The map·Kuwait·Government programmes

CBK Digital Banking Guidelines

Framework for digital-only banks (since 2022).

What
A licensing pathway toward operating a digital bank.
Who
Banks and fintech consortia building digital-bank propositions.
Cost
No equity — service or permission
Status
Active

Checked · September 2026 · cbk.gov.kw/en/legislation-and-regulation/innovat · How we check ↗

Website ↗On the map →

In detail

CBK Digital Banking Guidelines is a licensing framework in Kuwait. Framework for digital-only banks (since 2022). Enabled Tam by KFH and Nomo by Boubyan.

Amount
Digital banking licence pathway
Eligibility
Banks, fintech consortia building digital-bank propositions
Sectors
Digital Banking, Islamic Digital Banking
Status
Active

What the source says

“drive innovation in the areas of Artificial Intelligence, Digitalization, Information Security, Financial Technology (FinTech), and Supervisory and Regulatory Technology (SupTech/RegTech).”

cbk.gov.kw/en/legislation-and-regulation/innovation-hub/over · seen September 2026

“is instrumental in transforming creative ideas into tangible solutions by providing access to resources, fostering a culture of experimentation, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, and contributing to the broader innovation ecosystem.”

cbk.gov.kw/en/legislation-and-regulation/innovation-hub/over · seen September 2026

“requests for testing products and services that have already been developed and are ready for implementation in the banking sector.”

cbk.gov.kw/en/legislation-and-regulation/innovation-hub/over · seen September 2026

Closing soon on the map

Cultural Development Fund (CDF)

Grant · Saudi Arabia
Up to SAR 500,000 non-repayable per project, capped at 20 projects total.
No equity — grant
29 Sep 2026closes

Finspire

Accelerator · Saudi Arabia
SAR 100,000 development funding, earmarked rather than paid as cash.
Equity via SAFE, capped at 5%
4 Oct 2026closes

QSTP Incubation

Accelerator · Qatar
In-kind support: Doha workspace and housing for a four-week Sprint, talent and investor access.
Equity — 1.5% deferred SAFE-style stake
1 Nov 2026closes

All published deadlines →

More government programmes in Kuwait

CBK Wolooj Innovation Hub

Government · Kuwait
R&D programme support for fintech innovation projects.
No equity — programme support
—

CBK Wolooj Regulatory Sandbox

Government · Kuwait
Regulatory permission to test fintech products live; no funding provided.
No equity — service or permission
—

CMA FinTech Unit (Module 19)

Government · Kuwait
Regulatory permission to operate as a securities crowdfunding platform or fintech.
No equity — service or permission
—

KDIPA

Government · Kuwait
Up to 100% foreign ownership and up to a 10-year tax holiday for investors.
No equity — service or permission
—

All government programmes in Kuwait →  ·  Across the Gulf →

More programmes that take no equity →

Sources

Primary source · cbk.gov.kw/en/legislation-and-regulation/innovation-hub/overview · LinkedIn · linkedin.com/company/cbkkw · Checked September 2026