
Kuwait has a well-established banking system with numerous banks operating in the country. The Kuwait Central Bank is the primary regulatory body for the banking sector.
National Bank of Kuwait is one of the largest banks in the country, with a long history dating back to 1952.
Commercial banks in Kuwait offer a range of financial services, including personal and corporate banking.
Banking Services
Kuwait's banking system offers a wide range of services to cater to the diverse needs of its citizens and expatriates.
Commercial banks in Kuwait, such as National Bank of Kuwait and Gulf Bank, provide various banking services including savings accounts, current accounts, and fixed deposit accounts.
You can open a savings account with a minimum balance requirement of KD 100, as mentioned in the article about the National Bank of Kuwait.
Gulf Bank, on the other hand, offers a "Gulf Link" account that allows you to transfer funds online and check your account balance 24/7.
National Bank of Kuwait also offers a "Smart Banking" service that enables you to perform banking transactions through their mobile app.
Gulf Bank's online banking service allows you to pay bills, transfer funds, and check your account balance online.
Most commercial banks in Kuwait offer a range of credit cards with various rewards and benefits.
Some banks, such as Burgan Bank, offer a "credit card with no annual fee" as mentioned in the article.
Commercial banks in Kuwait also provide loan facilities for personal and business purposes.
Gulf Bank's "Personal Loan" facility offers a competitive interest rate and flexible repayment terms.
National Bank of Kuwait's "Business Loan" facility provides financing for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Specific Banks
The National Bank of Kuwait is the country's Safest Bank and the fourth Safest Bank in the Middle East. It has approximately $119 billion USD in assets and ranks 54 among the Safest Commercial Banks worldwide and 17 among the Safest Emerging Market Banks.
Boubyan Bank is one of the leading Kuwaiti banks, offering a broad array of personal, business, private, and corporate banking services. It operates as a subsidiary of National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) and has around 1,400 employees and 30 branches.
The National Bank of Kuwait has a strong presence globally, with 138 branches, subsidiaries, and representative offices in 13 countries, seven of which are in the Middle East.
National
National Bank of Kuwait is the largest bank in the country in terms of total assets, with over $118 billion in assets as of December 31, 2022. It was founded in 1952 and was the first indigenous bank in the Arabian Gulf region.
The bank has a strong presence in the country, with over 70 branches and 310 ATMs across the nation. It employs over 7,500 people and has a network of international operations in 13 countries.
One of the notable achievements of National Bank of Kuwait is its recognition as the Safest Bank in the country and the fourth Safest Bank in the Middle East. It has also been ranked among the Safest Commercial Banks worldwide.

Here's a brief overview of the bank's key statistics:
The bank has also received awards from Global Finance for its excellence in various categories, including Best Private Bank for Sustainable Investing, Best Consumer Digital Bank, and Best Foreign Exchange Provider in the Middle East.
Popular
National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) is one of the most popular banks in Kuwait, offering a wide range of financial services for both businesses and individuals.
These services include corporate lending, international trade financing, and wealth management. National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) has a strong digital presence and secure platforms, ensuring smooth transactions.
Kuwait Finance House (KFH) is another popular bank in Kuwait, providing a variety of financial services for both businesses and individuals. These services include personal, corporate, and institutional banking.
KIB, or Kuwait International Bank, is one of the oldest commercial banks in the country, founded in 1973 with a focus on the real estate business. In 2007, it converted to a fully-fledged Islamic Bank.

Gulf Bank (K.S.C) (GBK) and Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait (K.S.C.P.) (ABK) are also notable banks in Kuwait, offering a range of financial services. Burgan Bank (K.S.C) (Burgan) provides solutions tailored to various industries, from business banking to personal finance management.
Here are some of the most popular banks in Kuwait:
- National Bank of Kuwait (NBK)
- Kuwait Finance House (KFH)
- Commercial Bank of Kuwait (CBK)
- Kuwait International Bank (KIB)
- Gulf Bank (K.S.C) (GBK)
- Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait (K.S.C.P.) (ABK)
- Burgan Bank (K.S.C) (Burgan)
Warba
Warba Bank has been growing rapidly since its establishment in 2010. It has managed to distinguish itself for its digital solutions and innovative products for both the retail and corporate sectors.
Warba has a rapidly expanding customer base of over 100,000 and close to 10% of the country’s Islamic banking assets under management. This significant growth has also contributed to diversifying the insurance offering in Kuwait.
Through its subsidiary Warba Takaful, the institution holds a dominant position in the life insurance and general insurance market. This is a testament to the bank's ability to adapt and innovate in the market.
Warba has been recognized by Global Finance as one of the Safest Banks in the Middle East. This recognition is a result of the bank's commitment to providing secure and reliable financial services.
Here are some key statistics about Warba Bank:
- Established in 2010
- Rapidly expanding customer base of over 100,000
- Covers close to 10% of the country’s Islamic banking assets under management
- Recognized by Global Finance as one of the Safest Banks in the Middle East
Boubyan
Boubyan Bank is one of the leading Kuwaiti banks offering a broad array of personal, business, private, and corporate banking services. With around 1,400 employees and 30 branches, it operates as a subsidiary of National Bank of Kuwait (NBK).
Boubyan's total assets and deposits amounted to $20 billion and $15.3 billion, respectively, as of June 30, 2020. This shows the bank's significant presence in the Kuwaiti financial market.
Boubyan Bank is licensed under the Law of Islamic Banks no. 33 issued in 2003. It was the first Islamic bank to be established in the country the following year.
In 2009, the National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) acquired a 47.29% stake in Boubyan. In 2012, it raised that stake to 58.3%, thus becoming the majority shareholder.

