Burgan Bank attends the 2024 annual meetings of the WBG and IMF in Washington, DC

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 29: In line with its proactive role in participating in crucial discussions on the latest developments and economic challenges facing the world that require global coordination, Burgan Bank recently joined leading financial institutions and global decision makers during the 2024 Annual Meeting. Meetings of the Boards of Directors of the World Bank Group (WBG) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), held in Washington, DC, USA on October 21-26. On behalf of Burgan Bank were Mr Tony Daher, Chief Executive Officer of the Group; Mr. Abdullah Marafie, Managing Director – Finance and Financial Institutions; and Mr. Abdullah AlSharekh, board member.

In parallel with the annual meetings, the representatives of Burgan Bank also attended the Kuwaiti Banks Evening Reception organized by the Kuwait Banking Association (KBA) under the patronage of His Excellency, the Governor of the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) Basel Ahmad Al-Haroon at Conrad Washington DC. The customary reception brought together Kuwaiti’s most influential banks and financial institutions to discuss potential opportunities for cooperation, exchange insights on Kuwait-specific challenges and solutions, and assess the country’s progress in advancing its overall economic landscape . The reception of the CBA also served to strengthen Kuwait’s robust economic system and resounding financial influence in the region and in the global marketplace.

“It is an honor for us to once again be present among the most visionary and influential financial key players whose strategies and initiatives impact millions of lives worldwide,” said Mr. Marafie. “Global economic dynamics are constantly evolving and to succeed at a national, regional or international level, it is essential to remain a vocal participant in the conversation. For decades, Burgan Bank has effectively contributed to the advancement of banking in Kuwait and the region by considering sustainability, innovation, digital transformation and human capital development as primary institutional pillars. Our participation in the 2024 Annual Meetings is an extension of our continued efforts to remain at the forefront of global banking advancement.”

“In today’s hyper-globalized financial marketplace, it is more important than ever before to work together to achieve banking sustainability and inclusive financial opportunities for more beneficiaries worldwide. With the continued introduction of new financial technologies and the emergence of new political, economic and environmental threats, financial institutions must continue to innovate solutions that maintain financial stability and inclusivity,” said Mr Marafie.

This year’s agenda included a number of recurring topics such as climate change and its impact on financial stability and social inclusion, as well as more new topics including the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital currencies on the global financial system and domestic markets. The lectures and panel discussions were delivered and attended by central bankers, finance and development ministers, private sector executives, representatives of civil society organizations and academics from around the world.

As a leading financial institution, Burgan Bank remains adamant in proactively participating in all domestic, regional and global events that contribute to shaping and developing the global economic system and sharing valuable insights from its long and prosperous banking and financial journey.