National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) was crowned as the ‘Best Bank for Sustainable Finance in Kuwait for 2025’ by Global Finance Magazine, highlighting its dedication to incorporating sustainability in its operations and institutional culture.
Global Finance Magazine’s fifth annual survey honors global and regional key players in sustainable finance for 2024 initiatives that address climate change and contribute to a sustainable future.
Based on opinions and analyses of leading trade and investment experts and executives, this year’s award revolved around areas such as innovative sustainable finance offerings, impact-driven bond issues, community support and SME funding, climate change mitigation efforts, and transparency & reporting.
This award is an addition to NBK Group’s long-record of international recognition and accolades. NBK stands out as one of the first banks in Kuwait to adopt sustainable finance in its strategy, integrating ESG standards in its business and operational procedures as well as its institutional culture.
The bank has also introduced several cutting-edge services and value propositions aimed at supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy across all its locations.
These offerings include green mortgage loans, consumer loans for electric vehicles, financing options related to sustainability and low-emission housing loans, as well as sustainability-linked facilities tied to the achievement of pre-determined ESG KPIs to encourage the adoption of sustainable practices.
In 2024, NBK successfully issued its first $1.62 billion (KD 500 million) green bonds as part of its global medium-term note program, which has a 6-year maturity and first call date after 5-years and is considered the first issuance by a Kuwaiti financial institution.
Recently, NBK published its first Green Bond Allocation and Impact Report, demonstrating traceability to the use of the bond proceeds towards green projects with clear and measurable environmental benefits. As of 31 March 2025, the Bank’s eligible green asset portfolio reached $625 million, exceeding the bond value.
By the end of 2024, NBK’s net sustainable assets value reached $4.97 billion, which is 50 percent of the targeted level for the year 2030 at $10 billion.
The bank’s ESG strategy seeks to support economic development and emerge as a role model in the field through its four key pillars: Governance for Resilience, Responsible Banking, Capitalizing on our Capabilities, and Investing in our Communities.
NBK remains committed to developing innovative sustainable finance solutions for its clients and customers to support their transition plans strategically, in line with international standards and regulations to meet the world’s rising demand for climate funding.
