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Jehad Saud al-Humaidhi on empowering women and advancing Islamic finance

AUB Kuwait CEO has been recognised as the Mena Islamic Banker of the Year at the Mena Banking Excellence Awards 2023.

What inspired you to pursue a career in banking and how did your journey with Ahli United Bank start?

Banking is a highly demanding profession that appeals to individuals who are willing to embrace and thrive in a challenging environment. As such, I have found that banking closely aligns with my personal and professional aspirations. This career path offers ample opportunities for ongoing, rapid-paced training and personal development. I started my journey at Ahli United Bank (AUB) Kuwait, where I was involved in the technological aspects of banking. And ever since, I have played a pivotal role in the inception and development of the bank’s digital and operational platforms.

What advice would you give to young women who aspire to become leaders in the banking industry?

My advice to young women who are starting their banking careers is to prioritise self-confidence and remain focused on their objectives. It is essential for every individual to plan ahead for each task or project and to establish achievable objectives from the outset, and women should do the same.

How does AUB support the development of Kuwaiti women in the banking sector and promote inclusion?

The AUB group upholds the highest standards of diversity and fair treatment without any form of discrimination. Our workforce includes individuals of varying genders, religions and backgrounds who work in harmony.

Women and men are equally empowered with training opportunities and career advancement. Our focus is on employee efficiency and achievements, and these are our key drivers.

Can you provide examples of recent initiatives AUB has undertaken to improve its products and services?

There are a multitude of such initiatives that AUB has undertaken, including the recent launch of a cutting-edge business-to-business (B2B) application, which was launched with a free-style operating model. Additionally, AUB is a pioneer in introducing Apple and Google Pay in Kuwait. We regularly enhance and benchmark all of our products against the market to ensure continued improvement.

What initiatives has AUB undertaken to promote social responsibility and sustainability in its Islamic banking products and services?

A dedicated department at AUB has been designated to oversee all corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities and goals, with a suitable budget allocated for this purpose. An annual plan and programme charter have also been approved, and include various initiatives such as supporting government health programmes, aiding the elderly, assisting the needy and handicapped, and promoting charitable and athletic pursuits.

What role will Islamic finance play in supporting sustainable and long-term investment decisions?

Islamic lenders offer a range of competitive products and services that cater to clients from all backgrounds, irrespective of their religion, location or nationality. Our sharia-compliant products present excellent opportunities for investment. At AUB, we take great care to tailor our savings, finance, real estate and investment products to suit the specific needs of both Muslim and non-Muslim clients alike.

What are the growth prospects for Islamic banking in Kuwait and beyond, and how is AUB positioning itself to take advantage of these opportunities?

It is anticipated that the growth rate of Islamic banking will surpass that of conventional banking in 2023, with double-digit growth projected. This noteworthy expansion is being observed on a global scale, particularly in the GCC.

At AUB, we are committed to seizing every viable opportunity to participate in syndication finances for infrastructure and megaprojects, as well as in corporate, small and medium enterprise (SME) and consumer banking.

Are governments and central banks doing enough to support the Islamic finance industry?

In Kuwait, the government and the central bank are working together to bolster the banking sector and safeguard the market.

Through the Central Bank of Kuwait’s (CBK’s) efforts to uphold a robust financial stability system and the Ministry of Finance’s sponsorship of government investments, the financial system is advancing steadily and securely.

Moreover, CBK and the government are lending their support to all digital initiatives, which are expected to elevate the industry to new heights. However, it may be prudent to give greater priority to expediting the issuance and approval of laws to align with the evolving global economy.

Ahli United Bank Kuwait CEO Jehad Saud al-Humaidhi has been recognised as the Mena Islamic Banker of the Year at the Mena Banking Excellence Awards 2023.

The Kuwaiti lender is prioritising customer protection, transparency and compliance to deliver high-quality financial services.

With the increasing adoption of digital payments and the growth in online transactions, ensuring secure and reliable payment execution has become a top priority for financial institutions.

