Latest news with #MENABankingExcellenceAwards
Kuwait Times
21-06-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
NBK awarded Best Bank in Kuwait for 2025 & Al-Sager recognized as MENA Sustainability Leader of the Year
MEED magazine's MENA Banking Excellence Awards Three prestigious awards reinforce NBK Group's leadership in innovative banking solutions and its excellence in sustainability and asset management KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) has received three prestigious accolades from MEED magazine as part of MENA Banking Excellence Awards. Presented annually, these honors recognize the region's most distinguished financial institutions and spotlight those setting new benchmarks in innovation, customer experience and leadership within the banking sector. During the awards ceremony held by MEED magazine in Dubai, NBK was honored with three major distinctions, including 'Best Bank in Kuwait - 2025' - a new milestone that reaffirms the Bank's leading position in the financial sector. Additionally, Isam Al-Sager, NBK Group Vice Chairman and CEO, was named 'MENA Sustainability Leader of the Year' in recognition of his outstanding leadership and pivotal role in driving the Bank's sustainability agenda. His contributions have positioned NBK as a model for advancing one of the most vital causes shaping the future of coming generations. In the meantime, NBK Wealth was named MENA Fund Manager of the Year - 2025, further cementing the Group's standing as one of the region's leading asset management firms. Muhammad Al-Borno and Kholood Abdullah receive the award of the Best Bank in Kuwait. Muhammad Al-Borno receives the Sustainability Leader Award on behalf of Essam Al Saqr. Best in the local market NBK's recognition as the Best Bank in Kuwait for 2025 reaffirms its outstanding track record in delivering an exceptional banking experience — one that not only fulfills customers' needs but consistently exceeds their expectations. Renowned for pioneering innovative banking services and advanced payment solutions, NBK continues to lead the way in digital banking, making its name synonymous with innovation and excellence in Kuwait and across the region. Furthermore, NBK holds the highest credit ratings among all banks in the region, as affirmed by leading international credit rating agencies — Moody's, S&P's and Fitch. The Bank also stands out for its expansive local and international network, spanning key global financial centers, including China, Geneva, London, Paris, New York, and Singapore, alongside a strong regional presence across Lebanon, Egypt, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the UAE. Sustainability leader MEED honored Isam Al-Sager, NBK Group Vice Chairman and CEO, with the MENA Sustainability Leader of the Year award. This recognition affirms his pivotal role in steering NBK toward numerous sustainability milestones and reinforcing the foundations of sustainable development in Kuwait and across all the markets where the Bank operates. Among NBK's most notable milestones in this area is the integration of ESG standards across its operations and corporate culture — an approach that supports the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy and aligns with Kuwait's national roadmap to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. Over the past year, the Bank has made significant strides in advancing its sustainability agenda, most notably through the successful issuance of its inaugural US$500 million green bonds — the first of their kind by a Kuwaiti financial institution. By the end of 2024, the Bank's sustainable finance portfolio had reached US$4.97 billion, representing nearly 50 percent of its US$10 billion target by 2030. Additionally, the Bank published its first Green Bond Allocation and Impact Report, underscoring the positive environmental outcomes resulting from the deployment of bond proceeds. NBK has been at the forefront of banks embracing the shift toward sustainable finance, launching a comprehensive suite of green transformation products and services across its branches. These include echo friendly housing loans, sustainability-linked financing, and consumer loans for electric vehicles — reinforcing the Bank's commitment to supporting environmentally responsible choices and advancing the transition to a low-carbon economy. Al-Sager was also ranked first in Kuwait and third in the banking and financial services sector across the Middle East in Forbes magazine's 2024 list of Sustainability Leaders in the region — further underscoring his influential role in driving sustainable practices within the banking industry.
