In line with its commitment to integrating sustainable development goals as a key pillar into its operations, Kuwait Finance House (KFH) has announced the launch of the Sustainability Competition 2025 for its employees. The initiative aims to motivate creativity and adopt innovative and applicable ideas that enhance the Bank’s performance across economic, environmental, social and governance aspects of sustainability (EESG).

The competition is designed to promote sustainability as a comprehensive institutional approach by actively engaging employees in developing innovative and dynamic solutions that contribute to improving operational efficiency, reducing operating costs, and creating added value for KFH. It also offers participants the opportunity to win a cash prize of up to $15,000 for the best implementable idea.

The competition is an extension of a series of sustainability-focused programs adopted by KFH. The competition is open to all employees to submit innovative ideas that include the following:

• Initiatives that enhance the well-being of employees and promote their engagement in the workplace.
• Community initiatives with a tangible and sustainable impact.
• Initiatives to reduce carbon emissions in KFH buildings and improve climate risk management.

Executive Manager Governance and Sustainability at KFH, Mohammad Alarbeed, stated that the competition underscores the Bank’s commitment to fostering innovation and creativity among its employees in sustainability. It also reflects KFH’s belief that human capital is the primary driver of development and the cornerstone for building an innovative and sustainable work environment.

He added: “In 2025, KFH achieved notable success in reinforcing its leadership in sustainability through the integration of sustainability elements into the Group’s strategy and the adoption of ESG principles in alignment with Kuwait Vision 2035 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These efforts align with the Bank’s standing as the largest bank in Kuwait by market cap, and the world’s second-largest Islamic bank. They also reflect KFH’s well-established expertise in Islamic finance.”

Advanced rankings

Alarbeed further said: “In recognition of its successful sustainability efforts, KFH achieved MSCI ESG "A" Rating. KFH was included in the included in the FTSE4Good Index for its outstanding performance in ESG practices. The Bank also became the first bank in Kuwait to receive the GSAS Gold Level Sustainability Assessment System Certificate for its Auto Showroom building.

Prestigious sustainability awards

Further affirming its achievements in sustainability, KFH Group Chief Executive Officer, Khaled Yousef AlShamlan, has been recognized on Forbes Middle East magazine's "The Middle East's Sustainability Leaders 2025” list AlShamlan was ranked as the top CEO in Kuwait and the fifth in the Middle East`s banking sector. Additionally, KFH won the Most Sustainable Projects award for 2025 from Forbes Middle East magazine. KFH also bagged the Sustainability Award – Middle East Level from EMEA Finance. KFH also received the Banking Excellence Award as part of its participation in the Kuwait Builders Summit 2025 (KBS). The award was based on specific criteria including quality, financial solvency, innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility. 

Sustainability report

During 2025, KFH issued its fifth annual Sustainability Report, highlighting the Bank’s proactive initiatives in sustainability and social responsibility.

Carbon footprint report

KFH also released its third Carbon Footprint Report, providing a comprehensive assessment of the environmental impact of its operations. The report supports the Bank’s ongoing efforts to monitor and track carbon emissions and further enhance environmental performance.