27/07/2026 05:17 AST
Sheikh Mohammed Jarrah Al-Sabah, Chairman of Kuwait International Bank (KIB), announced the Group's financial results for the first half (H1) of 2026 ended 30 June 2026. KIB Group achieved net profit attributable to shareholders amounting to KD 17.5 million, compared to KD 14.8 million in H1 2025, reflecting a growth of 18 percent. Earnings per share (EPS) stood at 8.32 fils, compared to 6.77 fils for the same period last year. Total operating income was almost KD 51 million, marking a growth of 10 percent compared to the first half of 2025.
Regarding the Bank's financial statements for the first half of 2026, Al-Jarrah stated that KIB's total assets grew by 10 percent to reach KD 4.60 billion, compared to KD 4.19 billion as of 30 June 2025. This growth was driven by an increase in the financing portfolio, which rose by 12 percent, or KD 360 million, to reach KD 3.45 billion, compared to KD 3.09 billion for the corresponding period last year. Meanwhile, its investment portfolio, which includes high-quality Sukuk, grew by KD 60 million to reach almost KD 582 million as of the end of June 2026, compared to almost KD 522 million for the same period in 2025.
Commenting on the financial results, Al-Jarrah expressed pride in KIB's performance during the first half of 2026, despite geopolitical developments in the region. He emphasized that these results demonstrate the Group's ability to deliver sustainable growth, driven by strong operating income while maintaining high asset quality and profitability, underscoring the resilience of its business model and its ability to create sustainable value for shareholders. Al-Jarrah stated that the Bank remains committed to preserving a solid capital base and balanced asset quality and profitability, while achieving prudent growth in financing and deposits.
He added that these indicators reflect the Bank's agile execution of its strategy and support the sustainability of the Group's performance. Al-Jarrah also emphasized that investing in national talent remains one of the Bank's key drivers of sustainable growth. Accordingly, KIB continues to attract, develop and retain top talent to strengthen the Bank's readiness to meet future aspirations. On his part, Raed Jawad Bukhamseen, Vice Chairman and CEO of KIB, provided a detailed overview of the key financial results for the first half of 2026 compared to the same period last year, noting that financing income increased to KD 106 million, compared to KD 95.4 million, representing a growth rate of 11 percent.
Fees and commission income also increased to KD 12.2 million compared to KD 9.3 million, reflecting a growth rate of 30 percent. Investment income also increased to reach KD 3.3 million, compared to KD 2.9 million, marking a growth rate of 14 percent. This contributed to a rise in total operating income, which reached almost KD 51 million, reflecting a growth rate of 10 percent.
Regarding the Bank's financial position, Bukhamseen said that KIB's depositors' accounts grew by 16 percent, or KD 451 million to reach KD 3.29 billion as of 30 June 2026 compared to KD 2.84 billion for the same period of last year. In addition, the total shareholders' equity grew 6 percent to reach KD 379 million as of 30 June 2026 compared to KD 357.7 million for the same period of last year. He noted that KIB continues to maintain high levels of total capital adequacy ratio, in accordance with Basel III instructions, of 21 percent as of 30 June 2026.
Bukhamseen noted that, during the first half of 2026, KIB Group, through its investment arm KIB Invest, acted as Joint Lead Manager in two landmark Sukuk transactions. The first was a historic $1 billion Sukuk issuance for the Islamic Development Bank, which is rated AAA with a stable outlook. This strategic transaction reinforces growing global confidence in the Group's capabilities in Islamic capital markets and its leading role in arranging high-quality issuances for major international institutions.
The second was KIB Invest's participation in the successful issuance of $700 million in five-year unsecured Sukuk for First Abu Dhabi Bank, one of the region's leading financial institutions. Meanwhile, Bukhamseen stated that the Bank continues to execute its digital strategy by enhancing its digital banking services, elevating the customer experience, and investing in its technology infrastructure, thereby driving greater operational efficiency.
In their concluding remarks, Al-Jarrah and Bukhamseen expressed their appreciation to the Central Bank of Kuwait for its exceptional regulatory and supervisory roles. They also expressed their gratitude to the Capital Markets Authority for its supportive role in fostering a stable and competitive investment environment. They also thanked the Bank's shareholders and customers for their continued trust, as well as KIB's employees for their efforts and contributions to achieving these results. They affirmed their commitment to continuing efforts to strengthen the Bank's financial position and achieve sustainable growth.
Kuwait Times
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