In addition, banks must also comply with regulatory requirements and promote customer protection to maintain a high level of trust with their clients. Case in point, Ahli United Bank (AUB) Kuwait is committed to delivering high-quality financial services to its customers with a strong focus on customer protection.

The bank’s remittance department plays a crucial role in its operations, managing local and international inward and outward remittances with a focus on optimal business practices.

Secure transactions

AUB has invested in information technology systems such as SWIFT Payment Controls and SWIFT GPI to ensure fast, accurate and reliable payment execution while mitigating fraudulent attacks.

The lender also collaborates with the GCC cross-border payment system AFAQ (Arabian Gulf System for Financial Automated Quick Payment Transfer) to execute remittances in the region, thus promoting economic and financial integration while mitigating financial risks.

In addition, AUB has partnered with the Central Bank of Kuwait to launch and implement the Kuwait National Payments System (KNPS) programme. This aims to modernise the country’s national payments and settlement process as well as enhance customer services and cost-effective solutions.

Promoting integrity

Customer protection is paramount to AUB, with the bank committed to adhering to fair treatment, honesty and quality financial services principles. AUB processes all relationships and transactions with customers impartially and with integrity, providing clear and easily comprehensible information on services and products.

To ensure compliance with its business objectives and regulatory requirements, the lender has aligned its information security operations with its overarching goals. It has established the necessary governing frameworks, policies and procedures to provide customers with financial services within a culture of integrity and transparency.

Quality pillars

AUB’s customer protection strategy is based on four pillars that ensure compliance with the Central Bank of Kuwait’s instructions. These are:

• Fair and equal treatment
• Disclosure and transparency
• Financial awareness and culture
• Professional behaviour

The bank offers special assistance to customers with limited income or education, senior citizens and those with special needs, without discrimination based on gender or other biases. It also disseminates clear and accurate financial and banking information to existing and potential customers, and its website includes a dedicated page on financial awareness.

AUB maintains a culture of integrity and credibility, providing extensive training to all employees to ensure compliance with its customer protection principles. The lender’s information security risk management processes, privacy and security practices, annual training and awareness campaigns, and adherence to external security standards and best practices, all contribute to protecting its clients against financial fraud.

Ahli United Bank CEO Jehad Soud al-Humaidhi has won the Mena Islamic Banker of the Year award at the Mena Banking Excellence Awards 2023. The bank has also won accolades in the Best Remittance Service and Excellence in Customer Protection/Fraud Control categories.

The Omani lender is strategically diversifying its portfolio to provide customers with a personalised experience.

Private banking is a specialised service that caters to high-net-worth individuals and has been experiencing significant growth in Oman in recent years.

As customer demand for tailored financial services grows, lenders are seeking ways to offer customised services such as wealth management, investment advice, concierge services, and exclusive events and experiences.

Strategic expansion

Oman’s Ahlibank has recognised the importance of providing customers with a personalised experience and now offers a broad spectrum of financial and lifestyle benefits and services in the sultanate. The lender has also implemented a strategic plan to increase its branch network to meet the needs of its expanding elite customer base.

Ahlibank has adopted a well-structured methodology to introduce new products and services for its private banking customers, which it offers under its ‘Exclusiv’ umbrella. This programme provides a diverse range of financial and quality-of-life benefits and services aimed at maximising returns and satisfying the lifestyle needs of elite clientele.

For instance, Exclusiv members receive personalised services from a dedicated relationship manager, discounted bank charges, competitive exchange rates, and complimentary signature debit and infinite credit cards. These cards provide exclusive benefits including airport lounge access, dining discounts, merchant discounts, travel insurance, purchase protection, extended warranty and 24-hour concierge services.

With this approach, Ahlibank aims to strengthen its customer relationships and enhance its overall banking experience.

Wealth management

Wealth management services are another critical component of banking for high-net-worth clients. In addition to helping them manage their finances and investments to maximise returns and mitigate risks, these services provide comprehensive solutions for affluent customers seeking to expand and safeguard their wealth. The solutions include personalised financial advisory services and custom investment portfolios tailored to specific client requirements.

