The Kuwait Transparency Society (KTS) has appointed Leanah Al Awadhi to its Board of Directors as Commissioner for International Relations, expanding its leadership team as the organisation continues its work in promoting integrity, transparency and anti corruption initiatives in Kuwait.
KTS, the official national chapter of Transparency International, said the appointment aligns with Al Awadhi’s professional background and experience working with civil society organisations and non governmental organisations. The role places her within the board responsible for supporting the organisation’s international engagement while contributing to its governance and institutional objectives.
Leanah Al Awadhi joins KTS Board
Leanah Al Awadhi currently serves as Anti Financial Crime Principal at the National Bank of Kuwait, a position she assumed in January 2026 after serving as Anti Financial Crime Specialist within the bank.
Her professional background spans anti financial crime, compliance, client relations and anti money laundering across Kuwait’s financial sector. Before joining the National Bank of Kuwait, she worked as AML and Compliance Assistant Manager at BBK, Senior Client Relations Officer at NBK Capital and Anti Money Laundering and Funding of Terrorism Officer at the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China in Kuwait. Alongside her banking career, Al Awadhi is Co Founder of Mudhawi’s List, a platform supporting women in Kuwait who are running for elected office positions.
According to the announcement, she expressed gratitude for the appointment and said she looks forward to working alongside fellow board members in supporting Kuwait’s national and international standing.
Role focuses on international relations
As Commissioner for International Relations, Al Awadhi will serve on the Board of Directors of Kuwait Transparency Society while supporting the organisation’s engagement with international stakeholders.
The appointment reflects a close connection between her professional experience and the responsibilities of the position. KTS noted that the role aligns with her career path and experience working with civil society organisations and non governmental organisations.
The organisation also welcomed her appointment as it continues strengthening its governance structure and international cooperation.
Kuwait Transparency Society’s mission
Established in 2006, Kuwait Transparency Society has worked to promote integrity and combat corruption in Kuwait.
According to the organisation, its work has included supporting the adoption of the Anti Corruption Public Authority Law, which established Nazaha. It has also advocated for the Right of Access to Information Law and officially monitored previous national parliamentary elections to help safeguard electoral integrity. These activities form part of KTS’s broader focus on strengthening transparency, accountability and governance across Kuwait.
As the official national chapter of Transparency International, the organisation continues working with public institutions, civil society and international partners on governance related initiatives.
Professional background supports governance role
Al Awadhi brings an academic and professional background that complements her new board responsibilities.
She holds a Master of Science in Countering Organised Crime and Terrorism from University College London and a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and International Relations from the University of Sussex. Her profile also highlights expertise in anti corruption, financial crime and data migration, alongside an ICA Advanced Certificate in Anti Money Laundering.
In addition, she has published work on governance, education, tolerance and public policy in Kuwait, reflecting continued engagement with public affairs and institutional development.
Kuwait Transparency Society strengthens board capacity
Board appointments within governance organisations play an important role in strengthening institutional capability and international engagement. By appointing a professional with experience across anti financial crime, compliance and governance, Kuwait Transparency Society continues building leadership capacity to support its organisational objectives.
For senior executives, governance professionals and HR leaders, the appointment highlights the value of combining financial sector expertise with public interest leadership. As Commissioner for International Relations, Leanah Al Awadhi will contribute to the society’s international engagement while supporting its ongoing mission to promote integrity, transparency and accountability in Kuwait.
