Best bank 2025: Commercial International Bank (CIB)
Commercial International Bank (CIB) delivered a standout performance in 2024, cementing its leadership as Egypt’s most profitable and digitally advanced private-sector bank.
Net profit surged by 86% year-on-year to EGP55.3 billion ($1.1 billion), while return on average equity rose to an exceptional 49.5%. A lean cost-to-income ratio of 14% reflected the bank’s strong operational discipline and efficiency amid a volatile macroeconomic environment.
CIB’s digital transformation strategy continued to set the benchmark in Egypt. Mobile banking transactions increased by 59% to EGP552 billion, while 99% of credit card settlements and 98% of internal transfers were conducted digitally. A redesigned mobile app and enhanced wallet services drove adoption, with 61% of new accounts opened via digital channels in 2024.
The bank also made strategic strides in financial inclusion and sustainability. It expanded SME lending and launched targeted sustainable finance programmes, including a $50 million green economy financing facility and a $10 million EBRD Women in Business loan. CIB’s development finance team supported nearly 18,000 agri-businesses, and its climate strategy included decarbonisation targets and sector-specific emissions baselines.
Regionally, following its 2023 full acquisition of Mayfair CIB and its rebranding as CIB Kenya, the bank has continued to expand commercial and trade links between north and east Africa. “Our aim is to build a trade facilitation hub for East Africa,” says CIB CEO Hisham Ezz Al-Arab. “Kenya is central to the region, and we see it as a base to serve surrounding markets like Rwanda, Ethiopia and Tanzania. It’s a hub-and-spoke strategy – not just bricks and mortar.”
Reflecting on the bank’s proactive mindset and track record of gaining a first-mover advantage in areas like sustainable finance, digital transformation and regional expansion, Al-Arab said: “Why wait until something becomes mandatory when you can prepare ahead? It’s about realism and readiness.” That readiness continues to define CIB’s edge in Egypt’s banking sector.
Best investment bank 2025: EFG Hermes
EFG Hermes maintained its position as Egypt’s premier investment bank with a strong performance across M&A, debt and equity advisory amid persistent macroeconomic headwinds. Leveraging its regional reach and domestic dominance, the firm executed landmark transactions across key sectors and product lines that contributed to capital formation and institutional investor confidence.
In M&A, EFG Hermes led some of the year’s most strategically significant deals in Egypt, notably in hospitality, energy and retail. The firm acted as sole financial adviser to Talaat Moustafa Group on the 40.5% stake acquisition in its hospitality subsidiary, ICON Group, by Abu Dhabi-based ADQ and ADNEC via a capital increase. It also advised ICON on its acquisition of a 51% stake in Legacy Hotels from the Sovereign Fund of Egypt and the Egyptian General Company for Tourism and Hotels, highlighting its central role in unlocking foreign direct investment into Egypt’s tourism sector.
In energy, the bank advised Abu Dhabi-based Electra Investment Holding on its $449 million acquisition of a 19.98% stake in Elsewedy Electric, and in retail, it supported Egyptian discount supermarket chain Kazyon’s acquisition of a majority stake in Saudi grocery chain Dukan and a subsequent capital raise to drive expansion.
In debt capital markets, EFG Hermes executed an extensive range of structured debt transactions in Egypt in 2024. Notably, the firm led the ninth securitisation for Premium International for Credit Services (E£400 million ($8 million)), as well as six separate securitised bond issuances for fintech firm valU, raising over E£4.9 billion in total. It also structured two securitisations for Bedaya Mortgage Finance, worth E£1.4 billion and E£1.8 billion. These transactions reflect the firm’s key role in alternative financing and structured credit.
While primary equity issuance in Egypt remained limited in 2024, EFG Hermes maintained a strong position on the Egyptian Exchange, executing a $34 million accelerated equity offering for Fawry and supporting broader market momentum through deep investor relationships and execution capability. From a regional perspective, it secured first place in LSEG’s MENA ECM underwriting league table in 2024, with a 9.6% market share thanks to robust activity in the Gulf Cooperation Council region.
By combining local market expertise with multi-product execution and a robust institutional investor network, EFG Hermes delivered a commanding performance in 2024 – further solidifying its status as Egypt’s best investment bank.
Best digital bank 2025: Commercial International Bank (CIB)
Commercial International Bank (CIB) demonstrates significant achievements in digital banking. CIB has achieved a striking 59% year-on-year increase in mobile banking transactions, totalling E£552 billion ($11 billion).