Ahlibank’s Exclusiv programme includes a comprehensive wealth management service tailored to meet client needs.

The lender’s private banking team strives to offer exceptional services supported by experienced professionals such as relationship managers, portfolio analysts and investment specialists. With the support of this team, the Exclusiv programme prioritises customer experience and provides a range of investment solutions to maximise returns and minimise risks effectively.

The programme also offers premium service centres and lounges for conducting banking transactions privately as well as investment solutions in dual-currency deposits, structured notes, fixed-income securities, real estate funds, mutual funds and multi-manager funds.

With a focus on customer experience, Ahlibank’s long-term strategy prioritises enhancing the value of its clients’ wealth while precisely meeting their financial and investment banking needs.

Digital wealth

Meanwhile, digital wealth is an emerging trend in the financial services industry that aims to use digital technologies to provide wealth management services to clients. This includes using digital platforms to offer investment solutions, automate wealth management activities and provide clients with a seamless banking experience.

The rise of digital wealth has been driven by the increasing demand for personalised and convenient wealth management services, especially among younger, tech-savvy generations. As a result, many financial institutions are investing heavily in digital wealth management to remain competitive and meet the evolving needs of their clients.

In Ahlibank’s case, the lender initiated two primary digitalisation programmes in 2022, one of which is named Digital Wealth. Its objective is to establish a fully digitalised back-office system, a comprehensive wealth advisory dashboard and automation for wealth management activities including client reporting.

In addition, the Digital Wealth programme will serve as a client portal that will enable customers to trade mutual funds, providing a new and unique service. This is the initial phase of a series of digital initiatives launched by Ahlibank, with the lender aiming to leverage the existing digital capabilities of technology to align with the best global practices in the digital arena.

Valued partnerships

Ahlibank’s partnership with UK-headquartered All Funds Bank is a good example of the importance of partnerships in the banking and financial services industry.

By teaming up with All Funds Bank, Ahlibank Wealth Management has expanded its partner network and gained access to a wider range of investment solutions.

This joint venture has not only provided new markets and solutions for Ahlibank’s clients, but it has also increased the bank’s visibility in the global market.

All Funds Bank is a digital platform that has optimised Ahlibank’s speed of access to investment solutions, a move that aligns with the Omani lender’s objective of becoming a digital wealth service provider.

Ahlibank has won the Best Private Bank – Oman award at the Mena Banking Excellence Awards 2023.

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank is focusing on innovation and digitalisation to drive growth in sharia-compliant lending

Islamic banking is a financial system that operates based on the principles of Islamic law. Also known as sharia, the law prohibits charging interest (riba) and engaging in speculative or unethical business practices.

Islamic banking has gained popularity in the region due to its ethical and transparent approach to finance, which aligns with the cultural and religious values of many of the Middle East’s citizens.

In recent years, sharia-compliant banks have expanded their offerings beyond traditional retail banking services to include corporate, business, private banking and wealth management solutions.

The Middle East is home to some of the largest and most successful Islamic banks in the world, including Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB).
With more than $40bn in assets, ADIB is one of the largest Islamic banks globally and offers online, mobile and phone banking services to its customers, providing seamless digital access to their accounts 24 hours a day. Established in 1997, the bank has a presence in six strategic markets, namely Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UK, Sudan, Qatar and Iraq.

ADIB is targeting continuous innovation of sharia-compliant products to support customers across the retail, small and medium enterprise (SME) and corporate landscape.

Digital innovation

The bank has a rich track record of innovation, including introducing award-winning products such as the Ghina savings account, co-branded cards with Abu Dhabi flag carrier Etihad Airways, Dubai’s Emirates airline and local telecoms provider Etisalat, and a wide range of financing products.

