Recognition demonstrates NBK's exceptionally strong ratings, and successful strategy

KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) maintained its listing in The World's 50 Safest Banks in 2019 list by Global Finance for the 14th consecutive time; topping international financial heavyweights. NBK is the only Kuwaiti bank in Global Finance's list.

According to the new ranking, NBK ranks 46st on Global Finance's list of the World's 50 Safest Banks for 2019 and. This recognition demonstrates NBK's exceptionally strong ratings, successful strategy, high standards and rigorous risk management discipline and governance.

National Bank of Kuwait has maintained this prestigious ranking for more than a decade, reflecting the strength and consistency it has enjoyed. During this period, which witnessed many challenges in the banking industry, NBK demonstrated its ability to overcome the obstacles within a changing environment and strengthen its leadership position. Global Finance rankings are based on collective long-term credit ratings from Moody's, Standard & Poor's and Fitch Ratings in addition to the total assets of the 500 largest banks worldwide. For 27 years, Global Finance's listings have been well-recognized and trusted standards for the creditworthiness of financial institutions.

Safest Banks rankings consider as one of global standards to compare the reliability of banks across the world and trusted metric to aid readers in their decision-making processes regarding which bank they use especially among changing trade policies are having an impact on countries everywhere.

NBK continues to enjoy one of the highest credit ratings in the MENA region and internationally, with ratings of Aa3 from Moody's, A+ from Standard & Poor's and AA- from Fitch, all ratings carry a stable outlook. The Bank's ratings are supported by NBK's conservative strategy, strong capitalization & asset quality, prudent lending policies, wise risk management and a highly stable management team.

NBK enjoys a wide banking presence with an international footprint spanning across the world's leading financial centers including London, Paris, Geneva, New York and Singapore, as well as China (Shanghai). NBK's MENA presence extends to Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Turkey.