About
The Middle East & Africa Banking Innovation Awards, organised by The Digital Banker, exist to recognise the preeminent banks that blend the best technology and innovation with the power of their people to provide superior customer experience, products and service- those that are raising the bar in excellence and redefining financial services.
The Digital Banker awards programs are the world’s most prestigious, authoritative and transparently judged programme for the banking industry across the Middle East and Africa.
With co-judges from Forrester, KPMG, EY, PWC, Bain & Company and other seminal subject matter experts, these country level awards are substantiated by the world’s most renowned professional services firms.
Our analysis of the banking industry is primarily focused on the digital revolution that is transforming the entire global economy. Recently, Abdul Aziz Al-Ghurair, Chairman of the UAE Banks Federation stated that “trends like automation, new payment systems and branchless banking have hugely changed the way customers bank. This has led to structural re-organisation within banks, with fewer brick and mortar outlets, and employees being re-trained and re-deployed. Ultimately, there is an improved and more efficient customer experience”.
Banks are now more dedicated than ever to streamlining their digital channels to better support their customers. It is critical that those embracing digital disruption, digital ecosystems and meeting the rapidly changing demands of businesses and retail customers, are recognised and celebrated
Entries for each category will be critically evaluated by an esteemed panel of prominent industry expert co-judges from KPMG, PWC, Forrester and EY- endorsement for winners is globally acclaimed.
Be bold, stay ahead of the curve and nominate your organisation/counterparts now!
2022 Awards Highlights
Why Nominate
Being a honouree of The Digital Banker and Global Private Banker sets organisations and individuals apart – we recognise the world’s preeminent banks and their executives that are at the cutting edge of innovation and their profession.
The Digital Banker awards and recognition programs are substantiated by a legacy of editorial accuracy and integrity. Readers of The Digital Banker and Global Private Banker magazines depend on them as the authoritative standard of excellence and innovation for the financial industry.
Who can apply?
The Digital Banker’s MEA Innovation Awards is the most up to date recognition program, reflective of the latest Transaction, SME and Risk Management transformation in the landscape.
With numerous new digital entrants, the MEA Innovation Awards includes categories to also assess the region’s best banks.
Key Findings
Technology powering the next wave of growth
Intuitively, banks are also looking to expand their digital footprint at their physical branches to complement and ensure consistency of service across channels while optimising their channel strategy. A case in point is Scotiabank’s e-Teller initiative launched in 14 key markets in South America including the Caribbean. The e-Teller system is effectively a screen next to a human teller, where the customer can access his/her account using a biometrics scan and begin to avail in-branch services. In Chile in particular e-Teller was the first to leverage facial recognition enabling customers to avoid having to resort to their physical debit cards or PIN pads in order to gain access.
Streamlining account opening processes by leveraging digital identification
On the account opening and customer onboarding front “Kept” by Krungsri Bank (Thailand) stood ahead of its peers by introducing a simple, speedy, and paperless onboarding experience that is self-service driven. Launched in July, 2020 new-to-bank customers are in a position to open their first digital savings accounts on-the-go within 5 minutes without the requirement of a wet signature as identity verification is completed by leveraging Thailand’s blockchain based National Digital ID infrastructure (NDID).
Reimagining the mobile banking experience to drive customer engagement
Financial institutions realise the importance and value of maintaining customer-focus on a superior digital CX to drive client advocacy. A case in point is Canada’s CIBC that has assiduously incorporated user feedback so that internal project teams overseeing new product launches or service enhancements can finetune as needed. The bank extensively utilises market research, business intelligence and customer reviews & UX research data points and ideation workshops to address challenges in realising successful customer journeys around acquisition, onboarding, servicing, communication and money management .
Developing pandemic- ready solutions
Another critical priority for financial institutions across all markets has been the ability to digitally support customers during the challenging Covid-19 period particularly as businesses and consumers alike struggled with the lockdowns and ensuing waves of the novel coronavirus. A standout is U.S. Bank in the United States that saw an opportunity to service customers effectively through its COVID DIY assistant program platform that handled more than 51 thousand requests via the bank’s online banking and mobile app facilities for its Consumer Loan, Line and Lease customers.
Past Winners
Participating Institutions
Judging Criteria
The Digital Banker - Middle East & Africa Innovation Awards 2023 - Judging Criteria
Belief Statement
With co-judges from KPMG, EY, PWC, Deloitte, Forrester and other instrumental subject matter experts– endorsement for winners is globally acclaimed. They are also the world’s most authoritative and transparently judged private wealth awards.
Our judging process follows a numerical and quantitative methodology with specific weighting given to; digital innovation, digital ecosystems, customer experience, financial performance and leadership strategy.
- Depth of omni-channel integration
- API connectedness within broader digital ecosystem
- Degree of automation within client facing processes
- Time-to-market of new initiatives & agility of IT infrastructure
- Digital safety and security frameworks
- Active user growth (YoY) and incremental impact of digitally active customers
- Realised market share of targeted customer segment(s)
- Application of emerging technologies to service customers across platforms
- Real-time and ongoing communication with customer on digital usage, support and guidance through various media
- Collaboration with strategic partners, ecosystems and platforms
- Level of customisation and embedded optionality features
- Value-added wealth-management, personal financial management tools
- Synchronisation with customer life-cycle and profile
- DIY and self-service functionalities
- Customer Satisfaction Score with digital banking services
- Net Promoter Score of digital banking channels
- Apple IOS/Google Play Store Rating of bank application
- Market awareness and business intelligence capabilities
- Intuitive and contextualised user-centred UI design
Request Sponsorship Prospectus
FAQs
Do I Have to Submit a Nomination?
All awards participants are required to submit nominations through The Digital Banker’s online submission portal. The portal is where you will find the questions that need to be answered in order to be considered in the current year’s program. Institutions will be unable to participate in our awards programs without a fully complete submission(s)
Can One Project/Initiative Be Considered for Multiple Awards?
You may nominate one project or initiative across numerous awards. Please note however, these submissions are likely to compete with one and other. You must submit separate entries for each award.
Are There Any Costs Involved in Making A Submission?
There are no costs involved in making a submission.
May I Submit More Than One Nomination?
The Digital Banker does not place a limit on the number of awards you can nominate for. Please note,
If I cannot Access The Judging Portal, May I submit My Entries Via Email?
If your institution has firewall restrictions and you are unable to submit entries via our portal, you may request for the PDF questionnaire.
