Kuwait International Bank (KIB) reported KD 26.6 million in net profit for the first nine months of 2026. The result marked a 30 percent increase from KD 20.4 million recorded during the same period last year. KIB profits also strengthened during the third quarter, reflecting growth across several key financial indicators.
Sheikh Mohammed Jarrah Al-Sabah, KIB chairman, announced the results for the period ending September 30. Earnings per share reached 13.51 fils, compared with 9.98 fils a year earlier. Meanwhile, the bank generated approximately KD 9 million in shareholder profit during the third quarter alone, representing annual growth of 62 percent.
Al-Sabah attributed the performance to the bank’s strategy and its focus on sustainable business growth. He said KIB continued to navigate regional market developments while prioritizing income diversification, operational efficiency and prudent risk management. Additionally, the bank expanded its products and services while strengthening relationships with customers and investors.
The group’s total assets reached KD 4.74 billion by September 30, representing an eight percent annual increase. Assets stood at KD 4.37 billion during the comparable period in 2025. Furthermore, the financing portfolio expanded eight percent, adding KD 269 million to reach KD 3.48 billion.
KIB’s investment portfolio also recorded growth during the nine-month period. It increased 12 percent, or KD 62 million, to approximately KD 582.7 million. The portfolio includes high-quality sukuk, reflecting the bank’s continued activity in Islamic finance and investment markets.
Stronger income and financial position
Raed Jawad Bukhamseen, KIB vice chairman and chief executive officer, said the bank continued developing a more diversified and resilient business model. He highlighted ongoing investment in employees, technology and services to meet changing customer needs. Moreover, KIB expanded its activity across regional capital markets while continuing to develop its domestic business.
Net fee and commission income rose 33 percent to KD 10.3 million, compared with KD 7.7 million last year. Net investment income also increased four percent, reaching KD 4.5 million from KD 4.3 million. Consequently, total operating income grew seven percent to KD 69 million during the first nine months.
Customer deposits increased two percent to KD 3.08 billion by September 30, compared with KD 3.03 billion a year earlier. Total shareholders’ equity reached KD 374 million, up from KD 371 million. Meanwhile, the bank reported a capital adequacy ratio of 20.32 percent under Basel III requirements.
KIB also maintained a liquidity coverage ratio of 238.1 percent at the end of September. These indicators support the bank’s liquidity position and provide capacity to pursue its planned growth initiatives. Nevertheless, management emphasized continued attention to capital strength, risk controls and operational performance.International sukuk issuance attracts investor demand
In September, KIB priced its first $500 million senior unsecured sukuk issuance, carrying a five-year maturity. The transaction formed part of the bank’s $1.5 billion sukuk programme. Investor demand reached approximately $1.2 billion, equivalent to 2.4 times the issuance amount.
The final spread stood at 95 basis points above comparable US Treasury yields. The sukuk offered an annual profit rate of 5.502 percent. According to Bukhamseen, the transaction strengthened the bank’s long-term funding base and increased flexibility in managing liquidity and liabilities.
Additionally, KIB Invest, the bank’s Islamic investment arm, served as a joint lead manager for a $2.75 billion international sukuk issuance. The issuance carried a guarantee from the Saudi government and supported the Saudi Real Estate Refinance Company. The transaction further expanded KIB’s involvement in regional debt markets and Islamic finance.
Awards recognize banking and investment services
KIB received regional and international recognition during the reporting period. The World Union of Arab Bankers named it Kuwait’s Best Bank for Real Estate Banking Services and Innovation in PropTech for 2026. The award recognized the bank’s real estate services and digital solutions for customers and investors.
The bank also received two Islamic Finance News awards connected to its $300 million Tier 2 sukuk issuance. These included Kuwait Deal of the Year 2025 and Regulatory Deal of the Year 2025. The awards recognized the transaction’s significance within Islamic capital markets.
Looking ahead, KIB plans to strengthen its core businesses, diversify revenue and improve operational efficiency. Management also intends to continue investing in technology and customer experience while maintaining balanced capital, liquidity and risk management.
Al-Sabah and Bukhamseen acknowledged the Central Bank of Kuwait and the Capital Markets Authority for their regulatory roles. They also thanked the board, executive management and employees for their contributions. The bank said its priorities remain sustainable growth, stronger services and disciplined financial management.
