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Kuwait: NBK Reports Net Profit of KD 134.1 Million for 1Q2025
21.04.2025National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) has announced its financial results for the three-months period ended 31 March 2025. The Bank reported a net profit of KD 134.1 million (USD 434.8 million), compared to KD 146.6 million (USD 475.3 million) for the corresponding period in 2024. Profit before tax for the period reached KD 173.4 million (USD 562.3 million) compared to KD 172.0 million (USD 557.7 million) recorded in 2024.
Total assets as of the end of March 2025 grew by 8.7% year-on-year to reach KD 41.6 billion (USD 135.0 billion), whereas customer loans and advances increased by 9.9% year-on-year to KD24.6 billion (USD 79.8 billion).
Customer deposits grew by 5.6%, reaching KD23.5 billion (USD 76.2 billion) by the end of March 2025. Meanwhile, shareholders’ equity stood at KD 4.0 billion (USD 13.1 billion), reflecting a growth of 6.4% year-on-year.
Solid Results
Commenting on the Bank's annual financial results, Hamad Al-Bahar, NBK Group Chairman stated, “NBK entered 2025 on a strong note, delivering solid financial results in the first quarter despite a challenging global landscape. The performance came amid persistent geopolitical tensions on both global and regional fronts, rising concerns over a potential global trade war following recent U.S. tariff measures, and increasingly complex macroeconomic conditions across many parts of the world.”
“Once again, NBK reaffirms its resilience and adaptability to evolving economic conditions, underpinned by a well-diversified mix of products, services, and international operations across various parts of the world. This strategic positioning is supported by the Bank’s strong balance sheet, solid capitalization, high liquidity, and high asset quality—all reinforced by a prudent risk management approach,” Al-Bahar added.
He emphasized that NBK is well-positioned to sustain its leadership in the domestic financial sector while delivering long-term value to shareholders, customers, and the communities it serves. He noted that the Bank continues to realize the benefits of its strategic investments in both technology and human capital.
“In 2025, NBK is set to accelerate its sustainable financing efforts in pursuit of its target to expand its sustainable assets portfolio to USD 10 billion by 2030. The Bank will also continue to advance a range of initiatives in support of its broader commitment to achieving carbon neutrality,” Al-Bahar confirmed.
He highlighted that during the first quarter of 2025, NBK played a key role in launching and supporting a wide range of initiatives across various fields, reinforcing its position as the leading contributor to social responsibility in Kuwait. Among these efforts was NBK’s annual Ramadan campaign, “Doing Good Deeds”, which featured a diverse lineup of health, sports, cultural, and recreational activities.
Strong Buffers
Meanwhile, Mr. Isam J. Al-Sager, NBK Group Vice Chairman and CEO, said: “NBK’s first-quarter financial results this year underscore the strength of its buffers, which have enabled it to withstand global economic headwinds and their ripple effects across regional and local markets.”
Al-Sager noted that NBK’s diversified business mix, strategically planned investments, and prudent risk management enabled the Bank to maintain operational flexibility across its various business segments during the first three months of 2025. This was led by the core banking business, which played a key role in mitigating the impact of an increasingly challenging economic conditions during that period.
He stated that NBK’s net profit for the first quarter of 2025 was impacted by the effective implementation of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT) on multinational enterprises (MNEs) operating in the country. This led to net profit recording a year-on-year drop of 8.5% while profit before tax was flat year-on-year.
Al-Sager revealed that NBK Group recorded a net operating income of KD310.7 million (USD 1.0 billion) in the first quarter of 2025, reporting a growth of 0.6% year-on-year. He also noted that both the International Banking and Boubyan Bank, its Islamic banking arm, remain key revenue and profit growth contributors to the Group.
Seizing Opportunities
Al-Sager emphasized that NBK remains committed to investing in technology and fostering innovation to build an inclusive and sustainable financial future. He added that the Bank aims to expand its customer base while capitalizing on opportunities in promising markets and key sectors.
He further noted that during the first quarter of 2025, NBK continued to deliver innovative solutions and services tailored to the evolving needs of its customers, showcasing its agility in keeping pace with rapid market developments. The Bank also entered into strategic partnerships with leading local and international institutions across key sectors, reinforcing its commitment to offering customers an exceptional and comprehensive banking experience.
