Kamco Invest named “Best for Financial Services/Banking in Middle East 2026” by Global Finance

For its exceptional record in managing regional Investment Banking mandates

Kamco Invest, a regional non-banking financial powerhouse with one of the largest assets under management in the region, announced that it has been awarded the title of “Best for Financial Services/Banking in Middle East 2026” at Global Finance’s 27th annual World’s Best Investment Banks Awards. The recognition reflects the Company’s strong and consistent performance across Debt Capital Markets (DCM), Equity Capital Markets (ECM), and Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A), as well as its growing role in shaping capital markets across Kuwait and the GCC.

The award comes on the back of a strong track record of executing complex transactions across market cycles. Kamco Invest has advised on and managed a broad spectrum of deals across sectors and geographies, reinforcing its position as a trusted financial partner to governments, financial institutions, and leading corporates. The Company’s investment banking track record exceeds USD 48 billion in successfully executed transactions since inception, supported by a disciplined approach to structuring, distribution, and advisory.

Commenting on the award, Abdullah M. AlSharekh, Managing Director of Markets and Investment Banking of Kamco Invest, said, “This recognition from Global Finance reflects the depth of our investment banking platform and the trust placed in us by our clients across the region. Over the past several years, we have consistently delivered on complex transactions across debt and equity capital markets, as well as advisory mandates, supported by a strong execution framework and deep market insight.”

AlSharekh added, “We continue to see meaningful development across regional financial markets, driven by regulatory enhancements, broader investor participation, and increasing depth across capital markets. Kamco Invest remains focused on originating and executing transactions that align with our clients’ strategic objectives, while contributing to the continued evolution of markets in Kuwait and the wider GCC.”

In Debt Capital Markets, Kamco Invest has played a leading role in facilitating access to funding through conventional and Shariah-compliant instruments. In 2025, the Company successfully managed 14 debt transactions with an aggregate value of USD 7.0 billion, including 13 bond and sukuk issuances worth USD 6.7 billion and a USD 304 million liquidity management transaction. In 2024, Kamco Invest arranged 9 bond and sukuk issuances totaling USD 4.2 billion across Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain. Among the most notable transactions was the first perpetual Additional Tier 1 Capital Bond denominated in Kuwaiti Dinar by a bank, marking a key milestone in the local debt capital market.

The Company’s DCM platform has consistently delivered landmark transactions over the years, including debut issuances and first-of-their-kind structures in Kuwait, such as the first bond issuance by an insurance company and the first KWD-denominated perpetual bond issuance. These achievements form part of Kamco Invest’s broad activity regional and local debt transactions across financial institutions, real estate companies, and diversified corporates, highlighting the Company’s ability to structure and place instruments across varying market conditions.

Kamco Invest’s Equity Capital Markets platform has also built a strong record of execution capabilities, supporting clients in raising capital and accessing public markets. Kamco Invest acted as Lead Manager and Subscription Agent on all the latest three rights issues for Kuwaiti banks, raising fresh capital exceeding USD 700 million, and most recently on Digitus which was oversubscribed by 21 times. In 2024, the Company played a key role in the IPO of a sovereign-owned oil company in Oman, further expanding its regional ECM footprint. The transactions for the Kuwaiti banks accounted for approximately 82% of the total value of rights issues by Kuwaiti listed companies during the year, underscoring the Company’s leading position in the local ECM

space. Earlier ECM milestones include the IPO of Ali Alghanim and Sons Automotive on Boursa Kuwait in 2022, where Kamco Invest acted as Joint Bookrunner and Subscription Agent, as well as several private placements, accelerated equity offerings, and follow-on issuances across regional markets.

In Mergers and Acquisitions, Kamco Invest has advised on a range of strategic transactions across sectors, supporting clients in executing growth, consolidation, and restructuring strategies. The Company led the largest mandatory tender offer in Kuwait’s insurance sector, reinforcing its advisory capabilities in complex and high-value transactions. The Company’s M&A track record also includes advising on the full acquisition of E-Portal by stc Kuwait, the sale of a 95% stake in GlobalCorp Egypt to a consortium of international investors, and multiple merger transactions involving leading Kuwaiti listed entities.

Across regional markets, Kamco Invest has also acted on cross-border transactions, including sell-side mandates in the industrial and healthcare sectors, and buy-side advisory roles in the oil, insurance, and financial services sectors. These mandates highlight the breadth of the Company’s advisory capabilities and its ability to connect regional opportunities with international capital.

Kamco Invest’s continued recognition by leading international institutions highlights the strength of its platform and its consistent ability to deliver results. The Company was recently named “Kuwait’s Best Investment Bank – DCM” at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025, further positioning its leadership role in debt capital markets.

Kamco Invest remains focused on expanding its regional footprint, strengthening its advisory capabilities, and delivering innovative, value-driven solutions that support clients while contributing to the advancement of financial markets in Kuwait and the wider region.