- Banking sector maintains momentum with 1.16 billion dinars in operating revenues; reflects banks’ ability to adapt to changing economic conditions while maintaining balanced growth in revenues and profitability
- The results highlight the strength of the financial positions of Kuwaiti banks and the efficiency of their operating models, supported by expanding credit activity and increased financing provided to various sectors of the economy.
Kuwait’s banking sector continued to demonstrate resilience and stable growth during the first quarter of 2026, with nine listed Kuwaiti banks recording combined net profits of 409.36 million dinars, reflecting continued strength in lending activity and core banking operations despite economic fluctuations and changing interest rate conditions.
According to consolidated financial statements released by the banks, total net profits rose by 1.07 percent compared to 405.01 million dinars recorded during the same period last year. Meanwhile, total operating revenues increased by 7.4 percent to reach approximately 1.159 billion dinars, compared to 1.079 billion dinars in the first quarter of 2025.
The results highlight the strength of the financial positions of Kuwaiti banks and the efficiency of their operating models, supported by expanding credit activity and increased financing provided to various sectors of the economy. Banking institutions also continued benefiting from interest rate levels that remained supportive of profitability.
Kuwait Finance House (KFH) maintained its position as the sector’s top profit generator, posting net profits of 176.51 million dinars during the first quarter. National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) followed with profits of 135.45 million dinars, while Boubyan Bank achieved 26.4 million dinars and Commercial Bank of Kuwait recorded 24 million dinars.
Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait posted profits of 18.15 million dinars, Gulf Bank recorded 9.42 million dinars, Kuwait International Bank (KIB) achieved nearly 8 million dinars, and Warba Bank reported profits of 6.27 million dinars.
In terms of operating income, KFH recorded the highest level at 496.4 million dinars, marking annual growth of 6.6 percent. NBK followed with 331.2 million dinars in operating income, reflecting 6 percent growth, while Boubyan Bank’s operating income rose 7 percent to 70 million dinars. Burgan Bank achieved one of the strongest growth rates, with operating income increasing 10 percent to 64 million dinars.
The Commercial Bank of Kuwait posted operating income of approximately 46.3 million dinars, Gulf Bank 45.1 million dinars, Warba Bank 24.9 million dinars, and KIB 24.4 million dinars.
Analysts said the results reaffirm the Kuwaiti banking sector’s strong solvency, liquidity levels, and capitalization, supported by the regulatory framework of the Central Bank of Kuwait and the continued expansion of economic and credit activity.
The sector’s performance also reflects banks’ ability to adapt to changing economic conditions while maintaining balanced growth in revenues and profitability, further reinforcing Kuwait’s position as one of the Gulf region’s most stable and robust banking markets.
