NBK outmatches MENA banks with 7 awards at MEED's MENA banking excellence awards
As part of its annual awards for the year 2025
KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait continues to record more wins in 2025 as it excels in providing the best and most innovative solutions. In this light, the bank took the lead at MEED International Magazine's MENA Banking Excellence Retail, Digital& SME Awards for the year 2025, receiving 7 prestigious awards 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 5 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.
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
Winning the awards for Best MENA Payment Solutions for SMEs and Best Bankin 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 WeyayBank'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 demographic's 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.
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