Kuwait Finance House has achieved total revenues of KD 394.4 million for the first half of 2012, with an increase of KD 14 million (3.7 pct) compared to same period last year, said its Chairman Sameer Al-Nafisi on Thursday.

Total profits for the same period reached KD 111.7 million that include KD 68.6 million as estimated profit for investment depositors.

Shareholders net profit reached KD 42.1 million, while earnings per share reached 14.8 fils.

Total assets increased to KD 14 billion with a KD 1.1 billion (8.5%) increase compared to the same period last year. The volume of deposits increased to KD 8.9 billion with a KD 534 million (6.4%) increase compared to the same period last year.
Shareholders equity reached KD 1.3 billion with KD 21 million (1.7%) increase compared to the same period last year.

Al-Nafisi asserted that the profits reflect the success of KFHs conservative approach seeking to cement its financial status and maintain its stable growth rate.

He noted that the rewards of the transformation program are expected to be reaped during the coming period. He went on to say that this plan will serve as a stepping stone to further growth in all fields, where Islamic banking witnesses significant development locally and globally.

He stressed that KFH is in a strong position that allows it to take advantage of such developments, in order to offer its clients and shareholders the best benefits possible. He underlined the banks ability to implement its strategies and plans even during challenging circumstances.

Moreover, he explained that KFH remains one of the local markets main players through boosting the sales of merchants in various fields, not to mention its leadership in the field of Islamic banking.

He said that KFH focuses on the local market, and seeks to expand its client base and reinforce its geographic presence through opening new branches. He went to say that KFH possesses financial and technical abilities to finance major projects that have developmental objectives.

Furthermore, Al-Nafisi stated that KFH and most of its subsidiaries bagged prestigious international awards; not to mention the positive ratings granted to it by major global rating agencies. KFH has also offered its clients products that never existed before in the fields of deposits, banking cards, and technology services.

KFH was awarded twice by Global Finance in the field of Islamic finance in Kuwait and Turkey; in addition to being dubbed as Best Islamic Bank in Kuwait by Asia Money, Best Islamic finance house by EmeaFinance, and a specialized award in the field of financing cars by the Banker Middle East.

Regarding overseas markets, Al-Nafisi highlighted the importance of the GCC markets, since they are Kuwaits social and economic strategic depth. In addition, KFHs overseas markets serve as a platform to enter neighboring markets in Europe, south East Asia, and other areas.

He mentioned that KFH will continue following its expansion plan, based on the previous successes, and remarked that the expansion policy is expected to gain momentum in light of the current restructuring phase that markets are experiencing.

Al-Nafisi stressed that KFH-Turkey has managed to cement its presence as one of the best Islamic banks in Turkey, which is evident by continuous growth in deposits, assets, and revenues, in addition to opening branches in Germany, Dubai, and Bahrain.

KFH-Turkey has also offered its clients a Silver Investment Fund that was enlisted in Istanbuls bourse, which is considered to be a paradigm shift in the field of Islamic banking. The bank also serves to strengthen the relationship between Turkey and its neighboring markets on the one hand, and between Kuwait and other GCC countries on the other.

He mentioned that the bank launched a new product, which is Real Estate Financing in Turkey for investors and individuals in Kuwait and the GCC, in order to meet the growing demand for real estate in Turkey.