Kuwait Finance House (KFH) concluded its active participation in the 2026 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund, hosted in Bangkok, Thailand. The Bank was represented by a high-level delegation led by the Chairman of KFH Group, Hamad Abdulmohsen Al-Marzouq, and Group Chief Executive Officer, Khaled Yousef AlShamlan, alongside several senior executive leaders.

As KFH's participation underscored its influential presence at major international financial forums, the Bank presented strategic insights on economic development trends, rapid market shifts, and emerging regional opportunities. It also highlighted the expanding role of Islamic finance in supporting financial stability and funding sustainable growth, while reinforcing partnerships with international financial and investment institutions.

High-Level Meetings

KFH delegation took part in a series of meetings and discussions that brought together finance ministers, central bank governors, senior executives, and representatives of international financial and investment institutions. Participants discussed key global economic and financial developments, growth prospects, and ways to enhance the resilience of the banking sector in supporting sustainable development.

Strengthening Partnerships and Showcasing a Pioneering Experience

During the meetings, KFH showcased its pioneering experience in Islamic finance, digital transformation, financial innovation, and customer experience enhancement. It also highlighted its role in delivering innovative banking and financing solutions that drive economic development and bolster financial stability.

The Group’s delegation affirmed that participating in these global meetings presents a valuable opportunity to strengthen relationships with international financial institutions and stay abreast of best practices and emerging trends across the banking sector. This reinforces the Group’s ability to capture high-value opportunities, boost its competitive edge, and generate sustainable value for customers and shareholders.

Active Participation in the GCC-Asia Economic Forum

Chairman of KFH and Chairman of Kuwait Banking Association (KBA), Hamad Abdulmohsen Al-Marzouq, participated in a panel discussion titled “Banking, Investment and Digital Infrastructure” at the GCC-Asia Economic Forum, held at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok on the sidelines of the IMF and WBG annual meetings.

During the session, Al-Marzouq highlighted the growing strategic importance of relations between GCC countries and Asia, as well as the pivotal role of the banking sector in fostering economic integration between the two regions.

KFH Group CEO, Khaled Yousef AlShamlan, also participated in a panel discussion titled “Core Banking and Balance Sheet Partnerships”.  The session addressed expanding banking cooperation between GCC countries and Asia, rising trade flows, and the growing demand for Sharia-compliant financing solutions.

The forum was attended by a distinguished group of senior officials and decision-makers, including GCC Secretary-General, Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi; the Minister of Finance of Kuwait, Dr. Yaqoub Yousef Al-Rifai; and the Governor of the Central Bank of Kuwait, Basel A. Al-Haroon. Also in attendance were central bank governors, GCC ambassadors, and leaders of financial, investment, and technology institutions from across the Gulf and Asia.

KFH delegation also participated in the Kuwait Banks Reception, organized by the Kuwait Banking Association under the patronage of Central Bank of Kuwait Governor Basel A. Al-Haroon. The event was attended by governors of Arab central banks, chairpersons of Kuwaiti banks, senior financial and banking executives, as well as prominent international economic figures.

The reception is one of the most prominent side events held alongside the Annual Meetings, serving as a platform to exchange views and expertise, as well as discuss regional and global economic and financial developments and challenges.

Participation in Kuwait Embassy Reception

The KFH delegation attended a luncheon hosted by the Embassy of the State of Kuwait to the Kingdom of Thailand, in the presence of H.E. Dr. Meshal Al-Mansour, Ambassador of the State of Kuwait, alongside several government officials and Kuwaiti banking executives. The delegation also attended reception events hosted by various GCC central banks.

Seven Global Awards from Global Finance

On the sidelines of the IMF and World Bank meetings, KFH Group delegation received seven prestigious awards as part of the 19th edition of the World’s Best Islamic Financial Institutions Awards for 2026, presented by Global Finance magazine. The awards reaffirm the Group’s leadership in the Islamic finance sector and the success of its strategy in achieving sustainable growth and enhancing its global presence.

The awards included:

World’s Best Islamic Bank

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 Delegation

KFH delegation included Chairman of the Board Hamad Abdulmohsen Al-Marzouq, Group CEO Khaled Yousef AlShamlan, Deputy Group CEO Treasury and Financial Institutions David O’Loan, Chief Treasury Officer – Kuwait Ahmad Al-Sumait, KFH Capital CEO Abdullah Al-Haddad, Head of Group Public Relations and Media Yousef Al-Ruwaieh, CEO of KFH-Turkey Ufuk Uyan, and Deputy Group CEO-Treasury and Investments at KFH -Bahrain Bassam Aali.

The Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund are among the most prominent global economic events, bringing together decision-makers and leaders from financial and economic institutions to discuss key global economic challenges and chart the path for future growth and sustainable development.