ADIB’s 2025 strategy is built on four strategic pillars:

• Continuous innovation
• Segment focus
• Digital transformation
• Sustainability

As the banking sector undergoes rapid digitalisation, traditional banks are actively adopting new technologies to enhance their products and services. Case in point, ADIB has been actively pursuing digital transformation initiatives to enhance customer experience and drive efficiencies across its operations.

As part of its 2025 strategy, the bank is also expanding its operations and enhancing its digital capabilities.

ADIB plans to launch innovative digital ventures and new business models while focusing on building its strength in the Emirati retail segment and attracting new business segments to grow profitably.

These initiatives demonstrate the bank’s commitment to digital transformation and its efforts to stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving banking landscape.

In addition, sustainability has become a critical success factor for ADIB, with matters of diversity, climate change, staff wellbeing and governance at the forefront of its strategic priorities.

ADIB has been named the Mena Islamic Finance Bank of the Year at the Mena Banking Excellence Awards 2023.

The QNB Group is leading the way as the preferred partner for those seeking a personalised banking experience

Qatar National Bank (QNB) Private is the first private bank in Qatar to provide world-class wealth management services and opportunities to its customers along with access to a team of advisors.

As part of the QNB Group, QNB Private has earned a reputation as the preferred financial partner for those seeking a personalised and discreet banking experience. With over 30% market share, QNB Private exemplifies excellence in catering to the unique financial needs of its clientele.

QNB Private combines local banking relationships with an international perspective, tailored to high-net-worth (HNW) clients across 28 countries..

Building long-term relationships

QNB Private’s philosophy is focused on building long-term relationships with its clients. Each client is paired with a dedicated private banker who is available 24/7 to manage their multi-currency accounts, deposits, loans, and investments. This personalised approach ensures that clients receive the support and attention they need to achieve their financial goals efficiently and effectively.

A suite of exclusive offerings

QNB Private offers a wide array of services that go beyond traditional banking. The bank provides its clients with world-class research and analysis, which they can rely on to make informed investment decisions.

Furthermore, QNB Private’s real estate services and advisory arm provide its clients with various financing options for residential and commercial properties, locally and globally.

The bank’s international mortgages and real estate advisory services ensure that clients receive personalised guidance and support throughout their property transactions, whether for personal or investment purposes.

Global reach

QNB Private offers offshore banking solutions to clients through its fully independent Swiss Private Bank, QNB (Suisse) SA.

The bank is regulated by FINMA under Swiss banking laws and provides tailored products and services to meet the diverse needs of HNW individuals. The bank’s focus on privacy, expertise and trust is combined with a competitive pricing model.

QNB Private has branches in Paris and London, which extends its global reach, allowing for personalised banking solutions and wealth management services for VIP clients.

The bank is committed to innovation and providing premium digital banking services, focusing on convenience, se-curity, and customer satisfaction.

National Bank of Kuwait is championing strategies that meet the demands of the tech-savvy generation

Traditional banking methods can be inconvenient and inaccessible, as they often require customers to visit physical branches or engage in lengthy phone calls for even simple transactions.

To address these challenges, National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) launched Weyay, Kuwait’s first fully digital bank, in November 2021 as part of its digital transformation strategy to develop advanced payment solutions and modernise its services.

Weyay offers a paper-free banking experience, accessible 24/7 from within the app, enabling users to manage their finances efficiently. This eliminates the need for branch visits or extensive interactions with bank representatives.

In 2023, Weyay expanded its digital offerings by introducing new products and features, which have helped improve the banking experience and foster growth.

Mastering asset management

NBK Wealth has mastered asset management through its disciplined research strategy and employing professionals specialising in regional equities. Its in-house research team provides valuable insights for portfolio positioning. In money markets, NBK Wealth offers four funds with weekly liquidity backed by NBK’s financial strength.

The funds maintain Kuwait’s largest money market platform, utilising credit expertise and market insights to optimise placements and fixed-income products. Their dynamic approach focuses on growing the counterparty network and optimising maturities while adapting to market conditions.