El Fagr
20-05-2025
- Business
- El Fagr
Tanmeyah Wins 'Excellence in Customer Relationship Management' Award at MENA Banking Excellence Awards
Tanmeyah، a subsidiary of EFG Holding، and a leading provider of innovative and integrated financial solutions for small business owners and entrepreneurs، received the 'Excellence in Customer Relationship Management' award at the MENA Banking Excellence Awards. This recognition celebrates the company's client-centric approach and continued commitment to financial inclusion across Egypt. The recognition reflects Tanmeyah's continued efforts to place client needs at the center of its operations with dedicated Relationship Officers assigned to every client to provide direct support and guidance. This model ensures that clients، many from underserved and rural areas، not only access financing، but also build financial awareness and resilience. With a presence in 354 branches across Egypt، in addition to a mobile app، digital assistant 'Abu ElSebaa'، and a dedicated call center، Tanmeyah has built a system that combines accessibility with responsiveness. Each channel is designed to offer timely، relevant، and empathetic support. Ahmed Ibrahim، Executive Director، Head of Business at Tanmeyah، commented، 'This recognition reflects the trust of nearly 3 million clients and the dedication of our teams who serve over 50،000 new clients monthly. Through our expanding network and digital platforms، we remain committed to listening closely، responding purposefully، and delivering solutions that matter. Personalized service، agility، and empathy are more important than ever — and they guide every step we take.' Waleed Rammah، Executive Director، COO at Tanmeyah، added، 'We are committed to educating our clients about financial tools such as insurance، with the aim of protecting their income sources and ensuring long-term financial stability. Our field teams work to raise awareness step by step، through every interaction we make.' The award highlights Tanmeyah's ability to scale personalized support to millions of clients — and its role in expanding financial inclusion through a service model built on trust، education، and accessibility.
Al Bawaba
05-05-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
ila Bank named ‘MENA Retail Bank of the Year' at the 2025 MEED MENA Banking Excellence Awards
ila Bank, powered by Bank ABC, has been awarded the prestigious title of 'MENA Retail Bank of the Year' by the Middle East Economic Digest (MEED) at the 2025 MENA Banking Excellence Awards. The award ceremony took place on 30 April in Dubai, bringing together regional banking leaders to celebrate financial institutions driving innovation and impact in financial services. The award recognises ila's phenomenal success in redefining retail banking across the region within just five years of its launch. The Bank was commended for delivering an innovative, fully digital banking experience that has earned the trust and loyalty of users across its markets. Commenting on the win, Mohamed Almaraj, ila Bank's CEO, said, 'We are honored to receive the 'MENA Retail Bank of the Year' title by MEED. This award reinforces ila's leadership in the region and elevates our profile on the global stage. Our aim has always been to provide a personalised, agile and future-ready banking experience that enriches our customers' lifestyles and promotes financial inclusion.' 'I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our customers for believing in our vision, to the Board and leadership at Bank ABC for their unwavering support, and to the passionate ila team for their commitment to our customer-first approach. We also thank MEED for this recognition of our journey.' added Mr. Almaraj Commenting on the award rationale, MEED stated: 'By reimagining the digital banking journey, ila Bank has set a new regional benchmark for customer experience, innovation, and inclusion. This win recognises a standout transformation that continues to shape the future of retail banking across MENA.' Since its launch in 2019, ila Bank has built a unique digital banking experience from the ground up. From seamless onboarding in minutes to a premium suite of innovative products and services accessible through its state-of-the-art mobile app – ila has revolutionised banking for a new generation of consumers. ila customers are empowered to manage their finances at the click of a button, with instant access to innovative conventional in addition to Islamic banking solutions through 'ila alburaq'. These include innovative saving solutions such as Hassala, Jamiyah, digital Fixed Deposits, life-changing prize account 'Al Kanz', Government securities investment solution, multi-currency accounts and an array of instant payments and transfer features. In addition, they can avail a wide range of lifestyle benefits and rewards, through ila's debit and credit cards and tailored campaigns. The Bank partners with over 250 local and international merchants to deliver curated offers that provide tangible daily value. A standout initiative is ila's partnership with Bahrain's national carrier, Gulf Air, offering unmatched travel benefits through the co-branded ila Gulf Air Credit Card. ila's rapid growth has been driven by its customer-first approach. Its expansion into Jordan has been a tremendous success, and plans are in place to further penetrate other Middle Eastern markets, advancing financial inclusion and elevating digital banking experiences across the region. In its fourth edition this year, MEED's MENA Banking Excellence Awards honours the region's most innovative and impactful financial institutions and professionals for their excellence in customer service and digital transformation.
