KIB awarded “Excellence in Digital Leadership and Customer-Centric Banking in Kuwait” for 2025 by World Union of Arab Bankers

Kuwait International Bank (KIB) has been awarded by the World Union of Arab Bankers (WUAB) with the “Excellence in Digital Leadership and Customer-Centric Banking in Kuwait for the Year 2025” award. The accolade was presented during the 11th Arab Banks Awards and Commendations of Excellence 2025 ceremony, held in Beirut and organized by The Banking Executive Magazine, the Union’s official publication.

The ceremony was attended by Mr. Musab Al-Shalan, Deputy General Manager of the Retail Banking Department, who accepted the award on behalf of the Bank, along with Ms. Marwa Marafie, KIB’s Marketing & Corporate Communications Manager. This prestigious honor reaffirms KIB’s remarkable achievements in digital infrastructure and strategic commitment to placing customer service at the forefront in all its innovative initiatives.

The selection process was based on multiple criteria, including a strong focus on digital customer experience, personalized, flexible, and user-friendly services relying on data analysis and a deep understanding of customer needs. In addition, by updating multiple features, the Bank enabled seamless e-payment services, namely KIBPay. This resulted in a significant increase in the volumes of digital transactions and high-performing indicators in customer satisfaction.

Commenting on the Bank’s latest recognition, Musab Al-Shalan, Deputy General Manager of the Retail Banking Department at KIB, said: “We’re honored by this recognition from the World Union of Arab Bankers, which reflects the work we’ve been doing to continuously evolve KIB into a state-of-the-art digital-first and customer-centric institution. Our product development capabilities have grown significantly, with innovation embedded throughout each phase of our offerings. We continue to invest in building next-generation digital platforms that meet evolving market needs and foster deeper customer engagement.”

Al-Shalan emphasized that KIB’s participation in this ceremony reaffirms the Bank’s keenness to strengthening its regional presence and activate communication channels with Arab and international banking institutions. It also reflects its commitment to strengthening its relationship with the Union of Arab Banks and other banking institutions, along with the relevant official and media personalities. This participation also falls within KIB’s broader commitment to supporting events that contribute to the development and unity of the Arab banking sector, while also highlighting Beirut’s role as a pivotal center embracing initiatives aimed at advancing the banking profession at the regional and international levels. The Bank extends its wishes for Lebanon’s continued prosperity and stability.

He also stated that during 2024, the bank released a series of digital enhancements and distinctive services to its mobile app. These included the launch of the Interactive Teller Machine (ITM), along with the launch of distinctive digital card, the KIB Multicurrency Prepaid Card loaded with 12 different currencies. These services and updates contributed to notable results, including an increase of 71% in the number of transactions conducted via the bank’s mobile app and digital channels, a 31.25% rise in registered app users, and a 72% growth in the number of customers engaging with the KIB Rewards Program.

Al-Shalan reaffirmed: “KIB has sharpened its focus on the customer experience, an area which remains a key driver for sustainable growth. Understanding our customers’ needs and delivering that with precision guides everything we do. We are increasingly leveraging data intelligence to deliver personalized, value-driven services to both individual and business customers.”

It is worth noting that the World Union of Arab Bankers, headquartered in the Lebanese capital Beirut, comprises more than 500 members from the Arab banking sector. The organization publishes The Banking Executive Magazine, which launched the Arab Banks Awards and Commendations of Excellence in 2015. Since then, the event has become one of the most prominent events in the Arab banking industry, annually honoring more than 50 banks across the region.

KIB’s recognition highlights its role as an active contributor in developing cutting-edge digital solutions. The Bank continues to align its strategy with innovation, operational excellence, and customer empowerment. It constantly strives to bring a seamless, modern, and secure banking experience to all segments of society, stemming from its core promise, ‘Bank for Life’.