29.10.25 Press Statement

CBK’s Assessment of Key Local Economic, Financial and Banking Developments

As part of its ongoing and vigilant monitoring of key economic and monetary indicators, together with geopolitical developments, and their repercussions on the global economic conditions and the local economy, and in light of the need for policies to adapt to these developments in line with the requirements and circumstances of each economy, the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) emphasized that its current assessment of the available local economic and financial data and information reflects the soundness of monetary and financial stability conditions in the State of Kuwait, and that the current monetary policy stance is anchored to the local economic conditions.

13.10.25 Press Release

CBK Issued Updated "Consumer Protection Guide"

As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance consumer protection and stimulate a balanced and constructive relationship between banks and their customers, the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) has announced promulgation of an updated "Consumer Protection Guide", superseding the previous version.

This updated Guide complements the CBK’s efforts to provide a banking environment that ensures that customer rights are handled transparently, aligns with international best practices, adapts to new regulatory and technical developments, and improves efficiency in banking dealings with customers.

13.10.25 Press Release

CBK Issues the 53rd Annual Report for the Fiscal Year 24/2025

The Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) announces the issuance of its 53rd Annual Report for the fiscal year 2024/25. This was stated by the CBK Governor, Basel A. Al-Haroon, in which he noted that the report highlights the CBK’s efforts for maintaining monetary and financial stability, strengthening confidence in the national currency, banking supervision and prudential oversight, consolidating anti-money laundering efforts, and oversight of financial innovation and emerging technologies, developing information systems, cybersecurity and payment systems, enhancing infrastructure, information technology, and digital transformation, along with the External Auditors' Report on CBK’s Financial Statements as of 31 March 2025.

13.10.25 Penalties

CBK Imposes Penalties on Several Entities Under its Supervision

The Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) imposes penalties on several entities under its supervision.

07.10.25 Press Statement

Reporting Unlicensed Banking or Financial Activities

With the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) giving higher priority to combating unlicensed banking or financial activities carried out by natural persons (individuals) or legal entities (corporate) to carry out banking or financial transactions without valid licenses, and without oversight by any supervisory authority to which such activities must subject, given the possibility of such transactions being exploited for money laundering and terrorist financing, and whereas the Central Bank of Kuwait seeks positive participation from all entities and individuals in society in this regard, in order to successfully combat these illegal activities, the following telephone line and email address have been set up to receive any reports or information from the public on such unlicensed activities:

05.10.25 Press Release

CBK Opens Applications for the 13th Round of KGDP for Graduates Seeking Banking Career

Under the Kafa’a initiative launched by the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) in cooperation with Kuwaiti banks and managed by the Institute of Banking Studies (KIBS), and within CBK’s strategic vision aiming at national capacity building to support the country’s development, the KIBS will be receiving applications for the thirteenth round of the Kuwaiti Graduates Development Program (KGDP) for a career in the banking sector. Applications to the program will be accepted from October 05, 2025 until October 23, 2025. This program provides new graduates with the opportunity to train in the banking field, and aims to build their skills through theoretical and field training for about five months at Kuwaiti banks. The program also provides participants with the opportunity to gain practical and professional experience, to provide the banking sector with highly qualified young national talents.

02.10.25 Press Statement

CBK Participates in the Joint Campaign Among GCC Central Banks to Combat Financial Cyber Fraud

The Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) is participating in the joint awareness campaign among the central banks of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to combat financial cyber fraud. This initiative comes during the State of Kuwait's presidency of the GCC Central Banks Governors Committee, and the initiative is considered part of implementing the Joint Gulf Action Plan.

01.10.25 Announcement

CBK Launches "Initiative Accelerator Program" at Innovation Hub "Wolooj"

The Innovation Hub at the Central Bank of Kuwait “Wolooj” cordially invites all Kuwaiti talents to submit their applications for the “Innovation” Accelerator Program. This program will take place from 1st September 2025 to 1st December 2025.

