Burgan Bank Renews its Participation in the Annual Meetings of the WBG and the IMF

In line with its ongoing efforts to support Kuwait’s positioning as a local and regional economic hub and a leader of sustainable economic development, Burgan Bank took part in the 2025 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group (WBG) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, D.C., USA, which took place from October 13 to 18.

The delegation representing Burgan Bank alongside international policymakers and market leaders in the financial and banking sectors included Mr. Abdullah Mohammed Al-Sharekh, Board Member; Mr. Abdullah Abdulmajeed Marafie, General Manager – Treasury and Financial Institutions; and Mr. Bader Al-Turkait, Deputy General Manager – Financial Institutions. 

The Bank’s renewed participation in the global event reflects its strategy of championing innovation-driven development across the Kuwaiti banking and financial sector and leveraging technology in addressing the evolving needs of retail, corporate, and investment clients in Kuwait and across the region. In addition, the Annual Meetings present a valuable opportunity for Burgan Bank to explore potential partnerships with global financial institutions; present its achievements and role as a leading institution capable of supporting financial stability and achieving sustainable development; and showcase the strength of the Kuwaiti economy and the resilience of the country’s financial and banking sector.

On the sidelines of the Annual Meetings, the Burgan Bank delegation also attended the customary Kuwaiti Banks’ Evening Reception hosted by the Kuwait Banking Association (KBA) under the patronage of His Excellency, the Governor of the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK), Mr. Basel Ahmad Al-Haroon at the Waldorf Astoria, Washington, D.C. Whereas the Annual Meetings covered challenges and opportunities of global relevance, the Reception took a micro localized approach to discussing worldwide challenges from a local perspective, uncovering opportunities for collaboration and utilizing banks’ insights and digital capacities to influence tangible, long-term effect on individuals and the overall economy. Among the topics that were discussed this year were the effects of digitization and eco-consciousness on global economies, defining and bridging the gap between education and financial market needs, and the role of women entrepreneurs in the job market, among many other pressing subjects.

Commenting on Burgan Bank’s participation, Mr. Al-Sharekh “We are honored to be part of such vital conversations that channel expert voices from across the global markets and communities. Despite the uncertainty underlying many regional markets, it’s fascinating how leaders are still able to find opportunities to leverage their expertise and resources to enable local communities and advance financial inclusion through innovation and technology. High-level events such as the Annual Meetings are an invaluable platform for Burgan Bank to expand its network of international partners and to stay abreast of the latest financial technologies capable of enriching people’s quality of daily life.”

On his part, Mr. Marafie said: “Our responsibility toward our customers, investors, and other stakeholders mandates that we remain constantly aware of and up to date with the changes molding and shaping the hyper-globalized banking and finance markets.” He added: “Every force is capable of nudging or swaying the market in a new direction, which, if not promptly addressed, could affect a bank’s performance and market relevance. One of the areas where Burgan Bank’s longstanding sustainable success truly stands out is its active involvement in the international and regional decision and policy making discussions as well as direct engagement with its community, both of which gear the Bank with timely insights about the market pulse and its arising needs.”

Burgan Bank’s ongoing commitment to participating in the Annual Meetings is a testament to its resolve to offer its stakeholders a world-class banking experience that combines convenience and accessibility with data security and online safety. It further highlights the Bank’s dedication to leading digital transformation in Kuwait in collaboration with public and private sector partners.

It is worth noting that the Annual Meetings are regarded as one of the most prominent and important global economic events, featuring extensive discussions on the current financial and economic challenges and how to overcome them. Burgan Bank’s participation in this event reinforces its international presence and confirms its leading position on the regional and global arenas as a banking group with operations extending across a number of subsidiaries in the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey, represented by Burgan Bank Group, including Gulf Bank Algeria (Algeria), Tunis International Bank (Tunisia), Burgan Bank Turkey (Turkey), and United Gulf Bank (Bahrain). Burgan Bank has a strong presence in the United Arab Emirates through its corporate office, "Burgan Financial Services Limited". The Bank continues to operate with a clear vision and committed strategy to consolidate its position among the most prominent local and international banks during the coming period, in line with Kuwait Vision 2035.