The bank uses a top-down approach complemented by bottom-up analysis. Its strategic decisions, such as adjusting duration against consensus views, have led to a solid performance. This year, NBK Wealth introduced a fixed-income advisory service and expanded its trading capabilities, gaining a competitive edge in execution and reducing costs.

NBK’s strategies to master financial innovation

One of the main challenges in banking is the lack of transparency and security in international transactions due to hidden fees and uncertainties.

National Bank of Kuwait’s (NBK) Weyay financial platform has introduced the country’s first numberless prepaid card to address this. The card provides complete visibility and control over all transaction details and associated foreign exchange fees, enhancing users’ trust and confidence.

Another major innovation is the introduction of features that help users manage their finances more effectively. NBK has integrated Weyay’s platform with budgeting and tracking tools to empower users to set spending limits, monitor expenses in real time and receive personalised recommendations based on their spending patterns, enabling them to make informed financial decisions.

Through strategic collaborations with key players in the industry, such as Kuwait Telecom Company (STC), Weyay extends exclusive deals on phones and SIM plans directly within its app ecosystem. This not only enhances the value proposition for users but also signifies a paradigm shift in how financial services are integrated into everyday lifestyles.

To foster long-term customer relationships and loyalty, Weyay has incorporated gamification elements, such as the Swipe to Win feature, which rewards customers with prizes and incentives.

The Weyay platform also recognises the importance of preserving traditional cultural practices in a rapidly digitising world. It has digitised the conventional practice of gifting cash or Eidiya to children and family members by enabling users to send digital Eidiya requests through links, thus maintaining the spirit of the occasion while embracing the convenience of digital technology.

Weyay has also promoted financial inclusion for children by introducing Weyay Jeel, Kuwait’s first banking app targeted towards children.
This app provides a transactional account co-owned by the child and the parent, empowering children to learn about and manage their finances responsibly from a young age.

Mohammed Al Othman wins MENA Retail Banker of the Year

Mohammed Al Othman, CEO Consumer & Digital Banking at NBK oversees NBK’s consumer banking product portfolio, which includes cards, loans and liabilities. He also oversees customer-facing channels such as digital, contact centre, direct sales and alternate channels such as ATMs and interactive teller machines (ITMs).

Additionally, he manages NBK’s largest branch network, with 72 branches (including four self-service branches), the most significant payment acquiring unit, and business banking.

Al Othman is responsible for developing and implementing NBK’s business strategy, which is based on three stra-tegic cornerstones: maintaining leadership position, growing by accessing segments beyond core; and delivering consistent improvements in profitability.

Since the launch of Weyay in 2021, Al Othman has played a critical role in accelerating digital transformation through a digital-first strategy and a continued focus on enhancing the customer experience. He has also led the revamping of the new mobile banking application to provide a more personalised experience.

Kuwait Financial Centre (Markaz) provides value to investors by focusing on thorough due diligence, constant innovation and operational efficiency

Today’s investors are seeking stable returns and diversified portfolios that can provide consistent performance over time. By maintaining a well-rounded portfolio, they aim to protect their investments against significant losses while still achieving modest, steady growth.

Real estate investments

Kuwait Financial Centre (Markaz) has been at the forefront of offering real estate investment opportunities since 1988 in the US through its international real estate arm, Mar-Gulf Management.

Leveraging its extensive market footprint and exceptional operational expertise in the region, Markaz’s Middle East and North Africa (Mena) real estate division employs a time-tested approach to acquiring, managing and selling properties in the most promising segments of the market to drive superior value.

Markaz real estate services:

Real estate asset management
Real estate development
Real estate advisory
Property management

The division sources opportunities, conducts due diligence and arranges debt financing to acquire well-located assets across residential, commercial and industrial segments.

By consistently adhering to a robust investment philosophy, Markaz has navigated through challenges and evolved its strategies to continue providing value to investors by focusing on thorough due diligence, constant innovation and operational efficiency.