24.09.25 Press Statement

IMF Concludes its Periodic Preliminary Consultations with the State of Kuwait under Article IV of the IMF Establishment Agreement

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) concludes its periodic preliminary consultations with the State of Kuwait under Article IV of the IMF establishment agreement - September 2025.

17.09.25 Press Release

CBK Cuts Discount Rate by 25 Basis Points to 3.75%

As part of the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) ongoing monitoring of key economic and monetary indicators in international markets, together with geopolitical developments, global trade policies, and their combined impact on global economic conditions and their repercussions on the performance of the local economy, and in light of the need for policies to adapt to these developments in line with the requirements and circumstances of each economy, and taking into account the specific nature of our local economy, the Central Bank of Kuwait decided to cut the discount rate by 25 Basis Points from 4.00% to 3.75% effective 18/09/2025.

15.09.25 Press Statement

Central Banks in the Age of Artificial Intelligence Conference

The Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) hosted the second annual conference on strengthening gulf joint action within the framework of the Committee of the Governors of the Central Banks in the GCC Countries, titled: Central Banks in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, that was held in the State of Kuwait on Sunday, 14 September 2025.

14.09.25 Press Statement

The 85th Meeting of the Committee of the Governors of the Central Banks in the GCC Countries

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Central Banks Governors Committee convened its 85th meeting on Sunday, 14 September 2025, hosted by the State of Kuwait and presided by Central Bank of Kuwait Governor Basel A. Al-Haroon.

05.09.25 Press Statement

Fitch Ratings Affirms State of Kuwait Sovereign Credit Rating at (AA-); Outlook Stable

Fitch Ratings Affirms State of Kuwait Sovereign Credit Rating at (AA-); Outlook Stable

27.08.25 Penalties

CBK Imposes Penalties on Several Entities Under its Supervision

The Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) imposes penalties on several entities under its supervision.

18.08.25 Penalties

CBK Imposes Penalties on Several Entities Under its Supervision

The Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) imposes penalties on several entities under its supervision.

04.08.25 Press Release

CBK Issues Financial Stability Report for 2024

Continuing its efforts to enhance transparency, disclosure, and publication of reliable data and statistics related to the Kuwaiti banking and financial sector, the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) issued its Financial Stability Report for 2024, which is the 13th edition of a series of reports prepared and published by CBK. This year’s report includes the latest data and statistics related to the Kuwaiti banking and financial sector for the reporting period, and is structured into five main sections, each of which provides a comprehensive assessment of the relevant topics.

03.08.25 Press Statement

KIBS Launches the Fourth Cohort of the "Risk Management Leaders Program"

As part of the Central Bank of Kuwait’s strategic endeavor to build highly qualified national cadres in various financial and banking fields, and develop risk management capabilities, which has great importance in enhancing the banking environment and in fortifying financial operations, the Kuwait Institute of Banking Studies (KIBS), launched the fourth cohort of the Risk Management Leaders Program, within Kafa’a initiative undertaken by the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) in collaboration with Kuwaiti banks, and managed by KIBS.

29.07.25 Penalties

CBK Imposes Penalties on Several Entities Under its Supervision

The Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) imposes penalties on several entities under its supervision.

25.06.25 Press Statement

The Tenth Edition (June 2025) "Price Dynamics & Inflation and Macroeconomics Expectations”

Complementing the Central Bank of Kuwait’s (CBK) series of quarterly reports being published since November 2022, this 10th edition (June 2025) is titled "Price Dynamics & Inflation and Macroeconomics Expectations". The first section reviews the price dynamics and inflation expectations, while the second section addresses the definition of Macroeconomics and related concepts, economic growth and business cycles in the short term, sustainable long-term economic growth.

23.06.25 Press Statement

CBK Hosts an Introductory Event to Announce the Initiative Accelerator Program Project BNPL

In line with its vision to promote innovation, the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) announced hosting an introductory event on Monday, 23 June 2025 at its headquarters to launch BNPL Project, a flagship project within the CBK’s Initiative Accelerator Program. In line with its vision to promote innovation, the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) announced hosting an introductory event on Monday, 23 June 2025 at its headquarters to launch BNPL Project, a flagship project within the CBK’s Initiative Accelerator Program.

