New Kabul Bank

What New Kabul Bank does

New Kabul Bank is Afghanistan's largest commercial bank, operating 130 branches across all 34 provinces under a license issued by Afghan banking authorities, with 100% ownership held by the Ministry of Finance of Afghanistan. The bank serves four primary customer segments: government organizations (including salary disbursement for public-sector employees), corporate and business entities requiring trade financing and bank guarantees, individual retail customers, and Shariah-compliant banking customers using its Islamic Banking Window. It is the principal agent for Western Union in Afghanistan with approximately 60% market share of Western Union money transfers, and it operates a SWIFT-connected correspondent banking network across Germany, Belgium, Italy, India, Tajikistan, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and China.

The bank's core technology is conventional core-banking infrastructure comprising Oracle Finnacle (developed by Infosys Limited), Virmati Limited core banking solutions, Diebold and NCR ATM systems, and Nimbus switching. The product portfolio spans current, saving, corporate, and salary accounts; trade finance instruments (Letters of Credit, Bank Guarantees, Cheque Clearing); SWIFT and Western Union remittance corridors; POS machine and ATM networks; debit and cash cards (including a Shariah-compliant Islamic Debit MasterCard); and digital channels (Internet Banking, SMS Banking, and a 24/7 multilingual call center reachable at 3131). The Islamic Banking sub-brand, launched mid-2010, is ranked 1st among licensed Islamic Banking Windows in Afghanistan and operates across 70+ branches.

Revenue is generated through transaction fees on accounts and money transfers, service and management fees on Shariah-compliant products (Mudaraba, Murabaha, Ijara, Salam, Istisna), foreign exchange spreads (e.g., USD buy 65.37 / sell 67.47 AFN), bank guarantee quarterly fees (0.30% with minimums), and Western Union commissions. Pricing schedules are publicly disclosed in Afghani with USD equivalents (account opening AFN 250/$5; annual Islamic Debit MasterCard $10). Distribution occurs through 130 domestic branches, an ATM and POS network, the 3131 call center, internet and SMS banking, and Western Union counters with VIP service areas. The bank employs 1,001–5,000 staff, including a Board of Management led by CEO Khyber Omarkhail (since August 2016), CFO Abdul Qadeer Rafiqi (since 2022), and COO Shakib Ahmad Pazhwak.

Name

New Kabul Bank

Legal name

New Kabul Bank

Website

https://newkabulbank.af

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

New Kabul Bank is Afghanistan's largest state-owned commercial bank, 100% owned by the Ministry of Finance, operating 130 branches across all 34 provinces and serving government, corporate, retail, and Shariah-compliant banking customers through SWIFT, Western Union, Islamic Banking, and digital channels.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Commercial Banking

NAICS

Depository Credit Intermediation (5221), Savings Institutions and Other Depository Credit Intermediation (52218)

SIC

National Commercial Banks (6021), State Commercial Banks (6022)

akta.pro primary industry

Islamic SME & Commercial Banking (FSABAGAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Islamic Retail Banking (FSABAGAA), Islamic Corporate Banking (FSABAGAC), Islamic Trade Finance & Supply Chain (Shariah-compliant) (FSABAGAE)

Keywords

• Commercial banking services
• Islamic banking
• International remittances
• Trade finance services
• Retail payment infrastructure

Headquarters

HQ city

Kabul

HQ country

Afghanistan

HQ region

Asia

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Islamic Banking Services: Shariah-compliant banking services including Mudaraba savings accounts, Murabaha financing, Ijara (leasing), and trade financing. Revenue generated through profit-sharing arrangements and service fees on Islamic financial products.
2. Interest-Free Banking: Non-interest bearing current accounts (Qard-ul-Hasan), savings accounts, and fixed deposits operated under Islamic principles. Revenue derived from service charges, fees, and profit-sharing arrangements.
3. Account and Transaction Fees: Fees for account opening, maintenance, ATM transactions, internet banking, cheque books, and various banking services. Schedule of fees published for Islamic banking products.
4. Western Union Remittance Services: Principal agent for Western Union money transfer in Afghanistan with approximately 60% market share. Revenue from transfer fees and commissions on inward and outward remittances.
5. International Trade Services: SWIFT-based international transfers, Letter of Credit (LC) and Letter of Guarantee (LG) issuance, and foreign exchange services. Revenue from LC/LG issuance fees and SWIFT transfer charges.
6. Currency Exchange: Foreign currency exchange services including USD, EUR, and GBP trading with buy/sell spreads. Exchange rates displayed on website (USD buy 65.37, sell 67.47).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

New Kabul Bank is Afghanistan's largest commercial bank providing a full suite of conventional and Shariah-compliant (Islamic) banking services through 130 branches across all 34 provinces. Core offerings include deposit accounts (current, saving, corporate, salary), trade finance (Letters of Credit and Guarantees, clearing), international remittances (SWIFT and Western Union), payment infrastructure (POS, ATMs, debit cards), digital channels (internet banking, SMS banking, 24/7 call center 3131), and currency exchange services.