Notably, 99% of credit card settlements and 98% of internal transfers at CIB are now conducted online. These digital transactions are supported by substantial cost synergies – totalling E£4.23 billion by the end of 2024 – derived from digital efficiencies and automation.
CIB has introduced a redesigned mobile banking app that features a modern interface and offers customised experiences tailored to different customer segments.
Its focus on customer convenience is evidenced by the implementation of straight-through digital onboarding and identity verification processes, which have markedly accelerated the growth of new-to-bank customers. The introduction of an online branch booking system allows customers to schedule their visits in advance, significantly reducing wait times and enhancing service accessibility.
In terms of digital service advancement and ecosystem integration, CIB has integrated cutting-edge services like WhatsApp Business, AI-powered chatbots, and self-service phone banking, all of which foster greater customer support and engagement.
The bank also harnesses API integrations and digital ecosystems to streamline payment processing and heighten operational efficiency, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach in fintech utilisation.
CIB’s commitment to security is robust, incorporating biometric authentication, encryption, and adherence to regulatory standards to safeguard customer data and transactions.
Best bank for ESG 2025: Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank – Egypt
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank – Egypt stands out in the category of Egypt’s best bank for ESG thanks to the substantial advancements in its sustainable finance initiatives and ESG governance.
In 2024, the bank reported a notable increase of 240% year-on-year in its sustainable finance portfolio, elevating it to E£8.5 billion ($171 million). This growth was supported by significant funding contributions to major green infrastructure projects, including a remarkable E£4.5 billion loan (of which ADCB contributed E£3 billion) aimed at enhancing Egypt’s subway, monorail and electric train systems.
Furthermore, the bank built on its existing support for smaller enterprises through the Pollution Abatement Programme.
The bank has shown a robust commitment to global environmental standards by joining the Net Zero Banking Alliance and aligning with key sustainability frameworks and standards such as the GHG Protocol, ISO 14064-1:2018, and the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials.
It has established a comprehensive sustainable finance framework alongside stringent ESG, anti-corruption, anti-money laundering/countering the financing of terrorism, and whistle-blowing policies, ensuring its commitment to ethical and sustainable operations.
Internally, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank – Egypt has fostered an informed and engaged workforce by rolling out certified ESG training programmes and raising awareness about sustainability across all staff levels.
Best bank for corporate responsibility 2025: Banque Misr
Banque Misr’s corporate responsibility strategy demonstrates measurable impact across healthcare, education and financial inclusion. The bank allocated E£1.23 billion ($25 million) to CSR initiatives in 2024, targeting Egypt’s most pressing social challenges.
The bank committed around E£500 million to major healthcare projects, including E£100 million to Qasr El-Aini Teaching Hospital development and E£160 million for Cairo University Hospital modernisation. Support for specialised care included E£45 million for Baheya Foundation’s breast cancer screening programme, targeting 500,000 women annually, and E£50 million for Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt 57357.
Banque Misr signed protocols establishing three new applied technology schools through its partnership with the Federation of Egyptian Industries. The bank provides scholarships across multiple universities, including ongoing support for Zewail City of Science and Technology (E£2.5 million annually since 2019) and funding for over 60 students at El Sewedy University of Technology.
The bank delivered 1.2 million financial products and services. Its literacy workshops reached 278,432 young people, 182,700 women and 5,177 farmers. The TEQDAR startup accelerator programme supported fintech companies, and partnerships with Egypt’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency providing financial support to small businesses totalled E£2.6 billion since 2011.
Banque Misr’s systematic approach to community development, channelled through the Banque Misr Foundation for Community Development, aligns directly with Egypt Vision 2030 objectives whilst delivering quantifiable social returns, meriting the award for Egypt’s best for corporate responsibility.
Best bank for customer experience 2025: ADIB Egypt
ADIB Egypt excels in delivering a superior customer experience within Egypt’s banking sector.
Recognised predominantly for its robust customer loyalty programmes, ADIB Egypt has strategically launched multiple campaigns tailored to enhance customer retention and value. Notably, the offering of 10% cashback for sukuk clients back in 2023 has achieved revenue of E£6 billion (£121 million).
Accessibility is another cornerstone of ADIB Egypt’s operations. Its initiative to introduce Braille account opening forms and adapt over 10% of their branches to accommodate visually impaired customers shows its commitment to inclusivity.
