, Rotating Chairwoman, and CFO, Huawei (China)
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Arab Times
4 minutes ago
- Arab Times
KFH Reports Net Profit Attributable to the Shareholders of the Bank of KD 342.1 Million for H1 2025
KUWAIT CITY, Jul 29: Chairman of Kuwait Finance House (KFH) Hamad Abdulmohsen Al-Marzouq announced that KFH achieved a net profit of KD 342.1 million for the first half of 2025 for the Bank shareholders. Earnings per share for the first half of 2025 reached 19.23 fils. Net financing income for the first half of the year reached KD 607.3 million; an increase of 8.7 % compared to the same period last year. Total operating income for the first half of 2025 increased, supported by the increase in all core activities to reach KD 876 million; an increase of 6.4 % compared to the same period last year. This growth is particularly notable given that the comparative income for 2024 included profits of KD 70.1 million from the sale of KFH-Bahrain during Q2 2024. Net operating income for the first half of the year reached KD 566.7 million; an increase of 7.9 % compared to the same period last year. The cost-to-income ratio for H1-25 improved to 35.3% compared to 36.2% for the same period last year. Financing receivables at the end of the first half of 2025 reached KD 20.4 billion, an increase of 7.1 % compared to the end of last year. Total assets at the end of the first half of 2025 amounted to KD 38.5 billion, an increase of 4.9% compared to the end of last year. Shareholders' equity for the same period amounted to about KD 5.6 billion, an increase of 0.8% compared to the end of last year. Depositors' accounts for the first half of 2025 amounted to KD 19.7 billion, an increase of 2.7% compared to the end of last year. In addition, the capital adequacy ratio reached 18.01 % which is above the limit required by regulators. This ratio confirms the solid capital base of KFH. The Board of Directors has agreed to distribute a semi-annual cash dividend of 10 fils per share. Outstanding performance In a press release, Al-Marzouq said that KFH continues to lead the banking sector and the Kuwaiti market in profitability. This remarkable achievement comes despite the challenging operating environment and geopolitical shifts in the region, which have brought uncertainty to the economic landscape. He emphasized that KFH's success stems from precisely implemented plans that ensure sustainable profits and maintain KFH's solid financial position and robust performance. Al-Marzouq also highlighted the strength of KFH's financial statements for the first half of this year, which showcase a strong capital base, good liquidity ratios, and exceptional operational performance. These factors have collectively driven sustainable growth across all key financial indicators. Operational efficiency Al-Marzouq emphasized that KFH continues to boost its operational efficiency, increase revenues, and optimally use its capabilities in line with global standards. This approach will improve asset quality, enhance risk management, and help the bank rationalize expenses, especially as it navigates the current global financial landscape and the competitive financial services industry. Coordination and integration He added that KFH is working to achieve great ambitions by maximizing the effectiveness of the Group's banks and fostering seamless coordination and integration among. This approach guarantees increased revenues and improved performance, while also leveraging the unique potential and advantages of each market. New chapter Al-Mazrouq said that KFH successfully launched the new visual identity for Ahli United Bank - Bahrain, rebranding it as Kuwait Finance House – Bahrain. This move complements a series of achievements realized under the new brand slogan, "Beyond Horizons". He explained that this series began in Kuwait, subsequently extending to the United Kingdom and the Arab Republic of Egypt. "This initiative is part of KFH's strategy for expansion and global leadership as an Islamic banking group." He emphasized that the new brand launch reflects a shift in vision and concept, marking the beginning of a new chapter of integration and excellence in banking services. Financing and Development Al-Marzouq highlighted KFH's continued dedication and ability to fund large-scale projects in all sectors, including production, service, commercial, and development. By offering a diverse range of financing services and solutions, KFH actively supports the government's comprehensive development plans. He highlighted the bank's strengths, which position it as one of the most trusted and preferred institutions for corporate financing. KFH also enjoys a substantial market share in financing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within Kuwait's banking sector. Furthermore, the bank is keen to fund numerous large-scale projects, utilizing flexible and efficient Sharia-compliant financing structures. This has established KFH as the preferred partner and lead arranger for many major joint financing deals. Training and promotion Al-Marzouq said that KFH is steadfast in its commitment to nurturing national talent and developing future leaders. Through ongoing training and development programs, partnered with local institutions, universities, and international centers, the bank aims for peak operational efficiency and productivity. This dedication recently saw several national employees advance to senior leadership roles across various departments. CSR & Sustainability Al-Marzouq noted that KFH's social impact grew significantly last year, thanks to its involvement in many key strategic social initiatives. 