Cementing its active role in expanding investments and bolstering economies across the region

Kuwait, 11 June 2024: As part of its efforts to play an active role in shaping the regional investments market, Burgan Bank recently attended the Middle East's largest corporate and investment banking event, Bonds, Loans & Sukuk Middle East 2024, as a silver sponsor and participant. The two-day event, which recently took place in Dubai, saw the participation of more than 1,400 representatives of governments, corporates, investors, banks, law firms, regulators, and service providers, including 80% of all regional issuers in 2023/2024. Burgan Bank’s sponsorship of and participation in this regionally notable conference confirms its commitment to enhancing its growing investment portfolio, contributing to building a local diversified economy as well as supporting regional businesses and multinational corporations.

Commenting on Burgan Bank’s role in the Bonds, Loans & Sukuk conference, Mr. Abdullah Abdulmajeed Marafie, General Manager – Treasury at Burgan Bank, stated that Burgan’s participation in and sponsorship of the conference echoes its steadfast strategy for expanding its network of leading institutions in the banking and finance sector, as well as strengthening its ties with its existing corporate customers while building bridges to connect with potential ones.

He further noted that Burgan Bank plays a vital role in financing government and government-related entities as well as banks and financial institutions, both domestically and internationally, through bilateral and joint financing deals in addition to trade finance. These efforts unfold under the umbrella of Burgan’s commitment to supporting the domestic, regional, and international development goals.

Marafie also confirmed that, through its participation in the conference, Burgan Bank seeks to connect with and attract investors to help boost its capital and liquidity, ultimately serving Burgan’s funding strategy of developing a diversified funding base to achieve sustainable growth and, in turn, help realize the “New Kuwait 2035” development plan.

On his part, Mr. Mohamed Najeeb Al Zanki, General Manager – Corporate Banking at Burgan Bank, said: “Burgan Bank is committed to expanding its participation in the loans and debt capital markets by actively seeking opportunities to support multinational corporates and regional businesses through bilateral funding and syndications. The Bonds, Loans & Sukuk conference presents a valuable platform to connect with key decision makers and market leaders and explore new avenues for collaboration. Moving forward, we are dedicated to further expanding our portfolio as well as enhancing our global partnerships by diversifying our offerings to meet the needs of our local and international clients.”

With notable participants such as Moody’s Ratings, S&P Global, Dubai Financial Market, J.P. Morgan, and many more, the conference marked a valuable opportunity to share knowledge, build new bridges, and tap into the latest market trends and insights. This was facilitated through the event’s prearranged business meetings as well as panel discussions, which featured more than 75 expert speakers. Throughout the event, several vital topics were thoroughly discussed, including: “Unravelling liquidity, competition, risk appetite and the impact on the loan market,” “Building a credible plan for the energy transition: Balancing sustainability, energy security, and affordability,” and “ How should institutions measure, disclose, and align their ESG credentials to secure greater international investment?” among other topics.

Burgan Bank’s participation in this market-shaping conference is an extension of its unwavering efforts to leave a positive mark on the domestic and regional investment markets. Previous efforts include the Bank’s participation in the World Bank Group (WBG) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings in Marrakech and its role as a co-host of the 2024 Investment Conference, which it hosted alongside Kamco Invest earlier this year.