ABK reports 9% y-o-y growth in net profit to KD 31.73 million for H1 2025

31/07/2025 07:26 AST

Al-Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK) proudly announced its robust financial results for H1 2025, once again affirming its position as a leading financial institution.

Financial performance
ABK Group recorded a net profit attribute to shareholders of KD 31.73 million, up 9 percent year-on-year. Earnings per share stood at 11 fils, and operating profit increased by 18 percent to KD 62.94 million. Operating income increased year-on-year by 8 percent to KD 108.83 million. Total assets grew year-on-year by 8 percent to KD 7.19 billion, loans and advances grew by 5 percent to KD 4.72 billion, while customer deposits rose 9 percent to KD 4.32 billion, affirming the Group's reputation as a trusted financial partner.

The non-performing loan (NPL) ratio stood at 1.35 percent, covered by provisions at 447 percent. The Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) was 16.96 percent, and shareholders' equity rose by 4.6 percent to KD 635.38 million, further underscoring ABK's financial stability. On this occasion, Talal Mohammad Reza Behbehani, Chairman of ABK, stated that the Group's results for the first half of 2025 reflect the strength of its financial position and its success in achieving strategic objectives. He emphasized, "These achievements were made possible through the implementation of diverse plans aimed at developing ABK's banking services and products, clearly demonstrating the Group's ability to maximize returns for shareholders."

Behbehani added that ABK's profits were achieved as part of the ongoing development of the Bank's strategy to keep pace with advancements in the banking industry locally, regionally, and globally. He explained that the Group's prudent approach in mitigating global economic challenges contributed to continued growth across of its key financial indicators during the first six months of 2025. He stressed that digital transformation remains a core pillar of ABK Group's operations, with a focus on integrating advanced digital technologies across the organization to ensure seamless customer experience across our different lines of business. The Bank is also committed to harnessing artificial intelligence in its operations to elevate the quality of banking services and diverse solutions provided to all customer segments.

Behbehani further emphasized that ABK Group dedicates all its resources to supporting the successful realization of the New Kuwait 2035 vision and is committed to working alongside relevant stakeholders to facilitate the financing and development of upcoming national projects.

Awards, ratings and ESG
Behbehani revealed that the Group has continued to earn the confidence of global institutions, as evidenced by several awards received since the beginning of the year. These include the 'Best Digital Transformation Initiative' award at the 2025 MEED Middle East Banking Excellence Awards, as well as the 'Best Call Center' in the banking sector in Kuwait award from Global Brands Magazine. He noted that these awards came as a result of recent enhancements to ABK's customer service center, the launch of an entirely new mobile application and the ongoing development of the Bank's website to provide world class round-the-clock customer service.

He also highlighted that ABK has successfully maintained its strong credit ratings of 'A' from Fitch and 'A2' from Moody's, which underscores the Group's solid financial position and its ability to navigate challenges while meeting the expectations of financial rating agencies evaluating the performance of Kuwait's banking sector. Behbehani pointed out that ABK Group is committed to applying sustainability standards across all of its daily operations and in all markets where it operates. He emphasized the Bank's recent recognition as a leading institution in environmental sustainability through its ranking in Kuwait's first-ever Climate Sustainability Index. He confirmed that the Group will continue to publish comprehensive annual sustainability reports to provide transparent updates on developments across all aspects of its operations.

In conclusion, Behbehani expressed his gratitude to the Board of Directors, executive management and all ABK employees for their ongoing efforts and contributions to the success of the Group's plans and its growing position as a leader in the banking sector. He also acknowledged the continuous support ABK receives from all regulatory authorities in Kuwait, Egypt and the UAE, whose collaboration helps foster growth and advancement across the banking sector.

Future plans
In turn, Abdulla Al-Sumait, Deputy Group CEO of ABK, affirmed, "The Group's profits for the first half of 2025 are the result of close collaboration between various divisions and teams to successfully execute the Group's strategic plans. They reflect ABK's ability to improve its profitability and capital strength indicators and effectively respond to evolving market dynamics."

Customer engagement
The first half of 2025 also witnessed increased engagement between ABK and its customers, with the Bank organizing several exclusive events, including a private forum for Private Banking clients and ABK Capital, the Group's investment arm, to update them on the latest developments in the banking and investment sectors. During the first six months of 2025, the Bank signed multiple partnership agreements to provide exclusive offers for its customers, including renewing its partnership with Emirates Skywards and introducing discounts for ABK cardholders. These initiatives reinforce the Bank's reputation as the preferred banking partner for customers.

Regional expansion
In addition, ABK Group continued to expand its operations internationally by opening new branches in Egypt, launching additional products to grow its customer base in the UAE, and establishing a subsidiary of ABK Capital in the Dubai International Financial Centre. These steps will enhance the integration of the Group's operations.

Community initiatives
ABK also continued to sponsor numerous community events, reflecting its ongoing commitment to corporate social responsibility and active engagement with all segments of society. Sponsorships in 2025 included the final of His Highness the Crown Prince Football Cup, the Annual Diabetes Conference in collaboration with Amiri Hospital, the Porsche Club Kuwait annual festival, a Drug Awareness Conference, and several school visits aimed at enhancing financial literacy among students of all age groups. The Bank also participated in various career fairs and exhibitions across multiple sectors.

Furthermore, the Bank maintained its support for the Central Bank of Kuwait and the Kuwait Banking Association's 'Let's Be Aware' campaign to promote financial literacy in Kuwait. ABK actively promoted the campaign through its social media platforms, digital screens across its branches, traditional media outlets, television, radio and cinema advertisements.

The Bank also organized several padel tournaments and interactive events to raise awareness of the campaign's objectives, demonstrating its leadership role in supporting national community initiatives and leveraging its resources to achieve the desired impact. In conclusion, Al-Sumait emphasized that the coming period will see further development of the Group's operations, with the introduction of more innovative banking solutions and products, contributing to sustained profit growth in the future.

Kuwait Times