On the wealth management front, Al-Sager stated that NBK Wealth has continued to enhance its offerings by delivering a broad range of integrated solutions across private banking, asset management, financial planning, and advisory services. Supported by a wide global network of operations, these efforts have further solidified its position as the largest wealth management entity in Kuwait and among the leading players in the region.
Al-Sager emphasized the Bank’s commitment to actively contributing to Kuwait’s economic growth and development through financing strategic infrastructure projects, ongoing support for entrepreneurs, and efforts to promote financial inclusion. He also highlighted NBK’s focus on maintaining its competitive edge in the local market while continuing to grow its presence in international markets.
Furthermore, he emphasized the Bank’s commitment to enhancing operational efficiency across all business sectors, while reinforcing its role in supporting sustainability efforts within the communities it serves. He also highlighted NBK’s dedication to being a strategic partner for customers in their pursuit of sustainable financing solutions.
Operational Environment
Regarding his outlook for the business environment in Kuwait, Al-Sager noted, “Several indicators suggest a positive shift in the operational landscape for Kuwait in 2025. At the forefront is the continued momentum in awarding and implementing projects. This positive trend is expected to persist as the government focuses its economic agenda on prioritizing major development projects and accelerating their implementation in alignment with Vision 2035.”
Al-Sager emphasized the government's commitment to advancing financial and economic reforms, highlighted by the recent adoption of key legislation such as the Financing and Liquidity Law (debt law) and the anticipated issuance of the mortgage law. These initiatives are expected to support economic growth and positively impact the business environment in Kuwait. However, he noted that the challenges posed by US tariffs, concerns over a potential global trade war, and ongoing geopolitical tensions will remain among the most significant uncertainties that are facing the markets in the near term.
The Strongest & Most Valuable Brand
NBK reaffirmed the strength of its brand in 2025, maintaining its position as the most valuable and strongest banking brand in Kuwait. According to the annual report issued by Brand Finance, NBK widened its lead over competitors in the Kuwaiti banking sector, achieving a 22% increase in brand value compared to 2024. Moreover, Global Finance recently named NBK the Best Bank in Kuwait - 2025, further solidifying its leadership in the Kuwaiti banking sector.
Key financial indicators for 1Q2025
• Net operating income stood at KD310.7 million (USD 1.0 billion), up 0.6% year-on-year
• Total assets grew by 8.7% year-on-year, at KD 41.6 billion (USD 135.0 billion)
• Customer loans and advances increased by 9.9% year-on-year to KD 24.6 billion (USD 79.8 billion)
• Customer deposits grew by 5.6% year-on-year to KD 23.5 billion (USD 76.2 billion)
• Shareholders’ equity amounted to KD 4.0 billion (USD 13.1 billion), registering an annual growth of 6.4%
• Strong asset quality metrics, with NPL/gross loans ratio at 1.38% and an NPL coverage ratio of 251%
• Robust Capital Adequacy Ratio of 16.6%, comfortably exceeding regulatory requirements
Kuwait: NBK Posts Strong Net Profits of KD 575.6 Million in FY2025
28.01.2026National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) has announced its financial results for the financial year ended 31 December 2025.The Bank reported a net profit of KD 575.6 million (USD 1.9 billion), compared to KD 600.1 million (USD 2.0 billion) for the financial year 2024. Earnings per share (EPS) stood at 64 fils for 2025, compared to 66 fils for 2024.
Profit before tax increased by 5.4% on a year-on-year basis, reaching KD 734.6 million (USD 2.4 billion) at the end of 2025, compared to KD 696.8 million (USD 2.3 billion) in 2024.
Total assets as of December 2025 grew by 13.1% year-on-year, reaching KD 45.6 billion (USD 149.4 billion), while customer deposits grew by 14.0%, totaling KD 26.1 billion (USD 85.3 billion) by the end of 2025.
Meanwhile, Group loans and advances reached KD26.8 billion (USD 87.8 billion) by December 2025, reflecting a growth of 13.1% year-on-year. In the meantime, shareholders' equity also saw an increase, standing at KD 4.3 billion (USD 14.0 billion), up by 9.2% year-on-year.
