Dubai, UAE — In a strategic move to strengthen its presence in the regional investment banking landscape, Burgan Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing corporate, retail, and investment banking by sponsoring the 2025 edition of the Bonds, Loans & Sukuk Middle East conference — the largest event of its kind in the region.
Held over two days, the conference drew more than 1,800 senior capital markets professionals, including over 75 expert speakers. Attendees ranged from government officials, corporate executives, and investors to legal consultants, regulators, and bankers — with 80 percent of all regional issuers for 2024–2025 represented. Burgan Bank shared the stage with major financial players such as S&P Global, Fitch Ratings, and JP Morgan, further positioning itself among the region’s most active institutional lenders and financial enablers.
This sponsorship aligns with Burgan Bank’s broader strategy of supporting Kuwait’s economic vision and expanding its footprint in global capital markets. It also reflects the bank’s increasing focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)-aligned investments.
“Events like Bonds, Loans & Sukuk Middle East are vital to our strategic vision,” said Abdullah Abdulmajeed Marafie, General Manager of Treasury & Financial Institutions at Burgan Bank. “They not only reinforce our commitment to regional growth but also help us diversify funding strategies, strengthen liquidity and risk frameworks, and support sustainable investment goals in line with Kuwait’s Vision 2035.”
Burgan Bank has seen continued success in financing deals with local and international government entities, banks, and financial institutions. Its diversified funding model is designed to support long-term, sustainable growth. The bank has also played a key role in enhancing Kuwait’s attractiveness to foreign investors.
“Kuwait is becoming a significant hub for international investors, and our expanding suite of corporate banking solutions is central to that momentum,” said Mohamed Najeeb Al-Zanki, General Manager of Corporate Banking. “Through our network and financial expertise, we’re facilitating large-scale investments that are vital to infrastructure development and the growth of strategic sectors.”
Al-Zanki emphasized the importance of forging strong international relationships: “Our sponsorship of this event gives us timely insights into global economic trends, strengthens cross-border connections, and positions Burgan Bank as a competitive, trusted partner for global institutions and corporates.”
This year’s conference covered timely and critical topics such as “Navigating Global Economic Shifts in MENA,” “Corporate Financing Strategies,” “Unlocking Growth in Islamic Finance,” and “The Evolution of Loan Syndications in the Middle East,” among others.
Burgan Bank’s corporate strategy continues to focus on two pillars: expanding its corporate banking portfolio and further developing its retail banking operations. Recent milestones include the full acquisition of United Gulf Bank BSC (UGB) — a Bahrain-based wholesale bank with an Islamic window — and a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Korea Finance for Construction (KFINCO), making Burgan the exclusive representative of the South Korean institution in Kuwait.
Additionally, the bank’s KD 150 million Perpetual Additional Tier 1 Capital Bonds issuance was oversubscribed, reflecting robust investor confidence in its financial health and strategic direction.
By participating in premier industry events and securing high-impact partnerships, Burgan Bank continues to shape its identity as a dynamic, forward-looking institution driving sustainable economic progress across Kuwait and the wider region.
