KUWAIT: Al-Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK) Group announced its financial results for Q1 2025, reflecting continued outstanding performance and growth across financial indicators. The Group recorded a net profit of KD 15.69 million, up 8 percent year-on-year. Earnings per share stood at 5 fils, and operating profit increased by 5 percent to KD 29.27 million. Total assets grew year-on-year by 13 percent to KD 7.36 billion while customer deposits rose 12 percent to KD 4.40 billion, and loans and advances grew by 10.5 percent to KD 4.72 billion. The non-performing loan (NPL) ratio stood at 1.38 percent, covered by provisions at 433 percent. The Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) was 16.78 percent, and shareholders’ equity rose by 8.3 percent to KD 642.85 million.

Commenting on the results, Talal Mohammed Reza Behbehani, Chairman of ABK Group, said, “The Q1 2025 results reflect growth across our financial indicators and our ability to achieve our strategic objectives through a diversified business model, carefully considered strategic investments, and prudent risk management.”

He emphasized that the performance indicators reflect the Group’s balanced operations, strong financial position, and successful strategy for sustaining growth across sectors. He highlighted ABK’s continued focus on increasing its market share through continuous innovation in banking solutions.

Behbehani noted that ABK successfully achieved its goals, maintained a strong financial position, solid profitability, outstanding operational performance, and expanded banking services to meet the needs of diverse customer segments while keeping up with ongoing changes in the banking industry.

He added that the financial results come as ABK continues to adopt digital transformation, innovation, flexibility, and improved operational efficiency. Behbehani stated that ABK is actively executing its digital transformation plan, achieving notable successes, such as continuously enhancing the Bank’s official website, launching the new mobile application with advanced features for around-the-clock customer service at industry-leading standards, and forming strategic partnerships with global organizations to leverage AI technologies across Group operations. He affirmed the Bank’s commitment to the highest quality and security standards to attract customers and position ABK as a preferred banking partner.

Seizing opportunities

Behbehani added that ABK is keen to seize opportunities across different global markets to ensure thoughtful expansion, maintain a strong financial position, and continuously deliver added value to all stakeholders. He stressed ABK’s commitment to supporting economic growth and development in Kuwait by financing infrastructure projects, supporting entrepreneurs, promoting financial inclusion, and developing operational capabilities in Kuwait, Egypt, and the UAE.

He also noted that ABK maintained high credit ratings of ‘A’ from Fitch and ‘A2’ from Moody’s, confirming the Group’s financial strength and resilience. He emphasized the Group’s commitment to ESG principles, integrating them across daily operations to improve global rankings and reduce operational costs positively impacting financial indicators.

Behbehani thanked the Central Bank of Kuwait, Kuwait Banking Association, Central Bank of the UAE, Central Bank of Egypt, and all regulatory authorities in Kuwait, Egypt, and the UAE for their continued support.

Abdulla Al-Sumait, Acting Group CEO of ABK

Investment yields

Abdulla Al-Sumait, Acting Group CEO of ABK, stated, “The financial results demonstrate our operational strength and resilience, helping us sustain net profit growth. They also show that the Group continues to reap the benefits of investments across sectors to enhance competitiveness in Kuwait and the regional markets where we operate, including Egypt and the UAE.”

He highlighted that ABK secured USD 1 billion in financing in Q1 2025 — the highest in its history — reflecting the Group’s robust financial position and liquidity, and the confidence of investors from the Middle East, the US, Europe, and Asia. These funds will be used to maintain financial stability, enhance customer service, develop operations, pursue sustainable growth, and seize upcoming opportunities.

He also noted the signing of a $50 million credit facility agreement between ABK’s DIFC branch and the Uzbek Industrial and Construction Bank (SQB), strengthening ABK’s strategic diversification and global trade relations. Al-Sumait highlighted ABK-Egypt’s expansion efforts, with the opening of a new branch in Palm Hills, 6th of October City, bringing the branch network to 46 across 18 governorates in Egypt. This aligns with a strategy to expand geographically, increase the customer base, and offer diverse banking products and services to deliver a simpler banking experience.

He emphasized the Bank’s ongoing investment in developing employee capabilities through specialized training programs, enabling innovation in banking solutions and services to meet customer expectations and ensure smooth financial transactions.

Community initiatives

Al-Sumait noted that Q1 2025 witnessed several community initiatives by ABK under its corporate social responsibility program, specifically during the recent holy month of Ramadan. This includes distributing iftar meals across Kuwait, providing food baskets in collaboration with the Kuwait Red Crescent Society, continuing sponsorships with the Kuwaiti Al-Arabi Sports Club for futsal and penalty shootout tournaments, launching an innovative TV advertisement, among other activities demonstrating ABK’s commitment to supporting community success.

‘Let’s Be Aware’ campaign

In conclusion, Al-Sumait revealed that ABK continues to support the ‘Let’s Be Aware’ financial literacy campaign in cooperation with the Central Bank of Kuwait and the Kuwait Banking Association, offering informative content across its social media platforms to promote financial inclusion, raise awareness against banking fraud, and noting ABK’s recognition as one of the top banks supporting the campaign.