Kuwait Finance House (KFH) Deputy Group CEO Technology and Operations, Haytham Alterkait, said digital transformation has evolved beyond delivering services through applications and digital platforms to become a core pillar of modern institutions. He noted that it accelerates transactions, boosts productivity, and improves business efficiency, adding that the future of investment and economic growth is closely linked to technological advancements and investment in innovation.

Speaking at the 5th edition of the MoneyTech 2026 summit organized by Al-Jarida, Alterkait stated that the agenda addresses key issues, particularly “Investing in Times of Uncertainty”, a topic that is currently relevant to economies and financial markets. He noted that the challenge extends beyond navigating market volatility to sustaining investment flows, supporting productive sectors, and balancing opportunity with risk management.

Artificial Intelligence

Alterkait explained that artificial intelligence marks a new stage in the financial sector’s evolution, offering powerful tools to analyze data, improve customer experiences, automation, strengthen risk management and early detection of fraud.

He added that KFH views AI as a major driver of innovation and productivity, provided there is responsible adoption of new technology, strict adherence to data governance, and full transparency, aiming to achieve tangible improvements in business development and customer experience.

Cybersecurity

Alterkait highlighted the crucial role of cybersecurity in a rapidly expanding digital economy, noting that cybersecurity and operational resilience become even more critical as reliance on digital services grows. He added that confidence of customer and investor depends on an organization's ability to safeguard funds and data, secure transactions, and maintain uninterrupted services.

He emphasized that investing in security and operational readiness is critical to strengthening financial sector stability and navigating challenges. He noted that an institution's ability to maintain uninterrupted services reinforces market confidence, adding that true operational resilience is built long before crises hit, through reliable infrastructure and effective response and recovery capabilities.

Wealth Management and FinTech

Alterkait noted that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups are vital for economic diversification and job creation. He emphasized that these businesses thrive on partnerships combining the expertise of financial institutions with the innovation of entrepreneurs.

He added that the summit’s coverage of wealth management, FinTech, venture capital and entrepreneurship reflects the changing banking and economic landscape locally, regionally and globally.

Connecting Investment Opportunities with Financing

Alterkait said economic responsibility is central to KFH’s role in serving customers, the national economy and its markets. The Bank is committed to using its financial, operational and technological capabilities, as well as its regional and international network, to support customers, finance the real economy, and develop solutions that combine innovation, reliability and good governance.

He added that Kuwaiti financial institutions’ expansion into regional and global markets opens more opportunities to share expertise, build partnerships and match investment opportunities with suitable financing. This strengthens Kuwait’s economic presence and supports sustainable development.

Alterkait also explained the important role of Sharia-compliant financing and investment instruments, particularly sukuk, in diversifying funding sources and expanding investment options. He stressed that financial institutions’ success depends not only on financial performance, but also on the value they bring to the economy and society.

700 million e-banking transactions

Alterkait said that KFH continues to develop its digital services, upgrade its infrastructure, and streamline procedures to meet customers’ evolving expectations and banking preferences. "Customers completed more than 700 million e-banking transactions by the end of the third quarter of 2026," he noted. "This reflects shifting customer behavior and a greater reliance on digital services, highlighting how technology supports economic activity, saves time and effort, and drives efficiency in service delivery."

Human Capital

Alterkait added: “Building the future we envision requires investing not only in technology and capital, but also in people. Developing national talent and strengthening financial and technological skills underpin innovation, enabling us to harness advanced technologies and translate their benefits into enduring value.”

He stressed KFH’s commitment to nurturing national talent, enhancing professional and technical skills, and fostering a workplace that drives innovation and continuous learning.

Supporting Business Continuity

Alterkait said financial institutions do more than provide financing, they help investors and businesses make informed decisions and offer solutions that keep businesses operating and support sustainable economic growth.

He emphasized the importance of attracting regional wealth and investment, channeling it toward promising opportunities in Kuwait and the wider region. He also praised the summit's role in convening leaders from the financial, investment, and technology sectors to explore key opportunities and challenges while shaping a shared vision for the future of the national economy.

Kuwait Vision 2035

Alterkait said the summit’s national and economic significance aligns with Kuwait Vision 2035, which aims to reinforce Kuwait’s position as a financial and commercial hub while expanding the private sector’s role in development.

He noted that this vision elevates the role of financial institutions beyond traditional banking by actively mobilizing savings, financing productive ventures, supporting businesses, and bridging investors with viable economic opportunities.

Alterkait added that enhancing Kuwait’s financial standing requires an appealing business environment, clear regulations, advanced services and lasting trust in institutions and markets. He stressed that capital should flow into productive projects and activities that diversify income sources and drive economic growth, benefiting investors, society and the national economy.

Importance of the Summit

Alterkait expressed hope that the summit's discussions would enrich dialogue, foster the exchange of expertise, and yield practical visions to support the future of the financial sector and the Kuwaiti economy, particularly amid rapid economic and geopolitical shifts and the challenges they pose to markets, financing, and operating costs.

He added that these changes highlight the need for a diversified economy, more resilient financial institutions and an investment environment that attracts capital and turns challenges into opportunities for growth.

Concluding his remarks, Alterkait called for converting the summit's recommendations into active partnerships and initiatives that bring together financial institutions, investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to strengthen Kuwait’s competitiveness and economic standing. Furthermore, he expressed KFH’s pride in sustaining its strategic partnership with the event.