IBSi Annual Middle East Banking Excellence Awards 2026

The Middle East Banking Excellence (MEBX) Awards recognize the most innovative, high-impact banking initiatives shaping the future of financial services across the Middle East. As banks across the region accelerate digital transformation, adopt AI-led platforms, modernize core infrastructure, and expand financial inclusion, MEBX celebrates the institutions and technology partners that are setting the pace – not following it.

From reimagining customer journeys and deploying next-generation digital platforms to strengthening resilience, compliance, and inclusion, the MEBX Awards spotlight measurable innovation with real-world outcomes.

Why Apply for the MEBX Awards?

Recognition in a Highly Competitive Market
Be acknowledged among the region’s leading banks and technology providers delivering meaningful transformation.

Strengthen Leadership Visibility
Showcase your achievements to senior banking executives, regulators, and technology decision-makers across the Middle East.

Demonstrate Proven Execution
Highlight initiatives that go beyond strategy—projects that are live, scaled, and delivering tangible business and customer impact.

Expand Strategic Networks
Engage with a powerful ecosystem of banks, fintechs, and industry stakeholders shaping the region’s banking future.

What Sets the MEBX Awards Apart

The MEBX Awards are designed specifically for the Middle East banking context—reflecting the region’s regulatory priorities, market dynamics, digital maturity levels, and inclusion goals. Unlike generic global awards, MEBX focuses on:

• Executed strategies, not concepts
• Measured outcomes, not aspirational claims
• Regional relevance, not one-size-fits-all benchmarks

Whether your organization has driven impact through digital banking, AI and cloud adoption, payments modernization, Islamic banking innovation, sustainability initiatives, or platform transformation, MEBX provides a credible platform to showcase excellence that matters to the region.

Categories:
Pioneering Banking Platforms & Solutions

1. Core Banking Platform (Retail / Universal Bank)
2. Core Banking Platform (Digital-only Bank / Neobank)
3. Digital Banking Platform
4. Mobile App/ Super App
5. Digital Onboarding Solution
6. Loan Origination System
7. Loan Management System
8. Debt Collections System
9. Retail Payments Platform
10. Wholesale Payments / Hub Platform
11. Transaction Banking Implementation
12. Treasury & Capital Markets Solution
13. Wealth & Private Banking Platform
14. Investment / Fund Management Platform
15. Customer Experience Platform Implementation
16. Islamic Banking Implementation
17. Risk, Compliance & Cybersecurity Implementation
18. Testing & Quality Assurance Implementation

Digital Innovation & Disruption

1. Use of AI / ML for Customer Facing Initiative
2. Use of AI / ML for Internal Operations
3. Use of GenAI
4. Use of Agentic AI
5. Data Analytics
6. KYC or Identity Verification Rollout
7. API Model / API Management
8. Open Banking / Finance Implementation
9. BaaS Platform
10. Insurtech
11. No-code / Low-code Platform
12. Bank-FinTech Partnership
13. Scalable Cloud Deployment

Visionary Leaders in Banking

1. Retail Bank of the Year
2. Corporate Bank of the Year
3. SME Bank of Year
4. Islamic Bank of the Year
5. Sustainable Bank of the Year
6. Banking Technology Leader of the Year
7. Transformation Program Leader of the Year
8. Implementation Excellence – Technology Team of the Year

Innovation Team of the Year