Kuwait Financial Centre (Markaz) demonstrates a governance-led ESG profile, with its strongest performance in business ethics, anti-corruption, and regulatory compliance, underpinned by CMA and Boursa Kuwait oversight, a Three-Line-of-Defense risk model, 100% AML training, and zero reported violations. Its fifth standalone GRI-based sustainability report with double materiality assessment shows mature reporting discipline, though it lacks external assurance and broader framework alignment (SASB/TCFD/ISSB). Social performance is solid, with a zero-harm safety record, strong local procurement (89.65%), responsible procurement policy with supplier ESG screening, and comprehensive training, though quantified community investment and pay equity disclosure are absent. Environmental performance is the weakest pillar: Scope 1 and partial Scope 3 emissions are disclosed with GHG Protocol methodology but Scope 2 is entirely omitted, and there are no intensity targets, renewables data, TCFD alignment, or comprehensive water/waste tracking. The most material governance gap is board diversity, with a fully male, all-Kuwaiti board that does not meet the 30% female representation threshold.
Strengths
Comprehensive board-overseen ethics and anti-corruption program with a formal Code of Conduct, zero-tolerance anti-bribery policy, whistleblowing mechanism reporting to the Chairman/Board, 100% AML and data-security training, and zero confirmed corruption incidents.
Robust regulatory compliance and risk governance under CMA and Boursa Kuwait, with a Three-Line-of-Defense model, GDPR-aligned data privacy policies, and zero fines, restatements, or regulatory violations.
Strong responsible supply chain and social practices, including 89.65% local procurement, a Responsible Procurement Policy with supplier ESG screening, a zero-harm safety record, and comprehensive training with ESG-specific content.
Areas for Improvement
Environmental disclosure gaps: report Scope 2 emissions, establish quantified GHG/energy/water/waste reduction targets, adopt intensity metrics and renewable energy, and pursue external assurance of GHG data.
Board and workforce diversity: the all-male board fails the 30% female representation threshold; establish gender diversity targets, disclose pay equity, and add female directors.
Climate risk maturity and sustainable finance: adopt TCFD-aligned climate risk assessment and scenario analysis, and develop dedicated green finance products with impact reporting, targets, and PRI/SPO verification.
Markaz Publishes Fifth Sustainability Report for 2024-2025
Kuwait Financial Centre (Markaz) published its fifth sustainability report on 14 July 2026, covering the period from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2025. The report was prepared in accordance with GRI Standards and aligned with the UN SDGs, New Kuwait Vision 2035, and Boursa Kuwait ESG disclosure requirements. Markaz issued the report as a voluntary act of disclosure covering its environmental, social, and governance performance over the reporting period.
5th sustainability report Report edition1 Jan 2024 – 31 Dec 2025 Reporting periodGRI Standards Framework
SS4S15 Jul 2026
Markaz Sponsors UNICODE 2026 Coding Bootcamp for Kuwaiti Youth
Kuwait Financial Centre (Markaz) is serving as strategic sponsor of CODED's UNICODE 2026 coding bootcamp, which will train 400 university students from July to November 2026 in software development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and financial technology. Markaz has sponsored the program since 2024 in partnership with CODED, Boursa Kuwait, and Boubyan Bank; UNICODE has trained more than 750 students since 2021 with a graduation rate above 80%.
400 Students to be trained (2026 edition)July–November 2026 Program duration750+ Total students trained since 2021
CODED, Boursa Kuwait, Boubyan Bank
EE218 Apr 2026
Markaz Achieves LEED Gold Certification for Nada Tower
Kuwait Financial Centre Co (Markaz) announced that Nada Tower, an asset within its open-ended real estate fund, received LEED Gold certification under the LEED v4.1 Operations and Maintenance system in Q1 2026, making it the first residential building in Kuwait to achieve this rating. The certification followed an independent technical assessment covering operational performance, resource efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and continuous improvement in operations and maintenance. The achievement reflects the company's approach to embedding sustainability standards into its asset management strategy.
LEED Gold Certification levelLEED v4.1 Operations and Maintenance (Existing Buildings) Certification systemQ1 2026 Certification period
GG48 Apr 2026
Markaz Holds Annual General Assembly
Kuwait Financial Centre Co (Markaz) held its Ordinary Annual General Assembly on April 8, 2026, with 72.7% attendance. The assembly approved all agenda items including the Board's recommendation to distribute 8% cash dividends of nominal share value.
72.7% Attendance rate8% Dividend rate8 fils Dividend per share