Kuwait Finance House (KFH) has won the "World`s Best Private Bank for Islamic Services" award for 2026 from the Private Banker International Global Wealth Awards organized by MEED. Both Private Banker International and MEED are under the same parent company GlobalData.

The recognition reinforces KFH's leading position in private banking and wealth management and reflects its success in providing Sharia-compliant banking and investment solutions that meet the highest international standards. It also highlights the Bank's ability to serve the needs of high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients through its international network.

KFH received the award following a rigorous evaluation by an independent judging panel. The criteria focused primarily on the successful delivery of a comprehensive range of Sharia-compliant banking and investment solutions; the Bank's extensive presence across Middle Eastern, Asian and European markets; and its relationship-driven approach, built on long-term client partnerships and supported by specialized banking expertise, innovative digital solutions and a distinctive banking experience tailored to clients' diverse aspirations and needs.

KFH General Manager Private Banking, Wealth Management and Individual Financing Kuwait, Hamad Mohammed Alghannam, said the award reflects KFH's strong global standing and the success of its strategy to be a premier provider of Sharia-compliant private banking and wealth management services. He noted that the Bank remains committed to continuously enhancing its services and investment solutions to help preserve and grow clients' wealth while supporting them in achieving their long-term financial goals.

“Keeping pace with economic and investment developments and delivering greater value to clients, KFH provides a comprehensive suite of private banking and wealth management services. These include regional and global investment portfolio management, international equity funds and real estate, Ijara and trade finance solutions, treasury and investment services, as well as a wide range of investment opportunities and solutions across local and global markets,” Alghannam added.

He emphasized that the achievement will further drive KFH to innovate and develop financial and investment solutions that respond to customers' aspirations and capitalize on promising opportunities in regional and global markets. He noted that the award adds to KFH's track record of international recognition, reflecting its leadership in Islamic banking and its excellence in delivering investment and banking services to the highest standards of professionalism and quality. This is further supported by the Bank's advanced technology infrastructure and extensive industry expertise.

Evaluation and Criteria

The Private Banker International Global Wealth Awards are assessed by an independent panel of senior industry experts. All entries are scored independently by each panel member. Scores are aggregated and discussed in a final panel moderation session. Where entries are particularly close, a second review is conducted and winners are confirmed by the panel chair.

For the Best Private Bank for Islamic Services category globally, the evaluation criteria focus on an institution's ability to provide an integrated and reliable wealth management ecosystem that complies with the principles of Islamic Sharia. The assessment covers investment and financing solutions, the quality of client services, the breadth of Islamic products, the effectiveness of the Sharia governance framework, the qualifications of the Sharia board, the effectiveness of fatwa issuance and Sharia supervision procedures, compliance with relevant regulatory requirements, and the institution's success in serving a clearly defined and growing client base seeking Sharia-compliant financial solutions.

Private Banker International Awards

Now in their 36th year, the Private Banker International awards are among the leading global accolades in the wealth management and private banking sector. The awards bring together private banks, independent wealth managers, family offices and asset management firms from around the world to recognize institutions and individuals that set benchmarks for excellence in client service, investment performance and strategic innovation.

Private Banker International is a specialized media platform and brand focused on wealth management and private banking. It operates under GlobalData, a global parent company.