Markaz Strengthens Financial Position with 41% Revenue Increase and 8% Cash Dividend Approval
Kuwait: Kuwait Financial Centre “Markaz” convened its Ordinary Annual General Assembly on April 8, 2026, achieving a participation rate of 72.7%. The assembly endorsed all agenda items, notably the Board of Directors’ recommendation to distribute cash dividends amounting to 8% of the nominal share value, equating to 8 fils per share.
In the fiscal year 2025, Markaz reported total revenues of KD 28.59 million, marking a substantial 41% increase from KD 20.31 million in 2024. The net profit attributable to shareholders rose to KD 10.82 million, a significant jump from KD 4.46 million the previous year. Additionally, assets under management increased by 8%, reaching KD 1.52 billion as of December 31, 2025.
Performance Highlights and Market Context
Diraar Yusuf Alghanim, Chairman of Markaz, remarked that 2025 was a year filled with both challenges and opportunities, contributing positively to the company’s performance. He attributed this success to Markaz’s enduring investment philosophy, extensive institutional experience, and commitment to generating sustainable value for investors. The company was recognized with five awards from esteemed institutions such as EMEA Finance, Euromoney, and MEED, underscoring its leadership in asset management, investment banking, and advisory services.
Alghanim noted that the Kuwait equity market emerged as one of the strongest performers in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), ranking second after Oman with a return of 21%. This performance was bolstered by positive earnings, particularly in the banking sector, and favorable growth expectations stemming from newly enacted laws, including those related to real estate development and mortgages. Increased foreign investor participation, interest rate cuts by the Central Bank of Kuwait, and the implementation of Kuwait Vision 2035 further enhanced market sentiment throughout the year.
Strategic Initiatives and Digital Transformation
The Chairman emphasized that Markaz is leveraging over five decades of experience to fortify its core business lines in asset management, investment banking, and real estate as part of its growth strategy. The firm is expanding its investment product offerings to provide access to global opportunities across public and private asset classes. A notable initiative includes the launch of the Private Real Assets Strategy aimed at qualified and professional investors.
In 2025, Markaz also focused on enhancing its digital platforms, which improved operational quality, efficiency, and client experience. Sustainability principles remain integral to the company’s values, and during the year, Markaz intensified its corporate social responsibility initiatives, reinforcing its commitment to making a lasting impact in Kuwait and beyond.
Economic Outlook Amid Geopolitical Uncertainty
Alghanim commented on the economic outlook, noting that prior to the current geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projected a 4.3% growth in real GDP for GCC economies in 2026, driven by a 5.9% increase in oil GDP and a 3.6% growth in non-oil sectors. However, escalating geopolitical risks since late February have introduced significant uncertainty, with Brent crude oil prices rising sharply and regional stock markets displaying mixed performance.
Despite the resilience of GCC banks, which maintain stable asset quality and limited funding outflows, S&P Global anticipates a decline in financial performance as the impacts of conflict deepen. The duration and intensity of geopolitical tensions will ultimately dictate the extent of their impact on GCC economies and markets. Alleviating these tensions will be crucial for restoring investor confidence and positively influencing market outlooks.
Markaz adopts a cautiously optimistic stance on GCC equity markets in the near term, favoring hedging strategies amid heightened geopolitical uncertainty and market volatility. The medium-term outlook appears more constructive, supported by robust macroeconomic fundamentals, sustained oil price strength, and ongoing investment-driven growth across the region.
Business Strategy and Regional Expansion
Ali Khalil, Chief Executive Officer of Markaz, outlined the firm’s strategy focused on high-quality client engagement, expanding investment solutions, and exploring regional expansion opportunities while continuously streamlining and digitizing operations. A significant milestone in 2025 was the expansion of Markaz’s presence in the Saudi Arabian market, moving from real estate investments to licensed activities, following initial regulatory approvals. This expansion is expected to enhance Markaz’s origination capabilities and broaden its regional distribution reach.
Khalil noted that the wealth management platform is evolving to cater to institutional clients, high-net-worth individuals, and family offices, emphasizing long-term capital growth. Collaborations with international investment managers have improved client access to a diverse range of investment strategies, reflecting Markaz’s commitment to innovative solutions that balance risk and return.
Markaz’s investment banking platform continues to serve corporate clients across debt and equity capital markets, as well as providing advisory services for balance sheet restructuring and mergers and acquisitions. A key strategic initiative involves leading and investing in build-operate-transfer (BOT) projects in Kuwait. In 2025, Markaz secured its first regional BOT real estate project, focusing on the development and operation of a commercial property in Kuwait.
Commitment to Innovation and Employee Development
Khalil emphasized Markaz’s commitment to digital transformation, recognizing technology’s role in reshaping the financial services sector. Key initiatives implemented during the year included system integration, data warehouse expansion, and operational streamlining to enhance collaboration and accelerate decision-making. The introduction of a state-of-the-art customer relationship management (CRM) system aims to elevate client experience and engagement.
The company remains dedicated to investing in its workforce to sustain leadership in a dynamic business environment. Initiatives promoting employee well-being, professional development, and flexible work practices are in place, alongside a strong focus on diversity and inclusion to foster innovation. These efforts are designed to strengthen the talent pool and support sustainable institutional performance.
Khalil concluded by reaffirming Markaz’s commitment to resilience and adaptability in response to changing market conditions, emphasizing disciplined capital deployment across economic cycles. Innovation, operational excellence, and prudent decision-making are central to Markaz’s business strategy, aimed at creating sustainable value for all investors.
About Kuwait Financial Centre “Markaz”
Established in 1974, Kuwait Financial Centre K.P.S.C “Markaz” is a leading asset management and investment banking institution in the MENA region, with total assets under management exceeding KD 1.52 billion (USD 4.98 billion) as of December 31, 2025. Markaz has been listed on the Boursa Kuwait since 1997 and has pioneered innovative investment channels, including the first domestic mutual fund and the first real estate investment fund in Kuwait.
For further information, please contact:
Sondos S. Saad
Corporate Communications Department
Kuwait Financial Centre K.P.S.C. “Markaz”
Email: ssaad@markaz.com
Source: www.zawya.com
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Published on 2026-04-12 07:44:00 • By the Editorial Desk
