29/07/2026
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29/07/2026
Share:
KUWAIT CITY, July 29: Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK) Group reported strong financial results for the first half of 2026, delivering growth across its key financial indicators and recording a net profit of KD 37.1 million, representing a 17% increase compared to the first half of 2025.
These results reflect the Group's continued execution of its strategic priorities, disciplined balance sheet management, and resilient operating model, enabling ABK to deliver strong growth and profitability despite heightened geopolitical and economic uncertainty across the region.
The Group's profitability continued to strengthen, with Return on Equity increasing to 9.98% and Earnings per Share rising to 12 fils. The improvement was supported by disciplined cost management and continued focus on operational efficiency, resulting in a cost-to-income ratio of 43.1%, outperforming both budget and prior year levels. Operating income increased by 10% to reach KD 119.22 million, while operating profit rose by 8% to KD 67.85 million.
The Group's loans and advances portfolio reached KD 4.92 billion, representing growth of 4.40% during the first half of 2026. Customer deposits stood at KD 4.33 billion, while total assets increased to KD 7.27 billion, reflecting growth of 1.2%. Asset quality remained among the strongest in the sector, with the non-performing loan ratio maintained at a low 1.25% and provision coverage standing at a robust 340%, reflecting the Group's prudent risk management framework and conservative approach to underwriting.
ABK Group also maintained a strong capital position, with a Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of 18.03%, while shareholders' equity increased by 9.80% to KD 697.56 million.
Commenting on the results, Mr. Talal Mohammed Reza Behbehani, Chairman of ABK Group, expressed his satisfaction with the Group's financial performance during the first half of 2026, noting, “The results clearly demonstrate the success of our strategy to maintain sustainable growth while remaining agile in responding to the rapidly evolving regional and global landscape.”
He added that ABK Group achieved balanced growth across its key financial indicators, supported by the continued expansion of its core operations, a prudent risk management approach, and a strong focus on maintaining asset quality. He noted that these results reflect the successful execution of the Group's strategic plans, its ability to capitalize on promising opportunities, and its commitment to enhancing the value it delivers to shareholders and all stakeholders.
Behbehani further highlighted that the Group's continued investment in its comprehensive digital transformation strategy, coupled with the adoption of artificial intelligence technologies across its operations, has significantly enhanced operational efficiency. During the first half of the year, the Group introduced a number of advanced digital solutions, including ChatGPT Enterprise, Microsoft Copilot, and Robotic Process Automation (RPA). It also continued to enhance its mobile banking application with new features designed to deliver an exceptional customer experience, meet evolving customer expectations, and keep pace with developments in the banking industry. These initiatives have contributed to improving productivity and elevating the banking experience for customers across all segments. He added that the coming period will see the launch of additional innovative services aimed at further strengthening the Bank's competitive position in the local market.
Strong Credit Ratings and Industry Recognition
Behbehani noted that the Group maintained its strong credit ratings of A from Fitch Ratings and A2 from Moody’s, reaffirming the strength of its financial position, its resilience in navigating evolving market conditions, and its ability to meet the regulatory and supervisory standards governing the banking sector in Kuwait.
He added that the Bank also received numerous awards and industry recognitions in acknowledgment of its excellence in digital banking, the continuous enhancement of its mobile banking application, and its innovative banking solutions.
Behbehani extended his appreciation to the Board of Directors, the Executive Management, and all employees for their dedication and contributions to the successful execution of ABK Group's strategic plans and the strengthening of its leading position in the banking sector. He also expressed his gratitude for the continued support provided by the regulatory authorities in Kuwait, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates, commending their ongoing efforts to foster the development of the banking industry.
Successful Execution of Strategic Plans
For his part, Mr. Giel-Jan M. Van Der Tol, Group Chief Executive Officer of ABK Group, said that
“The Group's performance during the first half of 2026 reflects the successful execution of our strategic plans and highlights the strength and diversification of our business model. We achieved double-digit profit growth while improving returns, strengthening capital, maintaining excellent asset quality and delivering results that exceeded our internal targets despite the challenging regional operating environment."
