Kuwait, 21 October 2026: Kuwait International Bank (KIB) concluded its participation in the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG), held in Bangkok, Thailand, from 12 to 18 October. The meetings brought together central bank governors, finance ministers, development officials, policymakers, leaders from financial institutions and the private sector, academics, and representatives of international organizations from around the world.
The KIB delegation was headed by Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Raed Jawad Bukhamseen, and included KIB Board Members Marzook Khaled Al-Marzook and Abdulrazzaq Salah Al-Mutawa, KIB Invest Board Member Ahmad Bader Al-Farsi, General Manager of International Banking and Financial Institutions Ma’ab Al-Qassem, General Manager of Treasury Mohammad Al-Duwailah, and Executive Manager of the Office of the Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Fahad Al-Sarhan.
On the sidelines of the Annual Meetings, the KIB delegation participated in several events organized by Kuwait Banking Association (KBA), including the Gulf-Asia Economic Forum, held in Bangkok under the theme "Banking, Investment, and Digital Infrastructure." The forum was supported by the Embassy of the State of Kuwait in the Kingdom of Thailand and organized in partnership with the Asian Bankers Association, The Business Year, and the Kuwait Business Council in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.
The forum brought together government officials, central bank governors, and leaders from banking, investment, and technology institutions across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Asia. Discussions focused on strengthening banking cooperation and cross-border investment, developing digital infrastructure for financial services, and exploring applications of artificial intelligence in the financial sector.
This year’s Annual Meetings addressed a range of key issues affecting the global economy and financial markets, including financial stability, artificial intelligence, the future of financial infrastructure, cross-border payments, cybersecurity, and sovereign risks. KIB’s participation provided the delegation with an opportunity to stay abreast of the latest developments in the banking industry, exchange views with policymakers and leaders of financial institutions, and explore opportunities for cooperation in financing, investment, digital transformation, and risk management.
Kuwaiti Banking Presence and Opportunities for Enhanced Cooperation
KIB also participated in a reception hosted by Kuwait Banking Association for Kuwaiti banks at Capella Bangkok, attended by senior representatives from the banking and investment sectors and participating delegations. The reception provided an opportunity to engage directly with representatives of participating financial institutions, exchange views, and explore potential areas of cooperation and partnership.
The Annual Meetings concluded with the issuance of final statements by the International Monetary and Financial Committee and the Development Committee, outlining the outcomes of their discussions on developments in the global economy, financial markets, and development issues.
KIB’s participation in the Annual Meetings reflects its continued presence at local and international banking and economic forums, as well as its commitment to keeping pace with developments in the financial industry and strengthening relationships with leading financial institutions worldwide. These efforts aim to support opportunities for cooperation and enhance the Bank’s contribution to the banking sector and the national economy.