Digital innovation has not been overlooked. The substantial upgrades to the ADIB Mobile Wallet have markedly increased service accessibility. Customers can book a branch visit via mobile app, and will find improved branch accessibility for people with disabilities, underlining a holistic approach to digitising and refining the customer journey.
ADIB Egypt, through these coherent strategies and implementations, solidifies its reputation as Egypt’s leading bank for customer experience. It not only meets the diverse needs of its customer base but also pushes forward the standards of convenience and accessibility in the banking sector.
Best bank for large corporates 2025: Banque Misr
Banque Misr has excelled in servicing large corporates in Egypt, demonstrating substantial growth and innovation. The bank reported a remarkable increase in corporate lending, with loans growing by 44.7% to reach E£795.3 billion ($16 billion), making it the highest among all entries. Additionally, corporate deposits grew by 10% to an impressive E£456 billion.
Further enhancing its reputation, Banque Misr has been highly active in syndicated loans, participating in 26 major financing transactions with a total of E£209 billion in 2024. These transactions span crucial economic sectors including housing, telecommunications, manufacturing and energy, indicating the bank’s pivotal role in supporting key developmental and infrastructural projects in Egypt.
On the digital front, Banque Misr has shown significant strides towards digitalisation tailored for its corporate clients. The launch of a mobile banking app specifically for companies in August 2024, alongside a corporate internet banking platform, provides comprehensive online banking services that cater directly to the needs of large enterprises.
Additionally, the introduction of a corporate credit platform and the planned implementation of a customer relationship management system illustrate the bank’s commitment to leveraging technology for enhanced client relations.
Best bank for sustainable finance 2025: Commercial International Bank (CIB)
Commercial International Bank (CIB), Egypt’s winner for the best bank for sustainable finance, demonstrates a commendable commitment to expanding its green and social financing.
Notably, CIB’s green finance exposure has seen a significant increase, rising from E£2.94 billion ($59 million) in 2023 to E£14.6 billion in 2024. This surge exemplifies a strategic shift, now designating 17.24% of its direct lending portfolio to projects with environmental and social impacts.
CIB has also been innovative in its approach to sustainable finance. After launching Egypt’s first corporate green bond and a non-sovereign social bond, collectively valued at E£3.8 billion, it has established high-impact partnerships with notable institutions such as the International Finance Corporation, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and Egypt’s Ministry of Agriculture. These collaborations are targeted towards financing initiatives in green buildings, rural agriculture and climate adaptation projects – areas vital for sustainable development in Egypt.
CIB showcases robust governance structures and global strategic alignment in its sustainable finance efforts. It is a founding signatory of the Net Zero Banking Alliance and aligns with major global standards such as the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures, Principles for Responsible Banking, and Equator Principles.
Supporting this strategic direction is CIB’s substantial ESG infrastructure, which includes a dedicated sustainable finance department, board-level committees, and a cross-functional sustainability strategic network comprising approximately 50 representatives.
Through these initiatives, CIB notably advances the integration of sustainability in Egypt’s banking sector, spotlighting its leadership in advocating for impactful environmental and social finance practices.
Best bank for SMEs 2025: National Bank of Egypt
National Bank of Egypt (NBE), a leader in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), has significantly contributed to this vital sector of the Egyptian economy.
With a robust portfolio that has SMEs constituting 48% of total loans as of September 2024, NBE’s commitment is evident. By the end of 2024, the bank had served over 121,000 SME clients and expanded its SME loan book to E£157 billion ($3.11 billion), with E£12 billion issued in new loans during 2024 alone.
In response to the diverse needs of SMEs, NBE launched several specialised financing programmes which have supported 70,000 new clients focused on strategic sectors like agriculture, healthcare and green energy, which are vital for national development and sustainability goals.
NBE embraces digital innovation to enhance SME service delivery. The introduction of online registration, smart forms and digital appointments has streamlined onboarding, making financial services more accessible to SMEs. The bank’s 21 business development hubs provide extensive non-financial support to SMEs, aiding over 62,500 clients in 2024 with services including training, feasibility studies and assistance with business registration.
Overall, NBE’s multifaceted approach demonstrates a potent combination of financial support, strategic sector targeting, and digital facilitation, making it a deserving winner of the Egypt’s best bank for SMEs award.
