National Bank of Kuwait ( NBK ) - Manama, Bahrain

The National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) set up in Bahrain in 1987 as an offshore bank to provide treasury and wholesale banking services to customers. In 2003, the bank obtained a commercial banking license to widen its offering and customer base. Today, NBK Bahrain offers full commercial banking services across a broad spectrum of areas including trade, contractor and corporate financing, treasury and retail. It has fully dedicated relationship managers trained to tailor solutions that meet customers’ needs. NBK Bahrain works as well closely with its counterparts within NBK’s network of branches and subsidiaries to support customers with their cross-border transactions and global investment needs.

HISTORY

The National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) was established in 1952 when a prominent  

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Kuwaiti merchant went to the British Bank of the Middle East to open a letter of guarantee for the amount of 10,000 Indian rupees, (which is equivalent today to 750 Kuwaiti dinars). Much to his surprise, his request was rejected, on the condition that he provide a guarantor. This well-known merchant was shocked and appalled by the treatment that he had received, and news of this was all over town.

This incident gave rise to the question and the idea of having a Kuwaiti bank with a mission to serve citizens’ needs as its priority, stimulate the economic growth of the country, and look after the savings of its clients. In fact, a meeting was held with the late Amir of Kuwait, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, who congratulated them on the idea and promised them his complete support. An Amiri decree was issued on May 19, 1952 to open the National Bank of Kuwait, and NBK started operations on November 15th 1952.