In a further milestone underscoring its global leadership in Islamic finance, Kuwait Finance House (KFH) Group has secured seven prestigious awards from Global Finance, as part of the 19^th annual awards for the World’s Best Islamic Financial Institutions for 2026.

The awards are:

• World’s Best Islamic Financial Institution
• World’s Best Islamic Corporate Bank
• World’s Best Islamic Bank for CSR
• World’s Best Islamic Project Finance Provider
• Best Islamic Bank in Kuwait
• Best Islamic Bank in Bahrain (KFH – Bahrain)
• Best Islamic Bank in Turkey (KFH – Turkey)

KFH Group Chief Strategy Officer, Eng. Fahad Al-Mukhaizeem, stated that the awards are the fruits of a well-defined strategy anchored on AI-driven digital transformation, group synergy, and customer centricity. He noted that this recognition provides further momentum to build on recent achievements and to strengthen the Group’s leading position in the global Islamic finance industry.

He added: “These accolades are a testament to the Group’s continuous efforts to reinforcing sustainability, governance, and accelerating digital innovation, alongside delivering strong financial performance and achieving balanced, sustainable growth across its markets.”

Al-Mukhaizeem further noted that the World’s Best Islamic Financial Institution for 2026 affirms KFH’s leadership in Islamic banking and its excellence in delivering innovative, Shariah-compliant products and services. It also reflects the Group’s success in executing its strategy for sustainable growth and its ability to navigate evolving economic conditions and operational challenges, supporting its ambition to be ranked among the top 100 banks in the world.

Commenting on the awards; Best Islamic Bank in Kuwait, Best Islamic Bank in Bahrain (awarded to KFH-Bahrain) and Best Islamic Bank in Turkey (awarded to KFH -Turkey), Al-Mukhaizeem said that these recognitions reflect the consistent outperformance and strong positioning of the Group’s units across their respective markets. This success is driven by a unified and flexible strategy, carefully adapted to the specific dynamics of each market.

He highlighted KFH’s standing as a leading global financial institution operating across a network spanning 10 countries, supported by robust financial strength and a strong competitive edge. This has led the Group to record profitability within the Kuwaiti banking sector and the wider market, in addition to leading all Kuwaiti private sector banks and companies in market capitalization, which has exceeded KD 15 billion.

Meanwhile, Group Chief Corporate Banking Officer at KFH, Yousef Almutawa, said that the world’s Best Islamic Corporate Bank underscores growing international confidence in KFH’s capabilities and its excellence in fostering long-term strategic partnerships with corporate clients. He highlighted the Bank’s ability to deliver top-tier financial solutions that enable business expansion and strengthen competitiveness across local and international markets.

Almutawa also noted that KFH continues to record outstanding performance in corporate banking, driven by strategic growth, market leadership, and innovation in Islamic finance. He shed light on the Bank’s role in leading a number of landmark deals that have reinforced its pivotal contribution to economic development.

Speaking about the “Best Islamic Project Finance Provider” award, Almutawa indicated KFH’s leadership in financing major projects, underscoring its significant contributions to supporting key strategic sectors across Kuwait and the region. He highlighted the Bank’s position as a main financing partner for projects in oil and gas, infrastructure, urban development, and services, among other vital industries.

He went on to say that KFH provides integrated corporate banking offerings, powered by digital transformation and flexible financing solutions. These services are tailored to the needs of diverse economic sectors that support sustainable development. “Through its online platform, eCorp, KFH provides an exceptional banking experience to its corporate clientele,” added Almutawa. “This platform has witnessed strong growth in user adoption, especially following the launch of the enhanced e-services and upgraded mobile application.”

He also highlighted the Bank’s role as a strategic partner in supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), many of which have been established with KFH’s corporate financing solutions.

Commenting on the “World’s Best Islamic Bank for CSR” award, KFH Head of Public Relations and Media, Yousef Abdullah Al-Ruwaieh, said that this achievement reflects the Bank’s exceptional efforts and highlights its tangible impact and leadership in corporate social responsibility across the markets in which it operates. It also represents a clear vision that positions CSR as a strategic pillar of KFH’s business model, reinforcing its standing as a leading financial institution that seamlessly integrates economic growth with sustainable social impact.

He added that winning this award at the global level reaffirms the Bank’s leadership and distinguished position in integrating CSR at the core of its operations. This is demonstrated through a wide range of social initiatives spanning community development, education and healthcare support, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, environment preservation, women’s empowerment, and the development of digital skills among children and youth in addition to voluntary activities. He added that the Bank adopts ESG practices and implements awareness and community-driven initiatives aligned with developmental goals, further cementing its position as a benchmark and pioneer in social responsibility.

Al-Ruwaieh emphasized that this recognition marks a new addition to the distinguished track record of KFH and serves as a strong motivation to further expand its community initiatives and strengthen purposeful partnerships, driving long-term, sustainable value for society.

He mentioned that KFH continues to play a leading national role in supporting social infrastructure and enhancing community well-being and quality of life through strategic initiatives and substantial investments in CSR. These long-term commitments reflect a forward-looking, sustainable approach that goes beyond the conventional concept of corporate social responsibility. Among the Bank’s most prominent strategic social initiatives are:

• The contribution of over KD 61 million to defaulting debtors
• The contribution of approximately KD 8 million for the reconstruction of the damaged area in Al Mubarakiya
• A contribution of KD 20 million to build 15 ambulance centers
• KFH also participated with a major share in the Covid19 Government Relief Fund amounting to KD 10 million
• KFH supported a sustainable development Initiative of Al Wataniya Area in Kuwait City
• Participating in the opening of the Addiction Treatment Center's tenth wing, an extension of the KFH’s original 2005 initiative to establish the center.
• Pledging USD 20 million to Kuwait Red Crescent Society to support relief efforts for those affected by the earthquake in Turkey and Syria.
• Various cooperation programs with the Kuwait Red Crescent Society, United Nations Development Programme, and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.
• Continuous leadership in in delivering social contributions to the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), the national manpower support program, and the Kuwait Institute of Banking Studies (KIBS), among other initiatives that reinforce KFH’s leadership in CSR.

Meanwhile, Founder and Editorial Director of Global Finance, Joseph D. Giarraputo said: “As Islamic Finance continues its rapid growth, the leading organizations are focusing on digitalization, product innovation, and expanded banking services.”

He added: “Global Finance’s annual awards honor the institutions that are improving efficiency, attracting new customers, and best serving their clients.”

Awards criteria

Global Finance relies on rigorous criteria. These include growth in assets, profitability, geographic reach, strategic relationships, new business development, and innovation in products. Other selection factors consider reputation, customer satisfaction, and the opinions of analysts and others involved in the industry.

All selections were made by the Global Finance editorial team after extensive consultations with bankers, corporate finance executives, and analysts worldwide. Entry submissions from Islamic Financial Institutions were also considered.

Global Finance

Founded in 1987, Global Finance has a circulation of 50,000 and readers in 185 countries. Global Finance’s audience includes senior corporate and financial officers responsible for making investment and strategic decisions at multinational companies and financial institutions. Its website (GFMag.com) offers analysis and articles that are the legacy of 39 years of experience in international financial markets.