Kuwait International Bank (KIB) has received a prestigious accolade from the World Union of Arab Bankers (WUAB), earning the title of “Excellence in Digital Leadership and Customer-Centric Banking in Kuwait for the Year 2025”. The award was presented during the 11th Arab Banks Awards and Commendations of Excellence ceremony held in Beirut, organised by The Banking Executive Magazine, WUAB’s official publication.
Representing KIB at the ceremony were Mr. Musab Al-Shalan, Deputy General Manager of the Retail Banking Department, and Ms. Marwa Marafie, Marketing & Corporate Communications Manager, who jointly accepted the award on behalf of the bank.
The award reflects KIB’s notable progress in modernising its digital infrastructure and reaffirming its strategic commitment to delivering customer-first services. The selection process was rigorous, with judges assessing factors such as digital innovation, user-friendly services, customer experience, and technological integration based on customer needs and behaviour.
A standout innovation contributing to this achievement was KIBPay, the Bank’s seamless e-payment solution. Paired with various app enhancements and intelligent data usage, it led to marked growth in digital transactions and significant improvements in customer satisfaction metrics.
“We’re honoured by this recognition from the World Union of Arab Bankers,” said Musab Al-Shalan. “It reflects the work we’ve been doing to evolve KIB into a digital-first, customer-focused institution. Our continued investment in next-generation platforms supports stronger engagement and adaptability in a rapidly changing market.”
In 2024, KIB launched several digital upgrades including the Interactive Teller Machine (ITM) and the KIB Multicurrency Prepaid Card, which supports 12 different currencies. These initiatives, according to Al-Shalan, helped boost mobile and digital transactions by 71%, increased app users by over 31%, and significantly enhanced customer interaction with the KIB Rewards Program.
Beyond digital achievements, KIB’s participation in the Beirut event also served as a gesture of solidarity and support for Lebanon’s role as a regional hub for financial innovation and dialogue. “Our involvement reaffirms our commitment to strengthening ties with Arab and global banking institutions and to supporting efforts that unite and advance the Arab banking sector,” Al-Shalan noted.
The World Union of Arab Bankers, headquartered in Beirut, includes over 500 member institutions. Since launching the Arab Banks Awards in 2015, the annual event has become a major fixture in the regional banking calendar, recognising over 50 institutions across the Arab world each year.
KIB’s recognition positions it as a leader in Kuwait’s rapidly evolving banking landscape. The Bank’s ongoing strategy continues to centre on innovation, operational excellence, and an unwavering focus on customer empowerment, in line with its long-standing brand promise: Bank for Life.
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