18.06.25 Penalties

CBK Imposes Penalties on Several Entities Under its Supervision

The Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) imposes penalties on several entities under its supervision.

04.06.25 Press Statement

CBK Issues Draft Open Banking Regulatory Framework

In keenness to keep up with the latest FinTech innovations, the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) announced issuing a draft Open Banking Regulatory Framework.

29.05.25 Press Release

Central Bank of Kuwait Launches Fifth Edition of "Cybersecurity Leaders Program"

As part of the CBK’s strategy to develop qualified national cadres in the banking sector and national economy, and to build technical capacities in the field of cybersecurity and strengthen the resilience of the financial and banking sector against the risks associated with the rapid advancement of modern technologies used in the sector’s information systems, CBK is keen to adopt the latest technologies while minimizing their risks.

28.05.25 Press Release

KIBS Launches FinTech MBA Internal Scholarship Program for Kuwaitis in Cooperation with Gulf University

In light of CBK’s strategy to develop qualified national cadres in the financial and banking sector, and in response to the changes in this field, the Kuwait Institute of Banking Studies (KIBS) announces the launch of FinTech MBA internal scholarship program for Kuwaitis, in cooperation with Kuwaiti banks and Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST)

22.05.25 Press Statement

The Central Bank Publishes a Statement on the Penalties Applied to Entities Under Supervision

In order to ensure compliance with the requirements of combating ML/TF/PF, with regards to international standards (recommendations issued by the Financial Action Task Force “FATF”), and what is stated in the updated methodology for the year (2022) that was developed to assess technical compliance with the recommendations regarding the penalties (sanctions) imposed for failure to comply with these requirements, which were ensured to be “effective, proportionate and deterrent” so that they are applied in a manner commensurate with the size and seriousness of the violation or contravention, while urging the supervisory authorities to publish the penalties imposed on the violating entities.

21.05.25 Press Release

CBK Develops an Innovative Technology for Generating Cryptographic Keys

As part of the Central Bank of Kuwait’s commitment to fostering innovation, and in recognition of the vital role played by its Innovation Hub “Wolooj” in driving progress in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, cybersecurity, financial technology, and regulatory and supervisory technologies, by providing an interactive environment for the development and testing of innovative products and services.

01.05.25 Press Statement

CBK Hosts Monetary Policy Workshop Organized by the International Monetary Fund’s Middle East Center for Economics and Finance (CEF)

The Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) stated that as part of its ongoing efforts to train and develop the national and GCC cadres to promote monetary policy and best practices, the CBK hosted a workshop with the participation of representatives from central banks of GCC countries. The workshop discussed selected topics in the field of monetary policy and a case study entitled "Implementation of Monetary Policy in Fixed Exchange Rate Systems under Uncertainty", organized by the IMF’s Middle East Center for Economics and Finance (CEF) during the period April 28 - May 1, 2025.

28.04.25 Press Statement

CBK Honors Banks for Outstanding Awareness and Education Efforts in 2024

The Governor of the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK), Basel A. Al-Haroon, honored Kuwaiti banks for their outstanding performance in supporting the banking awareness campaign "Diraya” launched by CBK in collaboration with Kuwait Banking Association (KBA). These banks harnessed their full capabilities to engage with customers through digital channels and social media platforms, while also organizing initiatives tailored to diverse segments of society. Their efforts aimed to maximize the campaign’s outreach and promote public awareness on a broad spectrum of financial and banking topics.

15.04.25 Announcement

CBK Launches "Fraud Shield Initiative Accelerator Program"

The Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) is pleased to announce the launch of the “Fraud Shield Initiative Accelerator Program”, a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing electronic financial fraud detection, prevention, and public awareness across the financial sector. The program will bring together banks, payment service providers (PSPs), fintech innovators, and regulatory bodies to develop cutting-edge solutions that safeguard financial transactions and protect consumers. With the rise of sophisticated electronic financial fraud schemes, this initiative is designed to strengthen consumer protection, support regulatory compliance, and encourage fintech innovation.

