Kuwait Finance House (KFH) Group secured five prestigious awards for 2025 from EMEA Finance at the 8th Middle East Banking Awards. The accolades include: Best bank in Kuwait, Best Islamic bank in Kuwait, Best bank for SMEs in the Middle East, Best SME product in the Middle East (Zaheb), and Best Islamic bank in Bahrain.

This recognition underscores KFH’s excellence and regional leadership, reflecting its commitment to delivering world-class innovation. Furthermore, it highlights KFH’s dedicated support for the SME sector, a commitment driven by the sector's vital role in maintaining economic stability, fostering national development, and empowering the entrepreneurial spirit of our community.

Best Bank Award

The "Best Islamic Bank in Kuwait" award reflects KFH’s pioneering financial solutions and its commitment to the highest professional standards, which continue to transform the Islamic finance industry. It also highlights the bank's excellence in launching diverse initiatives that establish KFH as a global benchmark for Islamic banking.

KFH’s record profits and leading financial indicators, coupled with its commitment to innovation, digital transformation, and social responsibility, underscore the bank's sustained trajectory of success. These awards further validate KFH’s dedication to its core values as it continues to solidify its position as a premier global Islamic financial institution.

Best bank for SMEs

KFH Group Chief Corporate Banking Officer, Yousef Almutawa said that being named "Best Bank for SMEs" and "Best SME Product" in the Middle East reflects KFH’s excellence in supporting Kuwait’s SME sector. By offering integrated financing solutions, such as Murabaha, Ijara, and Tawarruq, alongside advanced digital services, KFH remains a pioneer in the industry. As the first bank to establish a specialized SME department, KFH continues to empower businesses through financial advisory and training, driving both sustainability and digital transformation to strengthen the local economy.

He revealed that KFH`s eCorp platform for corporate customers has witnessed a remarkable increase in usage following the launch of its upgraded e-services and mobile app. The platform provides an exceptional banking experience tailored specifically for the corporate sector." KFH has introduced a new suite of digital services designed to enhance user flexibility. These include full-authority individual accounts, electronic update of data, and "Zaheb" payment service. Additionally, users can now issue QR-verified IBAN certificates, access details of existing credit facilities, request new credit facilities, view transaction details, request new transactions, and process outstanding payments," Almutawa explained.

He added that the newly updated platform offers a wide array of services, ranging from salary transfers and chequebook requests to viewing account statements, tracking interbank transfers, and managing user permissions within a multi-registration system. Furthermore, the platform offers a comprehensive suite of services, including standing order management, monthly statement subscriptions, and automated coverage services. Users can also issue balance verification certificates, reactivate dormant accounts, and execute transfers at direct rates (360T). Additionally, the platform supports clearing company distribution subscriptions, the opening of new investment accounts and deposits, and the issuance of remittances, letters of credit, and guarantees. Other features include drawdowns from existing credit facilities, "Zaheb" payments, all types of transfers, beneficiary management (local and international), lost card reporting, and IBAN sharing.

He added that KFH plays a major role and provides SMEs with a range of services. These include cash financing, various types of letters of credit and letters of guarantee, advanced digital support, offering corporate customers with POS services, dedicated mobile app that facilitate the management of the businesses’ accounts including, payroll transfer, view performance reports. “KFH also supports training and sustainability. In this regard, the Bank launched the Growing Sustainably Training Program in cooperation with the UNDP to support sustainable business practices. In addition, KFH’s role goes beyond financing businesses, its efforts extend to strategic partnerships, advisory and the exchange of expertise to promote the growth of businesses.”

Speaking at the awards ceremony in Dubai, Deputy General Manager Global Markets Trading and Investments at KFH, Khalid AlRukhayes stated: "We are delighted to receive these five prestigious awards from EMEA Finance. This recognition underscores KFH’s leadership and our steadfast commitment to delivering innovative financial solutions that meet customer expectations while adhering to the highest international standards."

He added: “These awards also reflect outstanding achievements in delivering services, products, and initiatives that create tangible value for the Group’s communities, including SMEs. Combined with high-quality operations and a diverse customer base, KFH has successfully consolidated its position as a trusted partner to both its customers and the wider community."

The EMEA Finance Middle East Banking Awards celebrate the region's most outstanding achievements in financial services. Now in its 18th edition, the program continues to draw participation from the Middle East’s most prestigious financial institutions.

As some of the most esteemed honors in the regional banking industry, the EMEA Finance Awards recognize institutions that demonstrate exceptional financial performance, service quality, and industry leadership. In selecting winners, the prestigious financial group evaluates key metrics including market share, product growth, and profitability, alongside the strength of a bank’s business strategy, industry contributions, issuance market presence, and innovation in products and services.