In its continuous effort to enhance the professional development of its employees, Gulf Bank successfully organized a comprehensive training program in collaboration with Euromoney Learning, led by renowned consultant Dr. Mark Holder, who is an advisor for global banks and exchanges. Known for his expertise in derivatives and risk management, he has trained top firms like Goldman Sachs and authored over 50 articles, delivering complex insights with clarity.

The program, which focused on Treasury Risk Management and Asset-Liability Management (ALM), aimed to strengthen the integration of key risk factors such as credit risk, funding costs, collateral adjustments, gap management, and market risks within the banking sector.

The program was designed to enhance the risk management expertise of Gulf Bank’s employees, particularly in treasury functions, and aligns with the bank’s ongoing commitment to adhering to global best practices in the field of risk management.

Throughout the training, participants explored a variety of topics essential for mastering risk management, including:

• Understanding Risk: A comprehensive overview of various types of risks and the causes of financial crises, including “Black Swan” events.
• Market Risk and Gap Management: The effects of market risk and balance sheet gaps, and the application of duration-based risk management techniques.
• Foreign Exchange and Derivatives Risk Measurement: Key metrics for measuring foreign exchange and derivatives risk, along with effective hedging strategies.
• Funding and Liability Costs: A detailed review of funding costs and associated risks on the liability side of the balance sheet.

Upon completing the program, participants shared their positive feedback, emphasizing the significant knowledge and skills gained, which will enable them to navigate the complexities of risk management in their daily roles with greater efficiency.

Reflecting on the program’s success, Ms. Sarah AlRifaai, Executive Manager of Human Resources at Gulf Bank stated: “This program represents a crucial step in our ongoing commitment to developing the risk management capabilities of our employees. By equipping them with the latest tools and knowledge, we ensure that Gulf Bank remains aligned with global best practices, further enhancing our ability to manage risks effectively and efficiently.”

She further added, “The participants not only gained a deep understanding of risk management practices and tools but were also able to apply these concepts in real-world scenarios, which helped assess their skills and abilities in tackling complex challenges.”

Gulf Bank continues to invest in the professional development of its workforce, reinforcing its role as a leader in the Kuwaiti banking sector and ensuring that its employees are equipped to meet the evolving demands of the industry.

Gulf Bank aims to be Kuwait's leading bank, fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace to deliver exceptional customer service while contributing sustainably to the community. Through its extensive branch network and innovative digital services, the bank empowers customers to conduct banking transactions conveniently and efficiently, ensuring a seamless experience.

In alignment with Kuwait Vision 2035, "New Kuwait," and its commitment to fostering collaborative partnerships, Gulf Bank is dedicated to driving robust sustainability initiatives across environmental, social, and governance (ESG) dimensions. The bank is committed to implementing strategically selected and diverse sustainability programs both internally and externally.