In terms of distributions, the Board of Directors has proposed a cash dividend of 35 fils per share for the financial year 2025, equivalent to 53% of net profits. In addition, the Board has recommended the distribution of bonus shares at a ratio of 5%. These proposed distributions are subject to the approval of the Annual General Assembly (AGM).
A Prudent Approach
Commenting on the Bank's annual financial results, Mr. Hamad Al-Bahar, NBK Group Chairman, affirmed that, despite the challenges posed by the global economic environment in 2025, including the repercussions of geopolitical tensions, tariff pressures, and the accommodative trajectory of interest rates, the Bank succeeded in further consolidating its position as a leading financial institution. This performance was underpinned by a prudent operating approach and a flexible strategy anchored in diversification and financial discipline.
Al-Bahar noted that the Bank’s financial results for the year ended 31 December 2025 reflect NBK’s ability to adapt and navigate a wide range of economic conditions, supported by a diversified business model, a strong capital base, high-quality assets, comfortable liquidity position, and a robust governance and risk management framework.
He added that the Bank continues to successfully execute its strategy of balancing the delivery of superior returns to shareholders with meeting the evolving needs of its customers. He further emphasized that sustainability has become a central pillar of NBK’s long-term growth agenda. The Bank recorded a significant year-on-year increase of approximately 23% in the value of its sustainable assets, reaching USD 6.10 billion by the end of 2025. This represents 61% of its strategic 2030 target of USD 10 billion. Al-Bahar added that 2025 marked a year of significant achievements that further reinforced NBK’s position as the largest contributor to corporate social responsibility initiatives in Kuwait. Among the most notable milestones were the inauguration of the Shuwaikh Beach Development and Beautification Project, funded by the Bank at a cost of KWD 3 million, as well as the laying of the foundation stone for the expansion of the NBK Children’s Hospital for Hematology, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplant. The expansion includes the construction of a new building at an estimated cost of nearly KWD 19 million.
Solid Operating Performance
Meanwhile, Mr. Isam J. Al-Sager, NBK Group Vice Chairman and CEO, said: “The Group’s 2025 results reflect the solid operating performance delivered across its various business segments, led by its core banking activities, despite the volatile global operating environment and its spillover effects on regional and local markets. During the year, the Group recorded a year-on-year growth of 3.6% in net operating income, reaching KWD 1.3 billion (USD 4.2 billion).”
He noted that the Group’s profit before tax recorded a year-on-year increase of 5.4% in 2025, while net profits were impacted by the application of the domestic top-up minimum tax on multinational entities operating in Kuwait. He emphasized that this impact on profit growth is transitional in nature, reflecting the base-year effect of 2025 as the first year of the tax’s implementation.
Al-Sager emphasized that NBK Group’s diversified business mix, carefully calibrated strategic investments, and disciplined risk management have mitigated the impact of adverse global economic conditions. He added that NBK continues to invest in technology and innovation as fundamental pillars of inclusive and sustainable growth, while also expanding its customer base and capitalizing on opportunities across promising markets and key sectors.
He further noted that, throughout 2025, the Bank continued to roll out innovative banking services and products specifically designed to meet the evolving needs of its customers. In addition, the Group’s Consumer and Digital Banking arm launched its new five-year strategy through 2030, marking a strategic shift from mere digitization of services to a fully customer-centric, underpinned by data collection and advanced analytics. This transformation further reinforces NBK’s leadership position locally and regionally, offering an exceptional banking experience.
Furthermore, Al-Sager pointed to the key contribution of both NBK Group’s corporate banking and international operations, as well as Boubyan Bank— the Group’s Islamic banking arm— in strengthening the Group’s profits. He further highlighted that NBK Wealth has continued to consolidate its position as the largest wealth management entity in Kuwait and among the largest in the region, by offering an integrated suite of private banking, investment management, and advisory services through a globally connected network of operations.
On major financing transactions, Al-Sager stated: “During 2025, NBK led a KWD 1.5 billion syndicated term facility with Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC). This transaction represents the largest financing of its kind denominated in Kuwaiti Dinars. The Bank served as the mandated lead arranger and bookrunner for the facility, as well as the agent for the conventional tranche. NBK’s share amounted to KD 495 million of the total financing, making it the largest contributor among all participating conventional and Islamic banks, accounting for approximately 60% of the KD 825 million conventional tranche.”