13.04.25 Press Statement

Deadline Approaching for Exchange of 5th Issue Banknote

The Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) stated a reminder that the deadline to exchange banknote of the 5th edition of the Kuwaiti Dinar is fast approaching, set to six days from now, 18 April 2025, after which no banknotes may be exchanged.

16.03.25 Press Statement

Operating Local Payment Systems at CBK During Weekends & Official Holidays

The Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK), the operator and regulator of the national payment systems infrastructure, issued a circular to all local banks on 16 March 2025 regarding the working hours of Kuwait's Automated Settlement System for Inter-Participant Payments (KASSIP) and Kuwait Electronic Cheque Clearing System (KECCS) during weekends and public holidays starting 01 April 2025 as follows:

09.03.25 Press Statement

CBK Deadline for Exchange of the 5th Issue Banknotes

The Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) announces the deadline for exchanging banknotes of the fifth issue as Friday 18 April 2025. Therefore, the CBK urges those holding banknotes of the outdated fifth issue to visit its Banking Hall to present the necessary documentation to exchange them during official working hours from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m (from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm during the month of Ramadan). Any exchange request after the said date will be disregarded.

08.03.25 Press Statement

CBK Celebrates International Women’s Day

As part of Central Bank of Kuwait’s drive to empower women to fulfil their vital role in development, the Bank affirmed its support to women, as it provides one of the most prominent examples of women’s active role within Kuwaiti society in all professions and their marked performance across sectors.

07.03.25 Press Statement

Fitch Ratings Affirms State of Kuwait Sovereign Credit Rating at (AA-); Outlook Stable

Fitch Ratings Affirms State of Kuwait Sovereign Credit Rating at (AA-); Outlook Stable

20.02.25 Press Statement

The 84th Meeting of the Committee of the Governors of the Central Banks in the GCC Countries

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Central Banks Governors Committee convened its 84th meeting on Thursday, 20 February 2025, hosted by the State of Kuwait and presided by Central Bank of Kuwait Governor Basel Al-Haroon.

29.01.25 Press Statement

CBK Launches the Sixth "Certified Shari'a Auditor" Program

The Governor of the Central Bank of Kuwait Basel A. Al-Haroon announced the sixth round of the “Certified Shari'a Auditor” Program, geared towards enhancing governance of Shari'a auditing in the Islamic banks business in Kuwait. The program is part of “Kafa’a Initiative” which was launched in collaboration with Kuwaiti banks and is managed and executed by Kuwait Institute of Banking Studies (KIBS).

29.01.25 Press Statement

CBK Holds the Fourth Annual MENA Central Banks Regional Research Network Conference in Collaboration with World Bank

As part of its constant efforts to strengthen the regional cooperation and address critical economic concerns, the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) held the Fourth Annual MENA Central Banks Conference under the theme "Navigating the Challenges of Uncertainty, Climate Change, and Debt" from 28 to 30 January 2025.

22.01.25 Press Release

CBK Announces the 16th Session of Harvard Business School (HBS) Program for Banking and Financial Executives

The Governor of the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Institute of Banking Studies (KIBS), Basel A. Al-Haroon, announced that KIBS will present the sixteenth cohort of the Harvard Business School Program, which is designed to develop executives in GCC banks and financial institutions, in light of the changes in the business world, and the needs of the banking and financial sectors.

07.01.25 Press Statement

Extending Working Hours of the Real Time Gross Settlement System (KASSIP)

In Continuous of Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) efforts to enhance the quality and sustainability of financial services provided by the banking sector in line with a vision aimed at achieving round-the-clock financial services that accommodate the needs of several segments of the society, and serve all the national economic sectors, CBK, as the operator and regulator of the national payment systems infrastructure, extended the working hours for the Real Time Gross Settlement System (KASSIP).