Product overview

New Kabul Bank offers a comprehensive suite of banking products and services as Afghanistan's largest commercial bank with 130 branches in 34 provinces. The core portfolio includes Current, Saving, Corporate, and Salary Accounts, alongside trade finance services (Letter of Credit, Letter of Guarantee, Clearing Facility), and Express Remittance. The bank provides multiple digital banking channels including Internet Banking, SMS Banking, and a 24/7 Call Center (3131). Payment infrastructure includes ATM Services, POS Machines, and card products (Master Debit Card, Local ATM Card, Websurfer Card). International services are delivered through SWIFT and Western Union partnerships. The Islamic Banking sub-brand, launched mid-2010 and ranked #1 in Afghanistan, offers Shariah-compliant products including Mudaraba savings/fixed deposits, Qard-ul-Hasan current accounts, and Murabaha/Ijara-based personal and business financing. These products are interconnected through the bank's digital infrastructure, enabling cross-channel access via branches, ATMs, internet banking, and mobile services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Current Account A transactional non-interest bearing account for individual sole traders and small businesses, allowing withdrawals and transfers whenever required.
• Saving Account A basic non-interest bearing savings account for customers with limited and specified income, allowing deposit and withdrawal of money and operable across 130 branches in 34 provinces.
• Corporate Account A demand deposit account for businesses, profit, and non-profit organizations allowing unlimited withdrawals subject to adequate balance availability, accessible across the counter at any branch.
• Salary Account Salary disbursement facility for government and private organizations enabling fast, safe, and timely electronic salary transfers through the bank's 130-branch network including mobile disbursement to remote areas.
• Express Remittance Express money transfer service offered by New Kabul Bank for domestic remittances.
• Clearing Facility Cheque collection and clearing service enabling customers to deposit cheques from other banks with credit realization in the shortest possible time.
• Letter of Credit (LC) Issuance Trade finance service for issuance of letters of credit to support international trade transactions for importers and exporters.
• Letter of Guarantee / Bank Guarantee Credit department service offering Bid Security and Performance Bank Guarantee for construction and business sectors, including 100% margin deposit-based guarantees with 0.30% quarterly service fee.
• Islamic Banking Shariah-compliant banking window providing Islamic financial products including Current Account (Qard-ul-Hasan), Saving Account (Mudaraba), Fixed Deposit (Mudaraba), Personal Financing (Murabaha, Ijara), Business Financing, Islamic Cash Card, and Islamic Debit MasterCard. Ranked 1st amongst licensed Islamic Banking Windows in Afghanistan with 70+ branches offering services.
• Master Debit Card Standard debit card accepted globally at over 29 million merchants and 1.4 million ATMs, enabling shopping, ticket purchases, utility bill payments, and cash withdrawals.
• POS Machine Point of Sale machines deployed nationwide enabling secure card transactions at major supermarkets and restaurants, supporting all international Afpay cards including NKB-issued cards.
• ATM Services 24/7 automated teller machine services supporting Afghani and USD withdrawals via NKB proprietary cards and international cards (MasterCard, Diners Club, Discover, Amex, China Union Pay), with cash withdrawal up to $1,000/transaction, balance inquiry, and PIN change.
• Local ATM Card NKB proprietary ATM card enabling cash withdrawal up to AFN 35,000/day, balance enquiry, mini statement, and PIN change at NKB ATMs.
• SWIFT Services International funds transfer service through the SWIFT network, supporting sending/receiving money and issuing bank guarantees, with correspondent relationships with banks in Germany, Belgium, Italy, India, Tajikistan, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and China.
• Western Union Money Transfer International money transfer service through which New Kabul Bank operates as principal Western Union agent in Afghanistan with approximately 60% market share for inward and outward money transfers worldwide, including dedicated VIP counters.
• Internet Banking Online banking platform allowing customers to view accounts, access all NKB accounts worldwide 24x7, and perform banking activities from home/office using Internet Banking ID and password.
• SMS Banking Mobile banking service providing secure and convenient banking via SMS notifications when accounts are credited or debited.
• Call Center (3131) 24x7x365 multilingual customer service call center (3131) integrated with all mobile operators in Afghanistan, offering IVR and agent-assisted services for balance inquiry, account transfer, exchange rates, branch/ATM locations, and product information in Pashto, Dari, and English.
• Bill Payment Utility bills payment service allowing customers to pay bills conveniently and securely at all NKB branches throughout Afghanistan.