Al-Sager noted that this transaction reinforces NBK’s position as the largest financier of Kuwait’s oil sector and the primary banking partner for energy companies in supporting their expansion and growth plans.
He further noted that Kuwait Clearing Company’s selection of NBK as the country’s main settlement bank represents a testament to the Bank’s substantial investments in digital infrastructure and its high level of operational readiness. This milestone further strengthens NBK’s role in advancing the development of Kuwait’s capital market infrastructure.
On the sustainability front, Al-Sager affirmed that NBK continues to deepen its leading role in shaping a more sustainable future through its green financing initiatives and the development of products and solutions that reflect global best practices in sustainable finance. In this context, he pointed to the Bank’s signing in 2025 of Kuwait’s first-ever green loan agreement. He also highlighted NBK’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) framework through measurable initiatives that support emissions reduction and the achievement of carbon neutrality by 2060.
The Operating Environment
Al-Sager expressed his optimism regarding an improvement in the domestic operating environment in 2026, supported by a number of key factors.
He explained that the Financing and Liquidity Law enacted in 2025 has established an advanced framework for long-term sovereign debt issuances, thereby enhancing banking system liquidity through high-quality sovereign assets and supporting the financing of large-scale projects. He added that the Real Estate Financing Law—once approved—would enable banks to provide long-term financing for the residential sector, helping address the housing challenge and stimulating activity across construction and real estate–related sectors.
Moreover, Al-Sager noted that the value of government-awarded projects in 2025 exceeded KWD 4 billion, surpassing 2024 levels by well over 60%. Meanwhile, bank credit recorded solid performance, with credit to residents growing by approximately 7.63% year-on-year as of the end of December 2025, the fastest pace since 2023.
He indicated that project awards are expected to gain further momentum in 2026, supported by the broad pipeline of initiatives under the government’s capital projects program across multiple sectors, alongside a gradual pace of interest rate cuts. This combination bodes well for the outlook and is set to create a favorable environment for credit growth for both corporates and individuals during the year.
He emphasized, however, that while the domestic outlook remains positive, it is accompanied by certain regional and global challenges, including persistent geopolitical tensions, tariffs, and their associated negative economic repercussions.
Prestigious Awards
During 2025, NBK further consolidated its leadership position by receiving a series of prestigious awards from leading global institutions and publications.
Among these accolades, MEED named NBK Best Retail Bank and Best SME Bank in Kuwait, in addition to awarding the Bank several regional honors across the Middle East and North Africa, including Best Loan Offering, Best Contactless Payment Experience, and Best Payment Solutions for SMEs. NBK’s digital subsidiary, Weyay Bank, was also recognized with the Most Innovative Product Award for its children’s card, “Jeel.”
NBK also received three prestigious awards from Global Finance, including Best Digital Payment Solutions and Best Online Product Offerings in Kuwait, while Weyay Bank was named Best Digital Bank in Kuwait. Furthermore, the Bank won four awards from Euromoney, including Kuwait’s Best Bank for ESG, Kuwait’s Best Bank for Large Corporates, Kuwait’s Best Bank for Diversity and Inclusion, as well as Kuwait’s Best Digital Bank for Weyay Bank.
Key financial indicators for the financial year ended December 31, 2025
• Net operating income stood at KD 1.3 billion (USD 4.2 billion), up 3.6% year-on-year
• Total assets grew by 13.1% year-on-year, at KD 45.6 billion (USD 149.4 billion)
• Total loans and advances increased by 13.1% year-on-year to KD 26.8 billion (USD 87.8 billion)
• Customer deposits grew by 14.0% year-on-year to KD 26.1 billion (USD 85.3 billion)
• Total shareholders’ equity amounted to KD4.3 billion (USD 14.0 billion), registering an annual growth of 9.2%.
• Strong asset quality metrics, with NPL/gross loans ratio at 1.36% and an NPL coverage ratio of 240%
• Robust Capital Adequacy Ratio of 17.0%, comfortably exceeding regulatory requirements.