Kuwait Times
03-05-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
NBK receives 7 prestigious awards within MEED's MENA Banking Excellence Awards
NBK receives 7 prestigious awards within MEED's MENA Banking Excellence Awards Ceremony in Dubai as part of MEED'S annual awards for 2025 KUWAIT: The National Bank of Kuwait received seven prestigious awards from MEED International Magazine, within the MENA Banking Excellence Awards for the year 2025, for its efforts in providing exceptional banking services and enriching the customer banking experience with innovative solutions. The awards won by NBK during the annual ceremony organized by MEED in Dubai included Best Retail Bank and Best Bank for SMEs in Kuwait, and five MENA awards for Best Loan Offering, Best Contactless Payment Experience, Best Payment Solution for SMEs. In addition, Weyay Bank has been recognized as the winner of MENA Most Innovative Product/Service award for Weyay Jeel's groundbreaking approach to digital banking for children, and finally, Mohammed Al-Othman, CEO of Consumer and Digital Banking Group at NBK, has been named MENA Retail Banker of the Year for the fourth consecutive year. These awards are a testament to NBK's leadership locally and regionally and its pioneering innovative digital achievements and catering to customers' banking needs by introducing top-notch banking services and advanced payment solutions, making the name 'NBK' associated with everything new in digital banking products and services in Kuwait and across the MENA region. Nasser Al-Duwaisan receives the Weyay Bank award in the presence of Ali Khalil and Dimitri Katkin. Hisham Al-Nusf, Hamoud Al-Nasrallah and Bader Al-Ansari (center) during the ceremony. Small and Medium Enterprises Winning the awards for Best MENA Payment Solutions for SMEs and Best Bank in Kuwait for SMEs reflects the remarkable efforts of NBK in supporting Small and Medium Enterprises, and its local and regional leadership in providing banking services and products as well as diverse payment solutions that are quick, flexible and support the development and needs of its SMEs clients. Al-Othman MENA Retail Banker of the Year Naming Al-Othman as MENA Retail Banker of the Year for the fourth consecutive year reaffirms his pivotal role, and his remarkable leadership of the Consumer and Digital Banking Group team in attaining these achievements and providing a comprehensive digital banking experience that not only meets customers' needs but exceeds their expectations. This award also recognizes Al-Othman's dedication to setting ambitious goals and implementing innovative strategies that have not only had a significant impact on NBK customers, but also on the Kuwaiti and regional banking landscape, rendering him a role model for banking leaders who are driving regional progress and innovation in the industry. NBK holds a record filled with achievements and global awards that emphasize its excellence in digital transformation and echo its commitment to being innovative and providing exceptional customer service, in addition to its commitment to making long-term relationships with customers. Founded in 1957, MEED is a leading magazine focused on economic and business news and intelligence related to the Middle East. In partnership with leading financial services publications Retail Banker International and Private Banker International, both issued by GlobalData, MEED introduces MENA Banking Excellence Awards to celebrate the best-in-class banking and financial services institutions and individuals for their innovative offering and commitment to customer excellence. Weyay Bank Wins 'Most Innovative Product' Award for Jeel, Banking App and Card Weyay Bank, Kuwait's pioneering fully digital bank, continues its streak of excellence and leadership in the digital banking sector, announcing its latest award; the 'Most Innovative Product' award at the MEED Banking Excellence Awards in the Middle East and North Africa 2025. This prestigious recognition celebrates 'Jeel', the Weyay's banking card and application specifically designed for the 8-14 year age group. This achievement underscores the bank's ongoing commitment to digital innovation, building upon its previous success in being named 'Best Digital Bank in Kuwait' by MEED in 2024. Acknowledging Weyay Bank's role in setting new benchmarks within the banking industry, the 'Most Innovative Product' award for 'Jeel' highlights the digital advancements the bank champions to elevate customer experience and deliver inventive solutions catering to all age segments. This accolade also reflects Weyay Bank's steadfast dedication to leading the digital transformation within the Kuwaiti banking sector and meeting the evolving needs of the rising digital generation. Since its inception in 2021, Weyay Bank has rapidly established itself as a frontrunner in digital banking innovation, setting new standards for a seamless and round-the-clock banking experience, free from traditional processes and tailored to customer aspirations. The 'Jeel' app, meticulously crafted to empower young individuals, foster their financial independence, and cultivate financial literacy from an early age. By integrating a simplified user interface designed for 'Jeel' customers with comprehensive parental control tools accessible through the parent's Weyay application, 'Jeel' establishes new benchmarks for personalized banking services tailored to this demographics' specific needs. The 'Jeel' card embodies simplicity and ease of use across all its digital services and features, contributing to building a sense of responsibility and financial awareness from a young age through a personalized bank card and dedicated application, also enabling the use of e-wallets like Apple Pay. This new recognition reflects Weyay Bank's continuous commitment to providing a comprehensive digital banking experience centered around users from all segments of society, empowering them to manage their finances with ease. Weyay Bank will continue its unwavering dedication to fostering innovation and delivering the highest levels of excellence in digital banking services. MEED, a highly respected global publication established in 1957 specializing in the analysis of economic activities in the Middle East, underscores Weyay's leading position in digital banking innovation and reinforces its valuable contributions to the development of the banking sector in Kuwait. Amidst the rapid evolution of financial services, Weyay Bank remains dedicated to its mission of redefining the concept of banking in the digital age and empowering the community to achieve growth and success in an increasingly digital world.