Advisory focus

For the past 50 years, Markaz has continuously worked to offer clients world-class investment banking solutions across equity capital and debt capital markets, initial public offerings (IPOs), listings, capital structure and mergers and acquisitions advisory, restructuring, and disposition services.

Since 1997, Markaz has successfully executed investment banking transactions of more than $6.6bn across the Mena region. Each client has a unique requirement for which a consultative approach is adopted to formulate and advise on optimal solutions.

Markaz’s investment banking capabilities include:

Equity and debt issuances
IPOs and listings
Mergers and acquisitions
Advisory
Valuation and strategy advisory
Credit rating advisory
Restructuring advisory

The success enjoyed by Markaz’s investment banking team stems from their extensive experience combined with technical execution capabilities and in-depth industry knowledge. The advisory services provided by the team span various sectors including banking, education, electronics, healthcare, insurance, legal, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, real estate and technology.

Ila Bank’s seamless banking experience is easier, faster and more effortless, setting a new standard in the industry

In a world where technology is continually reshaping industries, the banking sector is no exception. The exponential growth of digital banking and the need to tailor services to the modern consumer has prompted many financial institutions to re-evaluate their traditional approach.

Recognising this shift, Bahrain’s Ila Bank is redefining retail banking by merging technology with a human-centric design. The bank offers a range of digital-only solutions to empower consumers to enhance their lifestyle experiences and financial aspirations.

By eliminating the need for physical visits, paper-intensive transactions and complicated user interfaces, Ila Bank has quickly become one of the leading digital banks in Bahrain. The seamless experience it offers is not only easier and faster but also more effortless, setting a new standard in the industry.

Customer commitment

Ila Bank’s commitment to customer-centricity has solidified its position as a forerunner in the digitisation shift prompted by the pandemic. The bank provides consumers with a highly personalised 24/7 banking experience at their fingertips, according to their needs and preferences.

Meanwhile, Ila Bank stays true to its DNA of disruptive innovation by leveraging cutting-edge digital capabilities and human-centric designs. With an agile banking model and active social media engagement, the bank remains adaptive and responsive to changing customer needs. It has deployed an impressive number of app releases, including user interface (UI) enhancements, new features and speed improvements, ensuring a seamless user experience.

Global footprint

Expanding beyond Bahrain, Ila Bank has launched its banking app in Jordan, tailoring its services to local consumer needs and preferences. Within six months, the Jordan subsidiary onboarded twice as many customers as traditional retail branches do in a year. Ila Bank aims to transform consumer banking across the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region.

The bank’s exponential growth underscores its position as the region’s fastest-growing digital mobile-only bank. With significant increases in customer base, deposits and transaction volume, Ila Bank has maintained outstanding app ratings and achieved a remarkable net promoter score.

Gulf Bank ensures equal opportunities and career advancement for all employees, with an unwavering dedication to fostering a fair and inclusive workplace

Diversity and inclusion are fundamental values that foster a thriving workplace environment. In today’s dynamic landscape, organisations that prioritise these values are at the forefront of change and progress.

Gulf Bank, a leading financial institution in Kuwait, is one such organisation championing initiatives that enhance employee skills, promote sustainability principles and advance diversity and inclusion within the workplace. The bank places its employees at the heart of its strategic objectives, recognising their pivotal role in its success.

Gulf Bank invests significantly in training and development opportunities to empower its workforce and foster their personal growth and career advancement. These initiatives are carefully crafted to align with market demands and cater to specific job responsibilities within the organisation, ensuring each employee feels valued and integral to Gulf Bank’s operations.

Gender equality

At Gulf Bank, gender equality is not just a commitment but a tangible reality. The bank ensures equal opportunities for every employee through training, mentoring and leadership discovery programmes. Notably, it is the first bank in Kuwait to implement equal job benefits for both men and women, underlining its unwavering dedication to fostering a fair and inclusive workplace.

Gulf Bank has established the Kuwait Women’s Economic Empowerment Platform (KWEEP) to advance women in the workplace.

