Gulf Bank has signed a strategic partnership with the Kuwait Institute of Banking Studies (KIBS) to develop and deliver specialized training programs for its employees as part of the bank’s ongoing transformation into a Sharia-compliant institution.
The agreement was formally signed by Bader Al-Ali, General Manager of Consumer Banking at Gulf Bank, and Rana Al-Nibari, Director General of the Institute of Banking Studies. This collaboration aims to equip Gulf Bank’s workforce with essential skills and knowledge for Islamic banking operations, aligning with the latest regulatory and market developments in the financial sector.
The training programs are designed to enhance employees’ competency in Sharia-compliant finance, covering key principles, products, governance, risk management, and operational requirements, thereby supporting Gulf Bank’s seamless transition to an Islamic banking institution.
The signing took place in the presence of senior representatives from both institutions, underscoring the importance of this strategic collaboration. From Gulf Bank, Hamed Al-Tamimi, Assistant General Manager of Human Resources, attended the ceremony and reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to investing in the development of its human capital.
Representing the Institute of Banking Studies, the event was also attended by Eng. Suha Isaac Ameen, Head of Training Department and Acting Head of the Academic Certificates and Scholarships Department , and Mr. Bassam Alshamali, Head of Operations Department and Acting Head of Business Development and Quality Control, both of whom highlighted the Institute’s role in delivering specialized training programs that meet the evolving needs of the banking sector.
The partnership with Institute of Banking Studies aims to implement a comprehensive training program designed to equip Gulf Bank employees with a strong foundation in the principles of Islamic banking, with particular emphasis on the key distinctions between conventional and Sharia-compliant banking services.
Bader Al-Ali General Manager Consumer Banking Gulf Bank
“Our collaboration with the Institute of Banking Studies represents a significant milestone in Gulf Bank’s transition toward Islamic banking. This partnership underscores our commitment to equipping our employees with the knowledge and capabilities necessary to excel in a fully integrated, Sharia-compliant financial environment.”
He further emphasized the Bank’s unwavering commitment to developing its human capital through strategic partnerships with leading local and international institutions, aimed at delivering pioneering training programs. He noted that this approach is fully aligned with Gulf Bank’s vision of investing in its people as the cornerstone of the Bank’s long-term growth and sustained success.
Acting General Manager of Human Resources at Gulf Bank, Nada Razzouqi, stated that, “We are pleased to collaborate with the Institute of Banking Studies to achieve this important milestone, as part of our preparations for Gulf Bank’s transition into a Sharia-compliant institution. We are proud that Gulf Bank is one of the leading banks that generously invests in human capital to enhance the competencies of its employees, considering them the main driver for achieving its strategic goals. This is done by equipping them with the latest expertise and skills necessary to keep pace with the major developments taking place in the banking industry.”
Image credits: Gulf Bank | Cropped by GBN
Rana Al-Nibari emphasized that such partnerships are vital for strengthening Kuwait’s banking sector and easing the shift towards Sharia-compliant practices. She affirmed that the Institute of Banking Studies will deliver tailored training programs to meet Gulf Bank’s specific needs during this crucial transformation phase. She added that this collaboration marks a key milestone in Gulf Bank’s journey, highlighting its commitment to operational efficiency, full regulatory compliance, and achieving Sharia-compliant banking status.
Gulf Bank had received preliminary approval from the Central Bank of Kuwait on August 18, 2025, to proceed with its transition to a Sharia-compliant bank. This approval is based on Law No. (32) of 1968 concerning currency, the Central Bank of Kuwait, and the regulation of the banking profession and its amendments, as well as on the feasibility study conducted by a specialized global consultancy firm, in addition to the legal and technical requirements submitted to the Central Bank of Kuwait.
