IBSi Middle East Banking Excellence Awards 2026

Results Out Now!

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Shaping the Future of Banking in the Middle East

As the Middle East banking sector enters a new phase of technology-led transformation, financial institutions are accelerating investments in digital platforms, AI-led innovation, open banking, payments modernisation and customer-centric banking models. Against this backdrop, IBS Intelligence is proud to launch the first edition of the Middle East Banking Excellence Awards 2026.

The IBSi Middle East Banking Excellence Awards 2026 recognise banks, financial institutions, FinTechs and technology providers that are driving meaningful innovation across the region’s banking ecosystem. The awards celebrate excellence across platform modernisation, digital transformation, operational resilience, customer experience, emerging technologies and leadership-led change.

The inaugural MEBX 2026 edition will spotlight standout implementations and industry leaders across three broad award categories: Pioneering Banking Platforms & Solutions, Digital Innovation & Disruption and Visionary Leaders in Banking. These categories capture the full spectrum of banking transformation, from core banking, digital banking, payments, transaction banking and treasury systems to AI/GenAI, open banking, identity verification, bank–FinTech partnerships and transformation leadership.

The first edition of MEBX reflects the region’s growing focus on modern, scalable and customer-first banking. It recognises excellence across technology implementations, innovation-led programmes and leadership initiatives that are helping financial institutions build more agile, resilient and future-ready operating models.

Scheduled for 25 June 2026, the IBSi Middle East Banking Excellence Awards will bring together banking and technology leaders to celebrate the institutions, teams and platforms redefining excellence in financial services across the region.

For further details, please reach out to nikhilg@ibsintelligence.net.

Click here to view all winners of the IBSi Middle East Banking Excellence Awards 2026.

FAQs

The MEBX Awards are open to banks, financial institutions, technology vendors, service providers, FinTech firms, and innovation partners driving strategic technology adoption in Middle Eastern banking.

Yes, joint nominations are encouraged. Each submission should represent a collaboration between a bank/financial institution and a technology provider, demonstrating the combined impact of their partnership.

The MEBX Awards are evaluated based on:

Strategic Vision and Objectives
Implementation Complexity and Timeliness
Technology and Best Practices Adopted
Governance and Execution
Measurable Outcomes

Winners are selected by an independent panel of industry experts who assess each project based on the evaluation criteria. The focus is on execution excellence and measurable business and customer impact.

Submit your nominations through the official MEBX Awards portal. Ensure that you provide the necessary project details, including the bank/financial institution’s contact and the technology partner’s contact.

Projects that have gone live or have been fully implemented between Jan 2024 – February 2026 are eligible. These can include digital banking transformations, AI or cloud solutions, regulatory compliance initiatives, and more.

Absolutely! You can submit multiple projects across different categories. Each nomination will be treated as a separate entry.

Yes, all projects must be live or implemented before February 2026 to qualify. The deadline to submit is Friday 3^rd April. Please ensure your projects meet this deadline.

IBS Intelligence may use submitted data for trend analysis, case studies, and insights articles. However, all submissions will be treated with the utmost confidentiality, and consent will be sought for public use of specific data.

Yes. Shortlisted and winning entries may be featured across IBS Intelligence platforms, including insight articles, case studies, event showcases, and trend analysis reports, subject to participant consent. This provides extended regional and global visibility to recognized initiatives.