Retail banking is essential to economic growth in the MENA region, and the MENA Retail Banking Awards were created to honour the banks that excel in meeting and exceeding the demands of today’s digital-savvy customers.
As digital and SME banking evolve as pillars of financial inclusion, these awards support the transformation of retail banking by setting a benchmark for customer-centric solutions, digital excellence and innovative banking strategies.
- Gain Recognition: Position your institution as a leader in retail banking excellence, showcasing your commitment to customer-centric solutions and digital innovation in front of industry peers.
- Benchmark Your Success: Highlight your achievements in a competitive landscape and set a benchmark for innovation, digital transformation and SME banking in the MENA region.
- Strengthen Industry Influence: Demonstrate your institution’s role in driving the evolution of retail banking and setting new standards for a digital-first, customer-focused approach.
- Boost Credibility and Trust: Enhance your brand’s reputation as a trusted, forward-thinking retail bank, committed to meeting the needs of today’s customers and supporting regional economic growth.
MENA BANKING
| 43%
CAGR Middle East Digital Banking |
| $478.90bn by 2029
Projected market volume growing at a CAGR of 3.24% (2024–2029) |
| 90%
of businesses in the region are SMEs, playing a pivotal role in driving non-oil GDP growth. |
GLOBAL BANKING
| $1,840.77bn in 2022
Global Retail Banking and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% (2023–2030). |
| $10.83tn by 2029
Global Digital Banking predictions |
What to expect for 2026?
Celebrating Excellence in MENA Banking Innovation
As we gear up for the next edition of the MENA Banking Excellence Awards, we invite you to celebrate and showcase the region’s most transformative achievements in the banking sector. With over 400 banking leaders participating in 2024, the awards have become the definitive platform to honor innovation, customer focus, and operational excellence across MENA and beyond.
In 2025, we are building on this legacy with a strategic focus on three key divisions:
- Retail, Digital & SME Banking (April): Celebrating exceptional achievements in digital transformation, SME support, retail banking services, and customer engagement.
- Corporate Investment Banking & HQ Operations (May, alongside MENA Banking Summit): Recognizing leadership in corporate banking, investment strategies, and excellence in HQ/shared services, including risk management, compliance, and operations.
- Private Banking & Wealth Management (October): Highlighting banks delivering exceptional private banking and wealth management solutions, focusing on client service, personalization, and asset growth.
This year’s awards spotlight critical themes shaping the future of banking in MENA:
- Digital Banking Transformation: MENA banks are driving digital wallet adoption and integrating advanced digital platforms to foster deeper customer relationships.
- Regulation & Cybersecurity: Institutions are addressing regulatory risks while leveraging generative AI to enhance privacy and strengthen cybersecurity frameworks.
- Innovative Technologies: Closed-loop IoT and fintech collaborations are enabling personalized services and real-time decision-making.
We’ve expanded our categories to recognize excellence across the region’s dynamic banking landscape, including:
- Digital Bank of the Year
- Best SME Product Initiative
- Best Cybersecurity Program
- Most Innovative Payments Initiative
Submit your entries now to gain regional and global recognition, and join us in celebrating the leaders shaping the future of banking across MENA. The MENA Banking Excellence Awards 2026 promises to honor your outstanding contributions and inspire the next wave of innovation.
| 600+ Entries | 50+ Countries | 90% Director / C-level attendees | 100+ Leading banking organisations |
| 600+ Entries | 50+ Countries | ||
| 90% Director / C-level attendees | 100+ Leading banking organisations |
