ع
MEED named Kuwait Financial Centre Markaz the best investment bank in Kuwait as part of its MENA Banking Excellence Awards 2026 for corporate and investment banking, with the award presented at a ceremony on November 3 at Mina Al-Salam in Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai. The event formed part of Dubai Future Finance Week and brought together financial leaders from across the region to recognise expertise in financing, transaction banking and advisory services. MEED’s editorial team, supported by industry judges, selected winners based on transaction scale, service innovation, execution capabilities and client impact, a November 4 MEED article detailing the programme explained. The full winners list published by MEED confirmed Markaz in the Kuwait investment banking category alongside other regional honourees.
Markaz announced the MEED award on November 8 through a statement carried by Marketsar, noting that the recognition highlights its role in structuring and executing complex deals for corporate and institutional clients in Kuwait. The firm previously secured the identical title from Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2026 in July and from Global Finance in April, according to its earlier press releases compiled on GCC Business News. These consecutive honours this year reflect sustained performance in equity and debt capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, IPOs and restructuring advisory. Markaz has accumulated close to 100 awards from reputable bodies since it began operations in 1974.
Ahmed Al-Falah, managing director of investment banking at Markaz, said in the November 8 statement, “This accolade reflects the accumulated experience that Markaz enjoys in the field of investment banking services, and its ability to structure and execute complex financial transactions in a way that supports the strategic objectives of companies, institutions and investors.” Al-Falah’s remarks followed the Dubai ceremony where the award was formally conferred. The executive credited the team’s expertise in delivering tailored solutions that address client needs in a dynamic market environment.
Rasha Othman, deputy executive manager of investment banking at Markaz, stated in the same release, “We are proud to receive this award, which reflects the efficiency and experience of the investment banking team at Markaz, and embodies the continued confidence that our clients place in us. We will continue to focus on providing specialized advisory services and solutions in capital markets.” Othman emphasised the importance of maintaining high standards in capital markets execution and advisory work. Her comments aligned with the broader theme of the MEED awards, which also recognised advancements in transaction banking and risk management across the MENA region.
Markaz operates with more than KD 1 billion in assets under management and maintains a leading position in Kuwait’s financial services sector, its corporate background information published alongside prior award announcements indicated. The institution provides a full range of investment banking services that include listings, capital structuring and disposition advisory to both local and regional clients. The November 3 MEED ceremony additionally honoured institutions in categories such as Islamic banking, where Kuwait Finance House took MENA Islamic Bank of the Year, according to separate announcements from the award organiser and participating banks.
