ShareKUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait - Egypt (NBK-Egypt) has reported net profits of EGP 5.2 billion (equivalent to KD 38.2 million) for the first nine months of 2024, a significant increase from the EGP 2.6 billion (equivalent to KD 26.5 million) reported in the corresponding period of 2023, showcasing an impressive growth rate of 101 percent. Net Operating Income stood at EGP 9.7 billion, recording a substantial increase of 57 percent from EGP 6.2 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2023. In the meantime, Net Interest Income grew by 65 percent, reaching EGP 8.2 billion compared to EGP 5 billion in 9M2023. Meanwhile, Net Operating Income (excluding interests) increased to EGP 1.4 billion in 9M2024, compared to EGP 1.2 million in 9M2023, up 23 percent, while Cost to Net Operating Income dropped from 32 percent in 9M2023 to 22 percent in 9M2024.
Total assets reached EGP 181.9 billion by the end of the third quarter of 2024, up by 39 percent compared to EGP 130.6 billion by the end of 2023. Furthermore, total loans and credit facilities expanded to EGP 98.1 billion by the end of 3Q2024, reflecting a growth rate of 29 percent compared to EGP 76.1 billion recorded at the end of 2023.
Additionally, customer deposits increased to EGP 147.2 billion by the end of 3Q2024, up from EGP 105.9 billion at the end of 2023, representing a growth rate of 39 percent. Furthermore, the Return on Average Assets (ROAA) improved to 4 percent in September 2024, compared to 3 percent in the corresponding period of 2023, while the Return on Average Equity (ROAE) increased to 40 percent in 3Q2024, up from 28 percent in the corresponding period of 2023.
Commenting on the financial results announced by NBK-Egypt, Shaikha Al-Bahar, Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer, National Bank of Kuwait, and Chairman of NBK-Egypt, said: “The robust growth in NBK-Egypt’s profits and financial performance by the end of 3Q2024 underscores the strength of the bank’s financial position and the resilience of its profit-generating business model, even amid operational challenges. Since its debut in the Egyptian market in 2007, NBK Group has consistently demonstrated its confidence in the significant opportunities and untapped potential this dynamic market offers”.
Al-Bahar highlighted the Egyptian market’s strategic importance to NBK Group, emphasizing its position as a cornerstone of the Group’s long-term investment strategy. Egypt is considered the second domestic market for the Group and hosts NBK’s largest Kuwaiti investment outside Kuwait. The bank has established a strong presence in the Egyptian banking sector as one of the fastest-growing institutions in the market. NBK-Egypt’s operations are among the Group’s most profitable, consistently delivering high returns on equity. All financial indicators point to continued success, with the bank positioned for further expansion and increased market share. Al-Bahar also noted NBK’s significant focus on enhancing retail banking services in Egypt, the most populous market in the region.
“We are committed to enhancing service quality, expanding our geographical reach, and engaging with a broader and more diverse customer base. This strategy leverages the substantial advancements the bank has achieved in digital infrastructure, information technology, and electronic channels, which have experienced remarkable growth. These developments have positioned the bank as a strong competitor in the Egyptian banking sector, particularly amidst the growing demand for banking services and the rising rates of financial inclusion,” Al-Bahar added.
Meanwhile, Vice Chairman, CEO, and Managing Director of National Bank of Kuwait-Egypt, Yasser El-Tayeb, said: “Despite the exceptional challenges faced by the business community both locally and globally, the bank’s financial performance at the end of the third quarter of 2024 underscores its resilience and capacity for growth. Strong financial figures and indicators highlight the bank’s ability to achieve solid results, reflecting the effectiveness of its business model and strategic direction”.
El-Tayeb emphasized that NBK-Egypt’s business growth reflects a balanced expansion across all operations, underpinned by maintaining efficiency and risk ratios aligned with both growth objectives and long-term sustainability. This achievement stems from the bank’s prudent strategies and a well-considered business model designed to adapt with agility to customer needs while ensuring operational resilience.
El-Tayeb highlighted that NBK-Egypt’s income sources are predominantly driven by credit operations in the corporate sector, complemented by the substantial growth of the retail banking sector, particularly in recent years. The bank’s credit portfolio demonstrates a significant diversity, catering to a wide range of companies, including large, medium, and small enterprises. Additionally, the retail banking portfolio encompasses various customer segments, reflecting the robustness and diversity of the bank’s revenue streams. This diversity underscores the organization’s strategic strength and its ability to sustain growth across multiple sectors.
Furthermore, he emphasized that the bank is focused on further strengthening its position in the retail banking sector by offering advanced services and products tailored to diverse customer segments. The goal is to establish the bank as a comprehensive financial institution that not only meets all customers’ financial needs but also offers a range of services that enhance their connection to the bank, supporting their work and lifestyle both within Egypt and abroad. This vision is bolstered by NBK Group’s extensive regional and global presence, operating in 13 countries worldwide, which enables the bank to offer a robust and internationally connected banking experience.
El-Tayeb also stated that the bank recognizes the crucial role of technology and electronic channels in the banking sector, understanding their importance in enhancing competitive advantage, stating that: “With this in mind, we have prioritized a strong push to expand our electronic banking services, investing significantly in this field. Our aim is to provide customers with a unique banking experience that enables them to complete most banking transactions wherever they are, whenever they want. Additionally, we are actively encouraging customers to increase their use of electronic payment methods, aligning with the broader national strategy and the policies of the Central Bank of Egypt.”
El-Tayeb concluded by emphasizing that NBK-Egypt is committed to supporting the global shift towards sustainable finance and the transition to a green economy. The bank actively supports environmentally friendly projects that promote sustainability and increasingly rely on renewable energy sources. Additionally, the bank is exploring solutions to mitigate the negative effects of climate change and reduce carbon emissions. Sustainable finance, he noted, has become one of the most critical tools for ensuring long-term financial stability.
