Warba Bank
Making waves
Warba Bank is a young but highly successful Islamic bank based in Kuwait. Set up by the government in the wake of the financial crisis, shares in the bank were allocated to every Kuwaiti citizen, in effect creating a people’s bank.
10 years since its foundation, the bank had reached a pivotal point in its growth. Following a strategic review, the bank embarked on a new direction, transforming itself from a retail bank to a challenger investment bank.
Developing a new identity was a strategic priority.
A challenger bank in the making
From its origins as a ‘the people’s bank’, it has cut a path as a pioneer in Islamic banking. By virtue of its size, it built a reputation for its highly personalised and responsive service and earned the trust of local, regional and international investors.
A new service culture
The brand proposition is underpinned by a new set of values, which are now embedded in the HR processes and systems, and designed to shape a positive culture.
The brand values
Can do. We get things done. Fast. And we don’t let obstacles stand in our way.
Winning team spirit. We work with our clients and team members to deliver the right solution.
Ambition. We have the drive and enthusiasm to always go one better.
A new brand proposition
The proposition ‘A better solution is here’ has become the main driver for all operations and the innovation behind its creative banking products and services.
Flexible and easy-to-use corporate banking solutions have been built on a thorough study and understanding of the banking needs of the business sector. New enhancements include shortening banking transactions, minimising the time and effort required by the customer.
Utilising technology to save customers’ time and efforts has been another priority, turning customers’ banking journeys into enjoyable experiences by enabling them to perform their banking transactions by easy simple steps, anytime, anywhere.
A progressive identity
The logo design is inspired by the wake left behind from a sail boat cutting through the water. It represents the ease of plain sailing and communicates forward direction. The logotype and symbol were carefully crafted to ensure maximum legibility on external branch signage, where the harsh sunlight of the Middle East can cast strong shadows and make legibility a challenge.
The colour palette was selected to give the bank a rich premium feel. This was enhanced through the creation of graphics that blend the blue with accent colours to identify different customer segments and product types. In order to respect Sharia law and the values of an Islamic bank, a photographic style was created that represented economic strength and captured the value of family and friends in Kuwaiti culture.
“In line with its five-year development strategy, the development of the Bank’s brand supports this development vision and serves the Bank’s growth trends ”
Shaheen Hamad Al-Ghanem, CEO, Warba Bank
Shaking up the market
The new brand proposition has provided a clear focus to drive change internally – ensuring the promise has been met through the customer experience. The new brand identity has sent a message to the market that Warba is a progressive, modern bank and firmly places it on a level with its investment banking peers.
True to its spirit as a challenger bank, the radical brand solution shows Warba Bank is a true pioneer in the world of Islamic banking.