Kuwait Finance House (KFH) hosted Private Banking & Wealth Management Reception, bringing together high-net-worth clients and distinguished guests. The event was also attended by her Excellency Mrs. Belinda Lewis, His Majesty’s Ambassador to Kuwait.

The event marked a significant milestone in the bank’s global expansion and reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing Private Banking and Wealth Management services in the British market.

On his speech during the event that was held at the Four Seasons Hotel, Group Chief Executive Officer, Khaled Yousef AlShamlan said “It is my pleasure to welcome you to the KFH Private Banking & Wealth Management Reception. This event marks a period of significant achievement and global growth for the Kuwait Finance House Group, including the UK, a prominent financial center in Europe and worldwide and a region we know many Kuwaitis have a strong affinity.”

Alshamlan began his speech by sharing some key highlights of KFH Group strong financial performance during 2024 where KFH reported historic net profit of KD 601.8 million for the year 2024, which is the highest in the Kuwaiti banking sector.

• Net financing income reached around KD 1.15 billion; an increase of nearly 18.7%.
• Total operating income reached over KD 1.6 billion, an increase of 11.6%.
• Net operating income reached over KD 1 billion, an increase of 9%

He also mentioned that KFH tops all Banks and all listed companies on Boursa Kuwait with a Market capitalization of approximately KD 13.6 billion, and that KFH was ranked among the top five Middle East banks by market capitalization in the latest S&P rankings.

He pointed out that the financial results confirm KFH’s successful strategy, solid capital base, and strong operating performance.

Alshamlan indicated that KFH Group focuses on Private Banking and Wealth Management at its UK subsidiary, offering a range of Islamic banking products, including premium and business banking, residential and commercial property finance, as well as treasury and investment solutions.  Soon, modern investment management services will also be introduced.

“As a leading provider of private banking and wealth management services, KFH focuses on building trusted client relationships, professionally addressing our clients' needs across all banking, investment, and advisory services, delivering tailored and exclusive solutions designed to meet their unique requirements, whether in the GCC or the UK,” Alshamlan said.

He added “We are keen to maintain strong and lasting relationships with our clients while embracing change in several areas. This means dealing with evolving demands of the banking sector through modern technology and digital solutions, as well as responding to developments in the global economy and investment markets.”

Alshamlan emphasized that KFH is actively seeking out emerging opportunities in new fields and developing new financial instruments, ensuring all such efforts comply fully with our Sharia and regulatory obligations.

He concluded by saying “I am confident that our experience, the talent of our people, our commitment, and our strong performance will help our clients achieve their financial goals, and, in turn, enhance our position as a world leading Islamic financial institution.”

Her Excellency Mrs. Belinda Lewis, His Majesty’s Ambassador to Kuwait

On the sideline of the event, Her Excellency Mrs. Belinda Lewis, His Majesty’s Ambassador to Kuwait said “KFH's exclusive event showcased the UK's expertise in Islamic finance, celebrating London's position as the capital for Islamic finance outside of the Islamic world. The bank's client-focused approach to personalized wealth management was also highlighted, as was the impressive range of banking services, including for students. I'm looking forward to seeing the new KFH and KFH Private branding growing and wish the bank every success."

Panel Discussion

A panel discussion took place during the Private Banking & Wealth Management Reception and brought together Alexander Liddle, Deputy Group CEO Private Banking, Wealth Management and Business Excellence KFH, Philip Crawford, CEO KFH UK, Alan Higgins, Head of Investments AUB Bahrain, and Abdulla Al Ali, Chief Asset Management Officer at KFH Capital.

The panelists explored KFH’s history in the UK, investment strategies, wealth management opportunities, the evolution of Islamic finance in the UK to global investment opportunities and the future of wealth management. The panelists also delved into the vision for the overall Private Banking and Wealth Management business at KFH Group and discussed the plan to enhance the investment and wealth management proposition for clients by providing exclusive, modern, Islamic Private Banking & Wealth Management offering for international clients across generations. This is supported by the extensive expertise in managing regional portfolios, equity funds, international real estate, Ijara, and trade finance, and by the extensive network that helps provide clients with access to a range of world-class, local and international shariah-compliant investment opportunities, available across multiple jurisdictions & booking centers.