Warba Bank, one of Kuwait’s leading Islamic financial institutions, has unveiled a new youth-focused digital platform called Wave Banking, marking a significant step in its digital transformation strategy.
The service, launched under the slogan “Your Wave, Your Way”, is designed to give young customers more independence and confidence in managing their finances through a fully digital journey, from account opening to daily transactions.
Ahmad Faisal Al-Qatami, Warba’s Chief Retail Banking Officer, described the initiative as a “strategic milestone” for the bank. “We believe youth are the driving force of change and progress in society,” he said. “Wave Banking provides them with the independence to manage their money while enjoying exclusive benefits suited to their lifestyle.”
One of the platform’s standout features is a Prepaid Visa Card offering up to 3% cashback on purchases in Kuwait and abroad, capped at KD 150 per month. This, the bank said, makes it one of the strongest cashback programmes available locally.
Designed for the digital generation
Warba’s research into the needs of young Kuwaitis informed the design of Wave Banking. The platform integrates smart tools, including an interactive financial dashboard that allows users to set budgets, track expenses, and monitor progress in real time.
It also supports electronic disbursement of student allowances, reducing reliance on cash and branch visits. Advanced security features and artificial intelligence-driven insights are built into the system to enhance safety and personalisation.
Al-Qatami said the platform represents “a forward-looking model of engagement with the digital generation,” combining banking with lifestyle benefits.
Rewards and academic support
Among the exclusive services is the Imtiyaz Programme, which rewards outstanding university students. Those maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or above can earn up to KD 50 per semester, along with 5,000 Mokhba points redeemable through the app.
Students apply digitally via the Warba app, eliminating paperwork and branch visits. The programme, the bank said, is part of its broader commitment to education and financial empowerment.
Another feature, Wave Wednesday, offers weekly prize draws where customers can win shopping vouchers from partners such as Talabat and Oula Fuel.
The platform also includes a youth-focused digital marketplace, providing curated discounts and deals unavailable to other customer segments.
Strategic partnerships and future plans
To enrich the service, Warba has partnered with leading local and regional brands, ensuring benefits extend beyond banking to shopping, entertainment, and transport.
The bank said Wave Banking is aligned with its vision “Let’s Own Tomorrow”, reflecting a long-term strategy to empower youth and promote financial inclusion.
By combining cashback, rewards, and smart financial tools, Warba hopes to reshape how Kuwait’s banking sector engages with younger generations. “Wave Banking reflects our ability to innovate and stay ahead of global developments while addressing local needs,” Al-Qatami added.
Industry observers expect the launch to spur further innovation in Kuwait’s banking sector, with competition driving more digital-first services tailored to the country’s tech-savvy youth.
