KUWAIT CITY, Jan 21: As part of its ongoing panel discussions with NBK’s executive management, the Tamakan Program welcomed Mr. Faisal Al-Hamad, Chief Executive Officer of NBK Wealth. Leveraging his extensive experience in the banking sector, Mr. Al-Hamad engaged the program’s youth participants in an insightful and interactive session, sharing valuable industry knowledge and addressing their questions with clarity and depth.

NBK’s sponsorship of the sixth edition of the "Tamakan" Program, organized by Creative Confidence, underscores its dedication to empowering Kuwaiti university graduates. This program provides an immersive, hands-on training experience, designed to equip emerging national talents with the essential skills and practical knowledge necessary for a seamless transition into a dynamic, high-performing workforce.

Overcoming Challenges

At the outset of the panel discussion, Al-Hamad reflected on his academic journey and the obstacles he encountered early in his career. He shared: “After graduating from university in the United States, I began my professional journey with a company where my work took me between America and London for four years. Following that, I pursued a master’s degree in business administration before deciding to return to Kuwait to continue my career.”

“I joined NBK Capital in 2007, driven by a passion for development, continuous learning, and gaining in-depth knowledge of all aspects of this field to enhance my expertise.,” Al-Hamad added, emphasizing that the work environment is one of NBK’s defining features, highlighting the bank’s commitment to training and development as a fundamental pathway for all employees. This reflects NBK’s belief that its human capital is its most valuable asset and that delivering exceptional services necessitates a highly skilled and well-trained workforce.

He emphasized that every journey is bound to encounter obstacles and challenges, regardless of the field. However, what truly matters is having the desire and ambition to succeed, coupled with a commitment to self-improvement. He highlighted the importance of developing skills, leveraging experiences within the workplace, and contributing innovative ideas and solutions to enhance operations. Taking on greater responsibilities and delivering added value to the organization, he noted, are key drivers of personal and professional growth.

Al-Hamad emphasized the importance of patience and long-term vision in career growth. He stated, “It is essential not to rush for promotions, as many individuals leave leading institutions simply in pursuit of a higher job title or larger salary, without considering the invaluable added value the institution can provide. The experiences gained over time lay a solid foundation, equipping individuals with the skills and expertise necessary to tackle future challenges and navigate changes in the labor market with confidence.”

Al-Hamad encouraged young people to seize the opportunities available to them to enhance their skills and gain valuable experiences through training courses, workshops, events, and seminars. He stressed the importance of expanding knowledge, exchanging ideas, and benefiting from the expertise within their teams. Additionally, he emphasized the need to learn from past mistakes, avoid repeating them, and constantly seek innovative solutions that contribute to the development of the work system.

Success Requires Perseverance

In response to a question from a participant in the "Tamakan" Program regarding how to achieve success in their career, Al-Hamad explained, “A successful journey demands perseverance, resilience, and responsibility. This is particularly true in the face of increasing competition in the labor market and the rapid technological advancements occurring in the banking sector, which require talented individuals and teams to adapt and stay ahead of these changes.”

Al-Hamad encouraged the program participants to seize the educational and training opportunities that arise at the outset of their careers. He highlighted that the "Tamakan" Program stands out as one of the most valuable opportunities, as it plays a crucial role in enhancing the skills needed to successfully enter the labor market.

He explained that "Tamakan" has successfully provided the labor market with numerous exceptional talents over the years. He emphasized the importance for every participant to make the most of this opportunity, as it serves as a crucial starting point for building a promising career future.

Al-Hamad highlighted that one of the key features of the Tamakan Program is the panel discussions and open dialogues it organizes, where participants have the opportunity to engage with NBK leaders who possess decades of experience in the banking industry. These interactions provide young people with valuable insights that can help them achieve their future ambitions.

Work Environment

In response to a question about the work environment, Al-Hamad stated, “Anyone with passion, ambition, and the desire to take on leadership roles should seek a work environment that offers added value and enhances their experiences and skills through training programs and workshops. This will help them grow and prepare for leadership positions in the future.”

He noted that the work environment at NBK is exemplary, as it continuously supports employees in developing their skills by offering educational programs tailored to each individual's needs. These programs, in collaboration with renowned educational institutions, aim to enhance employees' skills across various domains.

Furthermore, Al-Hamad emphasized that competition within the banking sector is intense, with organizations vying to attract top talent and competencies that can drive performance and innovation. He highlighted that NBK stands out by consistently empowering its team to contribute innovative ideas and solutions, which play a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of the bank's products and services for its customers.

NBK Wealth

In his speech, Al-Hamad addressed the recent changes and the launch of the "NBK Wealth" brand, stating, “We fully recognize that change is a constant in the market, and customer needs are continually evolving. To stay aligned with these shifts and our future vision, which is grounded in scientific principles, we introduced the NBK Wealth brand. This move is aimed at establishing the largest wealth management entity locally and positioning us as one of the largest regional groups in the field of comprehensive wealth management.”

Al-Hamad further emphasized, "Our proactive vision allows us to differentiate ourselves from our competitors," elaborating that NBK Wealth Group now encompasses a diverse range of entities, including Watani Investment Company, Watani Wealth Management Company (Saudi Arabia), NBK Banque Privée (Suisse) SA, National Bank Of Kuwait (International) PLC, and Watani Financial Brokerage Company (WFBC).

Moreover, he pointed out that NBK Wealth aims to attract new customer segments and investors, noting that   the group's brand has gained significant recognition across global markets, leading to an increasingly wider presence.

Al-Hamad highlighted that the Group is focused on strengthening its position as the leading and trusted partner in wealth management through a global network of integrated operations . Additionally, the group has formed strategic partnerships with leading international institutions, which will enhance various aspects of its services, including advisory support and the development of innovative investment solutions. Furthermore, NBK Wealth continues to offer unique services, including asset management, trading, lending, deposits, and other tailored solutions for high-net-worth individuals.

In response to a question from a participant in the Tamkeen Program regarding the specialized services offered by NBK Wealth, Al-Hamad explained: “At NBK Wealth, we provide a broad array of comprehensive solutions in private banking, wealth management, financial planning, investment management, and advisory services. These services are delivered through our extensive global network of integrated operations, ensuring we meet the diverse needs of our clients. while aligning with their individual risk tolerance levels.”

Al-Hamad further emphasized: “Drawing on our extensive experience, we possess a deep understanding of our clients' needs and are equipped to exceed their expectations. Over the decades, we have continuously elevated our services and developed tailored wealth management solutions that cater to the diverse needs of individuals, families, and institutions, all aimed at building a prosperous and sustainable future.”

“We have established strong bridges of trust and long-term relationships with our customers, built on the strength of our brand and our extensive experience in the banking industry. Our core philosophy revolves around understanding each customer's unique financial needs and goals, and crafting customized solutions to meet those needs,” Al-Hamad added.

He emphasized NBK Wealth's commitment to creating lasting value and building a generational legacy for its clients through tailored investment strategies, diversified financial portfolios, and expert advice rooted in comprehensive economic analysis and future projections. He also highlighted the importance of adapting to clients' evolving needs and offering innovative investment solutions that align with their long-term aspirations.

It is worth noting that Tamakan was honored with "The Social Work Pioneer Project Award" by the GCC Council of Ministers of Social Affairs and Labor. This prestigious accolade recognizes Tamakan as a trailblazing training initiative for Kuwaiti fresh graduates, fostering professional self-development and empowering them to emerge as a dynamic and effective workforce in the region.