In an exclusive interview on Kuwait TV's "Masa`a Alkhair Ya Kuwait," Kuwait Finance House (KFH) highlighted its leading banking services and solutions within the Islamic banking sector. Beyond its role as a sector landmark, KFH is also Kuwait's largest bank, the largest private sector company listed on Boursa Kuwait, boasting a market capitalization of over KD 14 billion, and the second-largest Islamic bank globally.
KFH recently launched a diverse suite of unique banking services and products designed to enhance customer experience. These offerings reflect KFH's leadership and vision, which are driven by sustainability, innovation, and digital excellence, all under the slogan "Beyond Horizons".
Group Service Center
During the interview, KFH Deputy General Manager Products, Nehal Al-Musallam, discussed key pillars of the bank's strategy: digital transformation, the adoption of artificial intelligence, and integration and interconnection across the Group's banks.
She highlighted the launch of the KFH Group Service Center at Mishref branch, which serves both KFH-Turkey and KFH-Egypt. "This initiative aims to fulfill customer needs and deliver a comprehensive banking experience," Al-Musallam noted, adding, "This is merely the start, with plans to expand to other countries within the group in the future."
Al-Musallam also mentioned that the center provides a variety of services tailored to customer needs. These include streamlining account opening and updating personal and banking information for seamless service. Additionally, it offers technical support for activating and using the banking applications for both KFH-Turkey and KFH-Egypt, allowing customers to easily and securely access accounts and conduct transactions.
First Kuwaiti bank to open gold account
Al-Musallam explained that the gold account, first launched by KFH in 2013, has significantly evolved over the years. Customers can now open a gold account and conduct gold buying and selling transactions 24/7 through all KFH sales channels, including ATMs, bank branches, and KFHONLINE. Additionally, customers benefit from KFH’s complimentary safe deposit box service.
Gold Gift Service
She also highlighted the launch of KFH's Gold Gift service via KFHOnline. "This feature allows Gold Account holders to conveniently send gold as a gift, accompanied by a personalized congratulatory message chosen from the KFHOnline app's selection. Recipients can easily claim their gold gift through a link provided by the sender. Additionally, the recipient can keep the gift in their gold account or convert it to cash," she added.
Financing against gold account collateral
Al-Musallam added that KFH launched the first financing product of its kind in Kuwait, offering financing against gold account collateral. "By allowing customers to access the value of their gold holdings without selling them, this new financing solution enhances the customer experience and accommodates their needs," she explained.
Emergency Cash
Al-Musallam highlighted KFH's Emergency Cash service, a standout offering designed to meet customer needs, especially during the summer and holiday season. This service is ideal for those requiring immediate amount for travel expenses before their salaries are deposited. Customers can instantly access KD 100 to KD 2,000, depending on their salary, with repayment due the next month. The service is free and conveniently accessible via the KFHOnline app.
Virtual card
KFH Deputy General Manager Cards, Talal AlArbeed, highlighted the Virtual Card, a new prepaid card designed to offer a unique, easy, and secure payment experience. The virtual KFH Rewards prepaid card is available 24/7 to all KFH customers directly through the KFHonline app. This card allows customers to earn unlimited points from the KFH Rewards program, plus cashback on purchases, maximizing the benefits of every transaction.
Eco-friendly card
AlArbeed revealed that this card provides flexible payment methods tailored to customers’ needs when shopping online, paying bills, or making in‑store purchases. "The card also helps reduce plastic waste by replacing traditional cards with virtual ones, which ultimately benefits both the community and the environment. This also minimizes paper consumption when customers request the card online and lowers emissions by eliminating the need for vehicle-based card delivery."
Digital wallets
Regarding digital wallets, AlArbeed highlighted that KFH offers payment solutions compatible with Apple Pay, Google Pay, Fitbit Pay, Garmin Pay, and Samsung Pay. He noted that this service provides an easier and faster alternative to physical cards or cash, with the flexibility to add debit, credit, and prepaid cards to these digital wallets.
Fahad, Kuwait's First AI-Powered Virtual Employee
Meanwhile, KFH Executive Manager Digital Channels, Meshal Mandani, discussed Fahad, Kuwait’s first AI-powered virtual employee. Available 24/7 at KFH branch in The Avenues (Phase Four), Fahad explains KFH's services, answers questions quickly and accurately, and even guides customers on ATM usage.
Driving innovation
Mandani emphasized that the launch of Fahad is a novel initiative to drive innovation at KFH. Additionally, this step is an extension of the Bank’s pioneering journey in digital transformation and adoption of AI. This significant progress has enabled KFH to provide a suite of high‑quality digital financial services and solutions while developing its digital channels, smart branches, and self‑service devices.
200 digital banking services
Madani explained that KFHOnline offers over 200 banking services, including the WAMD service, online account opening, instant printing for all bank cards, and buying and selling gold, in addition to various e-payment solutions. He noted that in 2024 alone, customers completed over 400 million digital banking transactions. He further stated: "These figures clearly reflect the success and excellence KFH has achieved in digital transformation."
KFHGo and KFH Mobi
Mandani highlighted the widespread availability of ATMs, KFHGo smart branches as well as KFH Mobi vehicles, which are equipped with two advanced devices, a full function ATM and an instant card issuance device. He noted that KFHGo smart branches offers a comprehensive range of interactive banking services.
Comprehensive update to KFHOnline
Mandani explained that the KFHOnline app's comprehensive update includes a new landing page, which enables a smoother, more interactive user experience and easier access to various banking services. The update also presents the latest products and services tailored for app users. Additionally, it includes enhancements to the customer profile page, enabling users to view their banking tier details and enjoy exclusive benefits specific to each program. Users also get a glimpse of the advantages offered in other programs, such as new instant digital cards and the ability to manage ATM card usage limits.
It serves to note that KFH remains steadfast in leading digital innovation and offering advanced financial solutions that meet customer needs. This commitment delivers a seamless banking experience and reaffirms the bank's excellence in executing its digital transformation strategy.