KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) continued to rank among The World's 50 Safest Banks list published by Global Finance topping international financial heavyweights. NBK maintained its listing in The World's 50 Safest Banks list for the 12th consecutive time. NBK is the only Kuwaiti bank to rank in Global Finance's list.

This recognition demonstrates NBK's exceptionally strong ratings, successful strategy, high standards and rigorous risk management discipline & governance. Global Finance rankings are based on collective long-term credit ratings from Moody's, Standard & Poor's and Fitch Ratings in addition to the total assets of the 500 largest banks worldwide. Global Finance's listings have been well-recognized and trusted standards for the creditworthiness of financial institutions for more than 20 years.

NBK continues to enjoy one of the highest credit ratings in the MENA region and internationally, with ratings of Aa3 from Moody's, A+ from Standard & Poor's and AA- from Fitch, all ratings carry a stable outlook. The Bank's ratings are supported by NBK's conservative strategy, strong capitalization & asset quality, prudent lending policies, wise risk management and a highly stable management team.

NBK enjoys the widest banking presence with an international presence spans many of the world's leading financial centers including London, Paris, Geneva, New York and Singapore, as well as China (Shanghai). Meanwhile, regional coverage extends to Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Turkey.