One year after the establishment of the Central Bank of Kuwait, an Emiri Decree led to the creation of the Center for Banking Studies on December 7, 1970. As its role expanded to meet the evolving needs of the banking sector, a subsequent decree on December 7, 1982, officially transformed it into the Kuwait Institute of Banking Studies (KIBS).

Since its inception, KIBS has been instrumental in advancing professional training to enhance efficiency and effectiveness within the banking industry and the broader financial sector. In addition to its specialized training programs, KIBS provides research services tailored to the needs of the banking sector.

Operating under the supervision of the Central Bank of Kuwait, KIBS is governed by a board of directors chaired by the Governor of the Central Bank. The board comprises chairpersons and general managers from various banks, along with a representative from Kuwait University, ensuring a well-rounded and strategic approach to financial education and development.

KIBS has been a cornerstone in advancing industry knowledge and professional development. Continuously evolving to meet the dynamic needs of the sector, KIBS offers a diverse portfolio of programs, including professional certifications, executive development courses, specialized training, assessment and testing services, e-learning platforms, and insightful publications on banking and finance.

Beyond being a trusted solutions provider that enhances workforce capabilities and business performance, KIBS has built a distinguished network of regional and international faculty. These experts seamlessly combine academic excellence with real-world industry experience, strengthening KIBS’s global collaborations with renowned institutions such as Harvard Business School, Chartered Banking Institution, Moody’s, the FranklinCovey Middle East, and the University of Cambridge.

The professional certifications offered by KIBS are accredited for their content and quality by its esteemed partner LIBF which is part of Walbrook Institute London, a higher education institution offering programs designed for today’s professional environment. Since its foundation in 1879 to support the banking and finance sector, it has been at the forefront of providing world-class education and training. Under its LIBF name, Walbrook Institute London provides world-renowned professional qualifications and membership programs for the financial services sector. The institution also offers new higher education programs like MBAs and career-focused postgraduate degrees. It is one of only a few professional bodies in the world to have Taught Degree Awarding Powers and is an innovator in distance learning and online degrees.