Kuwait: Oxford Business Group (OBG) is pleased to announce the release of a report on financial services in Kuwait. This dedicated content provides insights into the trends, opportunities and challenges in the financial services sector and the broader the economy, and serves as a preview to the forthcoming The Report: Kuwait 2023. 

Kuwait's banking industry stands as one of the region's largest and most resilient. The sector has demonstrated adaptability, rebounding from the challenges posed by the global Covid-19 pandemic. The trajectory of Kuwait's banks has been marked by asset growth, with 2022 witnessing the highest credit growth since 2015. This resurgence has been aided by elevated oil prices, which has helped the nation improve its fiscal position. 

In recent years, the sector has seen consolidation, as government-owned banks have merged to meet the demands of heightened local and global competition. Notable among these developments was the acquisition of Bahrain-based Ahli United Bank (AUB) by Kuwait Finance House (KFH), both of which have substantial government involvement in their shareholder structures.

Additionally, Kuwait's banking landscape is evolving with a significant emphasis on digitalisation. Banks are striving to reduce costs, enhance efficiencies, and offer more flexible services, fostering the growth of financial technology (fintech). This drive towards digital transformation is not only encouraged by the private sector but also supported by new regulations from the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK).

Despite global uncertainties, Kuwait's banking system and broader financial services sector remains a cornerstone of the nation's economy, as well as a vital contributor to the regional and international financial network.

Jana Treeck, OBG’s managing director for the Middle East, expressed that the confluence of evolving regulatory support from the Central Bank of Kuwait and the drive of the private sector underscores Kuwait's position as a forward-looking player in the global financial arena, ready to seize opportunities and navigate future trends.

"Kuwait's banking sector is navigating a transformative journey, embracing digitalisation as a catalyst for enhanced efficiency and fostering fintech innovation. This strategic shift is not only a testament to the sector's adaptability but also its unwavering commitment to remaining at the forefront of the region's dynamic financial landscape. The remarkable growth we've witnessed serves as a powerful indicator of Kuwait's enduring strength, demonstrating its ability to not only weather global challenges but to thrive and innovate in response,” she added.

The Financial Services report, which serves as a preview of The Report: Kuwait 2023, is now available to view at: https://oxfordbusinessgroup.com/reports/inside-look-financial-services-in-kuwait/ 

About Oxford Business Group

Oxford Business Group (OBG) is a global research and advisory company with a presence in over 30 countries, spanning Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas. It is recognised internationally as a distinctive and respected provider of on-the-ground intelligence on world’s fastest-growing markets, termed The Yellow Slice, in reference to OBG’s corporate colour. 

Through its range of products - Economic News and Views; OBG CEO Surveys; OBG Events and Conferences; Global Platform, which hosts exclusive video interviews; and The Report publications – as well as its Advisory division, OBG offers comprehensive and accurate analysis of macroeconomic and sector-level developments for sound investment opportunities and business decisions. 

OBG provides business intelligence to its subscribers through multiple platforms, including its direct subscribers, Dow Jones Factiva subscribers, the Bloomberg Professional Services subscribers, Refinitiv’s (previously Thomson Reuters) Eikon subscribers, and more.

For more information, please contact:
Marc-André de Blois 
Director of PR and Video Content, Oxford Business Group
E-mail: mdeblois@oxfordbusinessgroup.com
802 Publishing Pavilion, Production City
PO Box 502 659 Me’aisem First Dubai UAE
6th Floor 105 Victoria Street
London SW1E 6DT
Register to receive our Economic Updates: oxfordbusinessgroup.com/register