He added, "We continued to deliver growth across our key financial indicators, driven by strong operating performance and the continued trust of our customers. At the same time, we remained focused on executing our digital transformation strategy by further strengthening our technology infrastructure and introducing innovative, real-time payment solutions that provide our customers with a seamless, secure, and convenient banking experience."
Alfouz Draws and ABK Build
Van Der Tol highlighted that the first half of 2026 marked the return of the Alfouz draw account, including the completion of postponed draws to announce winners of a range of cash prizes. The Bank also relaunched the account with a refreshed proposition, introducing an enhanced prize draw structure, a new semi-annual draw, and increased prize values. These enhancements reflect ABK's commitment to strengthening customer confidence, rewarding loyalty, encouraging a culture of saving, and reinforcing its position as the preferred banking partner in Kuwait.
He further noted that, during the first half of the year, the Bank launched ABK Build, the first platform of its kind in the Kuwaiti market, designed to support customers embarking on residential construction projects. The platform offers customers access exclusive discounts, expert guidance, and end-to-end support throughout every stage of their building journey, from initial planning through to project completion. This is achieved in collaboration with trusted partners across multiple sectors and in line with the highest market standards.
Advancing Sustainability
Van Der Tol reaffirmed the Bank's commitment to embedding Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles into every aspect of its operations, making sustainability an integral part of its day-to-day business. This commitment was reflected in the publication of the Group's sixth annual Sustainability Report, which demonstrates ABK's adherence to international best practices and highlights the continued progress achieved across the Group.
He added that the Sustainability Report was prepared in accordance with the latest Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards and aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Kuwait Vision 2035.
Growth in the UAE and Egypt
Van Der Tol noted that ABK-UAE was granted a licence by the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) to provide Real Estate Escrow Agency Services, becoming the first Kuwaiti and GCC bank to offer this service to customers in Abu Dhabi. This milestone reflects the Bank's growing presence and the strong level of trust it has earned in the UAE market.
He further highlighted that ABK-Egypt continued to strengthen its branch network with the opening of a new branch at East Hub Mall in Madinaty, East Cairo, as part of its ambitious strategy to expand its geographic footprint and enhance the delivery of banking services across Egypt.
The Group continues to benefit from its diversified regional footprint, with Egypt and the UAE contributing positively to earnings growth and supporting the Group's ability to generate sustainable returns across different economic cycles and markets.
Investing in People
Van Der Tol stressed that the Bank continues to invest in developing its employees through a wide range of training programmes delivered in collaboration with leading specialised institutions across various banking disciplines. The Bank also continues to enhance its employee value proposition, further strengthening its ability to attract and retain top banking talent.
He added that ABK remains committed to fostering an ideal work environment that promotes productivity and enables the continuous enhancement of customer service.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Van Der Tol noted that, during the first half of the year, the Bank sponsored and supported numerous health, educational, sports and humanitarian initiatives as part of its CSR programme, which continues to evolve to maximise its positive impact and strengthen the Bank's engagement with all segments of Kuwaiti society.
He continued, "We remain firmly committed to strengthening the protection of our customers' data as a core pillar of our ongoing participation in the Central Bank of Kuwait and Kuwait Banking Association’s 'Let's Be Aware' banking awareness campaign.”
During the first half of the year, ABK enhanced its Customer Protection Guide to further raise awareness of customers' rights and responsibilities when dealing with banks. The Bank also continued to improve the banking solutions it offers across all customer segments, while promoting digital services, financial literacy, savings and investment solutions, and services tailored for people with disabilities.
In parallel, ABK promotes educational content across our branch network, website and mobile banking application to reach customers through multiple channels.
Van Der Tol concluded by affirming ABK’s continued commitment to the campaign to ensure the dissemination of noteworthy banking information and to support in creating an inclusive and financially aware society.