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Additionally, KFH has been included in the FTSE4Good Index Series for its exemplary performance in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. Sound financial indicators Meanwhile, KFH Group CEO, Khaled Yousef Al-Shamlan, said that the bank's H1 2025 profits confirms its robust operational performance and leading position in the Kuwaiti banking sector. He noted that the financial performance for this period reflects prudent strategies and effective policies that consistently yield sustainable profits, solid financial position, asset quality, and good indicators for operating income, cost to income ratios as well as liquidity ratios, and capital adequacy. Global leadership AlShamlan said that "KFH ranked first as the best-performing bank in Kuwait, according to The Banker magazine's 2025 ranking of the top 1,000 global banks. KFH has maintained its position as Kuwait's largest listed company, in Forbes' Global 2000 list for the largest public companies in the world, reinforcing its standing using four metrics, revenues, profits, assets and market value." He pointed out that KFH has won numerous international awards, including "The Middle East's Best Islamic Bank" and "Kuwait's Best Bank" from Euromoney. KFH was also named "Best Bank for Financial Institutions in the Middle East for 2025" by Global Finance, in recognition of its excellence and distinction in banking. Growing market share AlShamlan emphasized KFH's ongoing drive to boost market share by offering competitive products, services, and cutting-edge financing solutions, such as Financing Against Gold Account Collateral. He also highlighted the continuous effort to strengthen KFH's presence in international markets, improve coordination among the Group's banks, and enhance customer service through the KFH Group Service Center. 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Arab Times
4 minutes ago
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Boursa Kuwait sees a 61.12% surge in its net profit for the first half of 2025
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'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. 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'This breakthroughunderscores 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 continuedits 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 2024to 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 KD55.73 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 a23.20% increase from thetotal 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 by24.45% 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 of125.38%. 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 Mr. Mohammad Saud Al-Osaimipraised the Kuwaiti capital market's performance during the first half of 2025,emphasizing that these resultsare 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 engagementwith 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.
Arab Times
7 hours ago
- Arab Times
Kuwait government launches full review of public projects and contracts
KUWAIT CITY, July 29: In a move to enhance transparency, efficiency, and oversight, the Kuwaiti government has initiated a comprehensive inventory of all ongoing and planned projects and contracts across ministries and public institutions. The initiative aims to closely monitor implementation mechanisms and evaluate the progress of infrastructure and service-related developments. According to informed sources, all government ministries and relevant entities have been instructed to promptly prepare detailed lists of active construction projects — ranging from administrative buildings to public service facilities — as well as their associated contracts. Ministries are also required to submit the latest monthly progress reports for these projects. The directive, described as a key regulatory and oversight measure, includes the preparation of a full register of existing maintenance contracts across all ministries and institutions. Sources noted that this initiative is designed to establish a centralized, accurate database that will support informed decision-making, help assess execution quality, and detect any implementation shortcomings or project delays. In addition to active projects, the government has also asked for comprehensive documentation of upcoming construction projects that ministries and government bodies intend to carry out. These should include proposed timelines and implementation frameworks. Officials stated that the broader goal is to promote inter-agency coordination in order to eliminate duplication, prevent overlapping responsibilities, and ensure effective planning and resource allocation. The review marks a significant step toward bolstering accountability and strategic planning across Kuwait's public sector infrastructure and service initiatives.
