From NFC-powered teller machines to AI-driven financial assistants, the bank is shaping the future of ethical, seamless payments in the GCC
As Mena banks seek to combine digital speed with religious compliance, Kuwait’s Boubyan Bank is pushing the boundaries of what Islamic digital banking can achieve. In a region where mobile-first experiences and real-time transactions are becoming the new norm, the bank has differentiated itself through a portfolio of sharia-compliant digital payment solutions that rival the best in the sector.
Omni-channel depth
Boubyan Bank’s success lies in its ability to unify innovation across both customer-facing and backend systems. In 2024, the bank launched key upgrades to its omnichannel architecture, enabling customers to transition between mobile app, branch and call centre channels with uninterrupted service. This includes deep-linking for app-based onboarding, QR-enabled instant card issuance and real-time payment alerts. These systems now support everyday services ranging from international remittances to murabaha-based digital financing.
Meanwhile, Boubyan Bank’s AI-powered assistant Musaed has evolved beyond chatbot status to become an integrated digital concierge. In addition to executing transactions, Musaed now facilitates Ramadan gamified campaigns, job interview services and interactive banking summaries, all accessible via WhatsApp or the bank app. This conversational interface enhances customer engagement while streamlining the user experience.
Payments with purpose
Within its core platforms, Boubyan Bank has doubled down on inclusive, digitally native payment tools. The Retail App’s PayMe feature remains one of Kuwait’s top-rated peer-to-peer transfer systems, while the Business App caters to SMEs through tools such as eRent for landlords and ePay Mandoob for delegated staff payments. The bank’s wearable payment technology, multi-currency card offerings and support for salary advances via app all add to its holistic ecosystem.
Importantly, these services are built on ethical finance principles. The bank continues to expand features such as Digital Murabaha and its Salary-in-Advance tool, ensuring Islamic financing mechanisms are accessible through frictionless digital journeys. Boubyan Bank was also the first in the region to enable debit card issuance via NFC-equipped ATMs and interactive teller machines (ITM) while offering sharia-aligned credit split options through its Easy Payment Plan.
Dual recognition
Boubyan Bank’s fusion of Islamic values and digital convenience is setting a new benchmark for Islamic fintech in the GCC. Its multi-layered approach to customer-centric innovation spans AI, mobile and SME platforms, and has earned the bank recognition in two strategic categories – Best Digital Payments Platform and Excellence in Islamic Payment Innovation at the Mena Banking Excellence Awards 2025 – Retail, Digital & SME.