Kuwait Finance House (KFH) launched the Sustainable Business Program for SMEs to help small and medium-sized enterprises achieve their goals and promote sustainable growth. This initiative aligns with the bank’s vision of strengthening its partnerships with SME clients.

Speaking at the program’s opening, KFH Group Chief Corporate Banking Officer, Yousef Almutawa, said: “Thanks to our diverse financing solutions and strong relationships with leading local and international banks, KFH has been at the forefront of corporate and major project financing both locally and regionally. Its diversified financing portfolio covers vital sectors such as energy, water, power, infrastructure, and construction."

He added that KFH has played a key role in supporting and financing SMEs, successfully meeting the needs of this segment through integrated, modern and efficient channels.

“At KFH, we dedicate significant attention to SMEs, viewing them as essential partners in our success. We believe they are a cornerstone of sustainable economic growth and a vital source of innovation, creativity, and new jobs,” remarked Almutawa.

He mentioned that KFH has maintained its position as the largest listed company on Boursa Kuwait, the most profitable bank in the local banking sector and the Kuwaiti market, with the highest operating profits. The Bank also ranked first as the best-performing bank in Kuwait, according to The Banker magazine's 2025 ranking of the top 1,000 global banks.

Almutawa highlighted that with a global presence spanning 10 countries and over 650 branches, KFH Group's strong position reinforces its commitment to SMEs and financing economic development projects that support Kuwait's growth.

He pointed out that KFH’s endeavors in supporting SMEs have earned global recognition. KFH was awarded the Best SME Bank in Kuwait and Kuwait’s Best Bank for Sustainable Finance by Global Finance Magazine.

KFH Acting Deputy General Manager SMEs - Zein AlAbdeen Itani

Meanwhile, KFH Acting Deputy General Manager SMEs, Zein AlAbdeen Itani, affirmed that the Sustainable Business Program reflects KFH’s pioneering role in advancing the growth and development of the SME sector in Kuwait.

He explained that KFH has a long history of supporting SMEs in Kuwait, helping many of them get their start. He emphasized that the bank remains committed to this role, with the goal of creating more inspiring success stories that foster entrepreneurship and provide hope for ambitious young entrepreneurs.

Itani also noted that KFH is the first institution in Kuwait to establish a dedicated department for financing SMEs. “Capitalizing on its extensive expertise in the Islamic finance, KFH offers an integrated suite of Sharia-compliant banking and financing solutions that cater to SMEs aspirations. These include cash financing services such as Murabaha, Tawarruq and Ijara and non-cash finance, such as various types of letters of credit and letters of guarantee.”

He went on to say that KFH offers other services to SMEs such as Point of Sales, e-banking services that facilitate the management of the businesses’ accounts including balance inquiry, bank transfers, payroll transfer, view PoS reports and other various online services.

Itani also said that KFH takes pride in its strong position in the banking sector, serving as a partner and advisor to SMEs. KFH supports the development of its clients through a variety of efforts, including exchanging expertise, offering financing solutions, and coordinating with clients.

KFH Executive Manager Governance and Sustainability - Mohammad Alarbeed

In his speech during the program launch, Executive Manager Governance and Sustainability at KFH, Mohammad Alarbeed said: “It pleases me to welcome our esteemed guests, our partners in success in the Sustainable Business Program for SMEs. This program is organized in recognition of the vital role of sustainability in businesses and the strategic importance of SMEs as key pillars of the national economy.”

He emphasized the significance of sustainability, stressing that it has become a valuable approach that directly contributes to the success of SMEs and major financial institutions. “Sustainability promotes credibility, readiness, competitiveness and performance quality, leading to positive assessment,” added Alarbeed.

Alarbeed explained that KFH seeks to empower clients and partners to adopt practical sustainability practices that strengthen their capabilities and drive long-term growth. The program aims to equip SMEs with clear strategies to achieve their objectives while providing guidance on measuring and managing impact within daily operations.

He added: “KFH has always believed that the success of its clients is part of the Bank’s success. Through this program, we share our expertise and experience in attaining Kuwait Vision 2035 and the Sustainable Development Goals. The program has been fully designed in-house to reflect KFH’s sustainability experience and to transfer that knowledge directly to our clients.”

Alarbeed emphasized some key topics of the 3-week program, which holds sessions three days a week. He explained that the program will delve into the concepts of sustainability, the pillars of ESG, and its main principles, essential practices, and practical applications. The program also includes a dedicated session on sustainable procurement, which outlines the requirements for corporations to become accredited suppliers at KFH, opening up new opportunities for collaboration and growth.

He highlighted the program's main advantages, including a thorough, hands-on guide to ESG practices and private consultations with a sustainability expert. The program also provides ongoing support. After it concludes, clients can request additional consultations with their assigned expert. Moreover, participants who successfully implement the guidelines are eligible for an external certification that confirms their dedication to sustainability.