Burgan Bank to Participate in 2026 World Bank Group and IMF Annual Meetings

In addition to the Chairman, the delegation is set to include Mr. Faisal M. Sarkhou, Vice Chairman; Mr. Abdullah Abdulmajeed Marafie, General Manager – Treasury and Financial Institutions; Mr. Bader Al-Turkait, Deputy General Manager – Financial Institutions; and Mr. Dhari Al-Qabandi, Assistant General Manager - Brand Management and Communication Strategy. The meetings provide an opportunity for the Bank to exchange perspectives on market and banking developments and explore areas of cooperation with international financial institutions.

The 2026 Annual Meetings come at a time of significant change across the global economy, as geopolitical developments, shifting capital flows, evolving monetary conditions, changing growth dynamics and rapid technological advancement increasingly influence financial markets and institutions.

Commenting on the Bank’s participation, Sheikh Abdullah Nasser Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah said: “The global economy is moving through a period of significant structural change, where geopolitical developments, capital flows, technological advancement and shifting growth dynamics are increasingly interconnected. The Annual Meetings provide an important opportunity to assess these developments collectively, exchange perspectives with global financial institutions and policymakers, and better understand the risks and opportunities that will shape markets in the years ahead.”

He added: “For Burgan Bank, participating in forums of this calibre is part of a deliberate strategic approach to remain closely connected to the global economic conversation and ensure that our long-term direction continues to reflect the realities of an increasingly complex and interconnected financial landscape.”

Burgan Bank’s participation also aligns with its long-term vision to strengthen its position as a leading regional financial institution, while contributing to the continued evolution of the banking sector and its role in supporting Kuwait’s economic priorities. The Annual Meetings provide an opportunity for the Bank to deepen relationships with international financial institutions, exchange perspectives on issues affecting the sector and remain closely attuned to trends that will shape the future of banking and finance.

Beyond strengthening international relationships, Burgan Bank's participation brings a distinct regional perspective to discussions on the future of global finance, drawing on the Group's experience across multiple markets, its expertise in corporate and institutional banking, treasury and financial markets, and its understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing regional economies. This perspective is further strengthened by the Group's investment banking and asset management capabilities through KAMCO Invest, represented by Mr. Faisal Sarkhou, who serves as both Vice Chairman of Burgan Bank and Chief Executive Officer of KAMCO Invest. Together, these complementary areas of expertise position the delegation to contribute informed perspectives on capital markets, investment trends, cross-border capital flows and the evolving role of financial institutions in supporting economic resilience and sustainable growth.

The Group's broader capabilities have also been reinforced by the recent integration of Burgan Bank Bahrain (currently in the process of being rebranded from being formerly known as United Gulf Bank), which adds further depth to its regional banking and investment expertise, including experience in Islamic finance. Bringing together conventional banking, investment management and Sharia-compliant financial capabilities, Burgan Bank approaches the Annual Meetings with a multidimensional understanding of the region's financial landscape. This breadth of experience enables the delegation to engage in meaningful dialogue on financial innovation, evolving financing models and the growing importance of regional financial institutions in connecting local markets with the global economy.

As Kuwait continues to advance its economic diversification agenda under Vision 2035, Burgan Bank remains focused on the role the banking sector can play in supporting investment, strengthening connections with regional and international capital markets, and building a resilient financial system capable of supporting sustainable long-term growth.