Quantifiable outcome

• 60% market share of Western Union Money Transfer in Afghanistan
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration10 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• Western UnioncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNew Kabul Bank is the principal agent for Western Union Money Transfer in Afghanistan, authorized to transfer and receive money through Western Union company worldwide. The bank holds approximately 60% market share of Western Union Money Transfer in Afghanistan and has established VIP counters for Western Union customers to reduce lead time and increase customer satisfaction.
• Bank of ChinacoreTechnology or IntegrationCorrespondent banking relationship for USD transfers. SWIFT code: BKCHCNBJXXX. Account number: 778400000208. Located at Fuxingmew Neidajie, Beijing 100818.
• HDFC Bank IndiacoreTechnology or IntegrationCorrespondent banking relationship for INR/USD transfers. SWIFT code: HDFCINBBXXX. Account number: 00600390000431. Located at Tower B, 5th Floor, Peninsula Business Park, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai -400013, India.
• BMCE BankcoreTechnology or IntegrationCorrespondent banking relationship for EUR transfers. SWIFT code: BMCEESMMXXX. Account: ES6102198601090096601414. Located at Serrano 59-28006 Madrid, Spain.
• TranskapitalbankcoreTechnology or IntegrationCorrespondent banking relationship for USD transfers in Russia. SWIFT code: TJSCRUMMXXX. Account: 30111840700000000248. Located at 27/35, Vorontsovskaya st, Moscow, 109147, Russia.
• Zhejiang Chouzhou Commercial BankcoreTechnology or IntegrationCorrespondent banking relationship. SWIFT code: CZCBCN2X.
• MasterCardcoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership for Debit MasterCard issuance, accepted at over 29 million merchants worldwide and 1.4 million ATMs globally. NKB issues Islamic Debit MasterCards to customers.
• AfpaysupportingTechnology or IntegrationNKB POS machines support all international Afpay cards including cards issued by New Kabul Bank, enabling wider acceptance at retail locations.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• National Bank of Pakistan (NBP): State-owned Pakistani commercial bank with regional presence and government salary disbursement operations. Comparable to NKB in state ownership structure, government payroll banking model, and correspondent banking depth.

Broad incumbents

• Habib Bank Limited (HBL): Pakistan's largest commercial bank with presence across the broader South and Central Asia region. Operates as a comparable large-scale emerging-market commercial bank with extensive branch, remittance, and correspondent banking infrastructure relevant to NKB's franchise.

Direct peers

• Meezan Bank: Pakistan's leading Islamic bank offering Shariah-compliant retail, corporate, and trade finance products. Directly comparable to NKB's Islamic Banking Window in product mix, Mudaraba/Murabaha/Ijara structures, and target customer segments.
• Maiwand Bank: Afghan commercial bank offering deposits, financing, and remittance services. Competes with NKB in retail and SME banking segments across multiple Afghan provinces.
• Pashtany Bank: State-owned Afghan commercial bank and one of the largest by branch network. Competes directly with NKB for government salary disbursement contracts and public-sector deposits across Afghanistan's provinces.
• Azizi Bank: One of Afghanistan's largest private commercial banks offering similar retail, corporate, and trade finance services. NKB's CEO Khyber Omarkhail previously served at Azizi Bank, and the two compete directly for government and corporate accounts across Afghanistan.
• Bank-e-Millie Afghan: Major Afghan commercial bank offering full-service banking including accounts, trade finance, and remittances. NKB's CEO previously served as Chief Credit Officer there, and both banks compete head-to-head for institutional and retail customers in Kabul and provincial markets.
• Kabul Bank: Historically one of Afghanistan's largest commercial banks (where NKB's CFO previously worked). Operates in similar retail and corporate banking segments, providing a directly comparable franchise within Afghanistan.
• Afghanistan International Bank (AIB): Afghan commercial bank offering corporate, retail, and trade finance services with international correspondent relationships. Competes with NKB for multinational and embassy accounts plus SWIFT-based trade flows.

Others

• Western Union (agent network benchmark): Not a direct competitor but a critical partner where NKB serves as principal agent. Western Union's broader agent network and competitor principals (e.g., MoneyGram) define the addressable remittance market in which NKB holds 60% share.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/NKBAfghanistan
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@newkabulbank9479
• Facebookfacebook.com/nkb.afghanistan
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/new-kabul-bank-nkb-

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about New Kabul Bank