The platform is aligned with the New Kuwait Vision 2035 and the UN’s sustainable development goals (SDGs), promoting policies and initiatives that enhance career development and leadership for women in the private sector while contributing to the state’s broader socio-economic goals.

Gulf Bank’s efforts have yielded tangible results, with the female workforce representing 45% of its human capital and continuing to grow. The bank’s initiatives have resulted in several benefits for the organisation. By investing in its employees’ training and development, it has created a culture of excellence where employees feel valued and integral to bank operations.

Inclusive workplace

Gulf Bank’s commitment to gender equality has resulted in a fair and inclusive workplace, which has led to increased employee satisfaction and retention. Moreover, its efforts to promote economic empowerment have contributed to Kuwait’s broader socio-economic goals while helping women advance in the workplace.

Through initiatives such as the Women of Wisdom (WOW) programme and various workshops and seminars, Gulf Bank fosters a culture of knowledge-sharing and career advancement. These platforms address pertinent issues and set objectives to support women in achieving their full potential in the private sector.

Moreover, the bank’s human resources department ensures employee programmes align with the UN’s SDGs, further reinforcing its commitment to social responsibility and sustainable practices.

Gulf Bank is a leading example of how organisations can prioritise diversity and inclusion to create a thriving workplace environment while contributing to broader socio-economic goals.

Commercial International Bank has strategically honed its digital capabilities to offer unparalleled experiences to clients

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, businesses that prioritise innovation and digitalisation gain a significant edge over their competitors.

Among these forward-thinking companies stands Egypt’s Commercial International Bank (CIB), which has strategically honed its digital capabilities to offer unparalleled experiences to clients while streamlining operations.

At the core of CIB’s strategic objectives lies a commitment to minimising the reliance on physical branches and delivering comprehensive online banking services.

By leveraging innovative solutions, digital channels, data analytics and streamlined customer journeys, the bank crafts unique digital value propositions aimed at enhancing sales efficiency and managing costs.

Technological advancements

CIB has made significant strides in extending its services beyond traditional banking functions. The establishment of a robust ‘bank-as-a-service’ infrastructure allows fintechs and large corporations to seamlessly interact with CIB systems through application programming interfaces (APIs).

Additionally, initiatives such as the Bank of the Future programme and the integration of business banking segments demonstrate the bank’s commitment to embracing cutting-edge technologies and fostering digital innovation.

Through initiatives such as robotic process automation (RPA), CIB continues to automate various operational processes, reducing workload, enhancing efficiency and optimising turnaround time.

In addition, by deploying technologies such as the instant payment network (IPN), the bank facilitates real-time, interoperable transactions, further elevating the customer experience and operational efficiency. Furthermore, the move towards automation promises enhanced security by reducing human error and vulnerability to data breaches, reinforcing customer trust in the bank’s operations.

Digital channels

CIB’s digital banking channels division spearheads the development and promotion of digital services for consumer banking.

By closely monitoring and analysing the performance of digital channels and platforms, the bank enhances product outreach and strengthens its market share among customers.

The integration of RPA significantly enhances productivity, enabling the redeployment of resources towards improving customer engagement and driving innovation.

RPA integration

In 2023, CIB automated processes using RPA technology and enrolled 19 digital employees to work within the CIB ecosystem. This had a positive impact on the business, saving more time to focus on improving customer engagement, innovation, and accelerating transformation within the business activities.

Meanwhile, recognising the importance of agility in today’s dynamic market landscape, CIB has embarked on a transformation programme that aims to enhance its responsiveness to market changes, optimise time-to-market and cultivate high-performing teams.

By instilling a culture of agility and responsiveness, the bank seeks to maintain its leadership position in the Egyptian financial services industry.

Central to CIB’s digital transformation journey is a steadfast commitment to meeting customer needs and prefer-ences. The Global Transaction and Digital Banking division serves as a champion for customers, advocating for their interests throughout process redesigns and digital enhancements. By translating customer insights into precise sys-tem requirements, CIB continuously improves its overall customer experience.