Kuwait Finance House (KFH) announced the launch of its fifth Sustainability Report, covering the year 2024. This report adheres to global standards, aligns with Sustainable Development Goals, and highlights KFH's journey of over four decades of banking excellence and leadership in Kuwait and the wider region.

Moreover, the report details KFH's performance based on EESG principles, in line with national and sustainable development goals. This latest edition also highlights KFH's adherence to sustainable growth practices and its position as a globally recognized Islamic financial institution in the realm of sustainable finance.

Developed in line with the latest global standards, such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the Integrated Reporting Framework, the report covers the period from January 1 to December 31, 2024. It serves as a key reference for the bank's performance across the three pillars of sustainability: Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG).

In his message, KFH Chairman, Hamad Abdulmohsen Al-Marzouq said: "Within this report, we reiterate our commitment to embedding the Sustainable Development Goals as a foundational pillar within our operations. To that end, we have successfully continued our efforts to fully integrate sustainability across KFH's operations, thereby ensuring alignment with the bank's overarching mission and core values. We have also enhanced our key governance principles, reaffirmed our commitment to the societies we serve, and consistently offered comprehensive and innovative financial solutions to meet our customers' aspirations. Furthermore, KFH has sustained its pioneering position amidst the ongoing digital transformation, while concurrently enhancing the efficient leveraging of our resources and actively supporting environmental initiatives that yield a demonstrable positive impact."

He added that:” KFH is the first bank to establish a Governance and Sustainability Committee reporting to its Board of Directors. KFH is also the first bank to have designed an integrated sustainability strategy covering the four pillars of economy, environment, society, and governance. In addition, it is the first bank to have established a department assigned to monitor sustainability strategy and promote green finance products.”

Al-Marzouq added:” In support of its sustainability vision, KFH continues to promote its governance framework. The Bank has successfully expanded the implementation of its comprehensive governance framework to include the subsidiary banks. This was achieved through integrating risk systems and frameworks and adopting globally recognized best practices. This strategy facilitated the continuation of the seamless integration initiatives at the Group level. As a result, the Group underwent strategic reviews by leading international credit rating agencies, such as Moody’s and Fitch, which highlighted the robustness of its risk management frameworks and their positive impact on the Group’s asset quality.”

Financial growth boosts green finance's positive impact

KFH reported a strong financial performance in 2024, delivering historic results that reinforced its sustainability efforts. The Bank recorded a net profit of KD 601.8 million, an increase of 3% compared to the previous year. Total operating income reached KD 1.6 billion, an increase of 11.6%. KFH further increased its investment in green Sukuk to $364 million in 2024, a 4% increase compared to last year's investment.

Achieving Environmental Goals and Expanding Clean Energy

In 2024, KFH achieved significant environmental progress as 51% of its new credit cards were released from recycled plastic. Furthermore, KFH holds a LEED Gold Certification for Existing Building – Operations and Maintenance.

Woman and youth empowerment within a motivating work environment

KFH's commitment to social responsibility saw tangible results, with a 4.3% year-over-year increase in the employment of people with disabilities across the Group. In a further move to support the community, 39% of KFH's retail finance portfolio was extended to women. The bank is seeing a growing female workforce, now at 24.5%, with a significant 25.8% of employees under 30. This positive trend, coupled with a drop in voluntary turnover to just 5.52%, highlights a stable and motivating work environment.

An accelerated digital investment and smart banking experience

KFH continues its digital expansion with approximately 10 KFH Go branches currently in operation. This effort has boosted the CX index to 79.5%, showcasing the bank's successful strategy in improving service quality and providing secure, smart solutions.

Supporting the national economy and a KD 30 million social contribution

As part of its commitment to supporting the national economy, KFH directed 92.3% of its total procurement spending to local suppliers, aiming to develop national supply chains and stimulate the local market. Social contributions reached about KD 30 million in 2024, covering diverse initiatives in education, health, the environment, youth empowerment, and more.

A more sustainable banking model

The report emphasizes KFH's commitment to sustainability as a core strategic pillar, directly rooted in Islamic banking principles. KFH consistently develops its policies and investments to align with the aspirations of its customers and beneficiaries. This approach ensures a balance between financial growth and environmental and social responsibility, powerfully reflecting its unwavering dedication to Sharia principles.

Dominating awards and rankings in 2024

Reaffirming its prominent regional and global position, KFH earned 47 prestigious awards and rankings at the local and international levels in 2024. These accolades underscore its institutional excellence and leadership in Islamic finance, governance, sustainability, and talent development.

The most notable recognitions include “World's Best Islamic Financial Institution” from Global Finance magazine, “Kuwait’s Best Bank” and “Kuwait's Best Bank for ESG” from Euromoney, “Bank of the Year 2024 – Kuwait” from The Banker and “Corporate Social Responsibility – Middle East” award from EMEA Finance. KFH ranked first in Kuwait by The Banker magazine in terms of growth and return on risk. Moreover, KFH secured the 10th place on Forbes Top 100 Listed Companies (Middle East) and as the top Kuwaiti company by market value and profitability. In human resources, the Bank garnered 13 global awards from the Brandon Hall Group.

World-class rankings and prestigious awards

In recognition of its sustainability efforts, KFH achieved MSCI ESG "A" Rating for its exemplary (ESG) practices and sustainable finance commitment. Additionally, the Bank scooped the “Kuwait’s Best Bank for ESG” award by Euromoney Magazine. Also, KFH has been included in the FTSE4Good Index Series.

KFH achieved another milestone being the first bank in Kuwait to receive the GSAS-Gold Level Certification for KFH Auto showroom building.

KFH was honored to participate in the Sixteenth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) held in Riyadh. Furthermore, KFH proudly joined the inaugural Global Takaful Alliance agreement in collaboration with the UNDP. The Bank also released its issue of the Carbon Footprint Report, the first of its kind in the Kuwaiti banking sector and continued issuing sustainability reports, representing its solid commitment in environmental leadership and financial banking.

2024 ESG Highlights

Economics

• KD 16.3 billion operating income, an increase of 11.6%.
• KD 601.8 million net profit, an increase of 3%.
• USD 364 million Green Sukuk investment, a 4% increase compared to 2023.

Environmental

• 51% of credit cards issued in 2024 were made from recycled plastic, a 4.08% increase from 2023.
• LEED Gold Certification for Operations and Maintenance awarded to one of KFH's branches.

Social

• 244 people with disabilities employed across KFH Group, marking a 4.3%.
• 39% of KFH’s retail finance portfolio was extended to female clients.
• 24.5% female participation in the workforce, an increase of 2.1% .
• 25.8% of employees are under the age of 30.
• 5.51% voluntary turnover.
• 10 KFH Go digital branches.
• 92.3% of total procurement spending is directed to local suppliers.
• 79.5% CX Index, reflecting a 1.7% increase.

Governance

• 100% of Board members are non-executive directors
• 29% of Board members are independent directors
• 7% female representation on the Board
• 100% of employees completed anti-corruption training