The Boubyan Group is a Sharia-compliant investment company that encompasses Boubyan Capital (asset management), Boubyan Takaful (insurance), Boubyan National (real estate services), and the Bank of London and the Middle East, the largest Islamic bank in Europe.
Boubyan Bank is a repeat winner of Global Finance award for the Best Islamic Digital Bank in Kuwait and in the Middle East region, among other recognitions.
Ahli United
Ahli United Bank Kuwait has been around since 1941, initially founded as the Imperial Bank of Persia, an affiliate of the British bank and the first bank in Kuwait.
It has a rich history, with the bank becoming fully owned by the Kuwaiti government in 1971 and changing its name to Bank of Kuwait and Middle East.
Ahli United Bank has over $14 billion in assets and $8.9 billion in customer deposits as of December 31, 2019.
The bank operates as a subsidiary of Bahraini Ahli United Bank B.S.C and is listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange.

Ahli United Bank offers a wide range of services in corporate banking, private banking and wealth management, retail banking, and treasury and investments.
It has won numerous Global Finance awards, including for Best Customer Banking Experience, Best Online Cash Management Services, and Best Corporate/Institutional Digital Bank.
Net income for FY 2019 was $181 million, and revenue was $557 million.
International and Industrial
The Industrial Bank of Kuwait is a notable institution in the country's banking landscape. Founded in 1973 by the government of Kuwait in partnership with private sector institutions.
IBK's mission is to foster the nation's growth and bolster the global competitiveness of local firms. It has been successful in promoting economic diversification and advancing sustainable development and innovation.
The bank offers a comprehensive array of financial products, including investment banking, trade finance, treasury, and financial advisory services.
Foreign
Foreign banks have a significant presence in Kuwait, offering a range of financial services to residents and businesses alike. There are over a dozen foreign banks operating in the country.

Some of the notable foreign banks in Kuwait include Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK), BNP Paribas, and HSBC Middle East. These banks have established a strong reputation in the region.
A list of some of the foreign banks in Kuwait includes:
- BNP Paribas - Kuwait Branch
- HSBC Bank Middle East Ltd
- Citibank - Kuwait Branch
- Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK)
- First Abu Dhabi Bank
- Qatar National Bank - Kuwait Branch
- Doha Bank - Kuwait Branch
- Mashreq Bank - Kuwait Branch
- Al-Rajhi Banking & Investment Corp.
- Bank Muscat - Kuwait Branch
- Union National Bank - Kuwait Branch
- Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC)
These foreign banks offer a range of services, including personal banking, corporate banking, and investment services.
Commercial
Commercial banks play a vital role in a country's economy, and Kuwait is no exception. Commercial Bank of Kuwait (CBK) is one of the top 10 banks in Kuwait in terms of assets, deposits, loans, revenue, and income.
Established in 1960, CBK has a rich history of financing major projects, including the oil industry. The bank has a long term credit rating of A3 from Moody’s and A+ from Fitch.
CBK's main units include Retail Banking, Corporate Credit, and International Banking & Syndication divisions, among others. The company employs 1,490 people and is headquartered in Kuwait City.
The bank has been a mainstay of Kuwait's financial landscape since its inception, providing financial assistance to individuals and businesses affected by the Iraqi occupation in the 1990s.
International

Kuwait is home to a diverse range of international banks, each offering unique services to its customers. Kuwait International Bank, for instance, is an Islamic financial institution with over 25 local branches and 730 employees.
Kuwait International Bank offers a wide range of services, including current and savings accounts, credit cards, and direct investments. Its Tawarruq service, also known as Commodity Murabaha, is a type of Islamic financing that allows customers to purchase commodities with the bank's financing.
The list of foreign banks operating in Kuwait is impressive, with banks from countries like France, the UK, and the UAE. BNP Paribas, for example, has a Kuwait branch that offers a range of banking services to its customers.
HSBC Bank Middle East Ltd and Citibank - Kuwait Branch are also part of the foreign bank scene in Kuwait, offering a range of services including retail banking and investment banking. The country's banking landscape is truly international, with banks from around the world operating here.
In addition to these international banks, Kuwait also has its own homegrown banks, such as the Commercial Bank of Kuwait. Established in 1960, CBK is the second oldest bank in Kuwait and has a long history of providing financial services to its customers.
Industrial

The Industrial Bank of Kuwait was founded in 1973 by the government of Kuwait in partnership with private sector institutions.
Its mission is to foster the nation's growth and bolster the global competitiveness of local firms.
The bank's primary objective in the early years was to offer financing for medium and long-term industrial projects.
Today, the Industrial Bank of Kuwait offers a comprehensive array of financial products, including investment banking and trade finance.
It has since evolved to promote economic diversification and advance sustainable development and innovation.
The bank's goal is to align its mission with promoting economic diversification and advancing sustainable development and innovation.
As a specialized bank dedicated to industrial development, the Industrial Bank of Kuwait has played a significant role in the Gulf Cooperation Council region.
It has been offering financing for medium and long-term industrial projects since its inception in 1973.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many banks are there in Kuwait?
There are 22 banks in Kuwait, comprising 11 local and 11 foreign banks, all registered with the Kuwait Banking Association.
Which bank is best in Kuwait?
Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer to which bank is the "best" in Kuwait, as it depends on individual needs and preferences. To find the best bank for you, consider factors like services, fees, and reputation among Kuwait's top banks, including National Bank of Kuwait, Kuwait Finance House, Burgan Bank, Gulf Bank, Commercial Bank of Kuwait, AL Ahli Bank, Boubyan Bank, and Kuwait International Bank.
Can I open a bank account in Kuwait as a foreigner?
No, foreign nationals cannot open a bank account in Kuwait without a residence visa and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer or sponsor. To open a local account, you'll need to meet these requirements.
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