Absa Ghana was named Best Retail Bank in Ghana for its digital-first approach, which has expanded financial inclusion and driven strong growth in customer engagement through mobile channels. Commercial Bank of Qatar (CBQ) was awarded Best Transaction Bank in Qatar and Best Regional Cash Management Bank in the Middle East for its end-to-end transaction banking platform, which supports corporate clients with advanced digital cash management tools. BSF was recognised as Best Trade Finance Bank in Saudi Arabia for its leadership in cross-border trade facilitation and innovative trade finance solutions that support the Kingdom’s diversification efforts. Dubai, 6 November 2025 – Absa Ghana, Commercial Bank of Qatar and BSF were recognised as the best banks for retail, transaction banking and trade finance in Middle East and Africa at the TAB Global Middle East and Africa Awards, held at Conrad Dubai. Absa Ghana was named Best Retail Bank in Ghana for its continued investment in digital banking solutions and its commitment to broadening access to financial services. The bank’s mobile platform drove a 14% increase in its customer base and a 40% rise in digital transactions in 2024. These achievements underscore Absa Ghana’s focus on technology-driven growth and its pivotal role in extending banking services to underserved communities. The bank’s consistent performance reflects its strong management strategy and customer-centric innovation. Commercial Bank of Qatar (CBQ) was recognised as Best Transaction Bank in Qatar and Best Regional Cash Management Bank in the Middle East. The bank’s transaction banking platform has become a benchmark for corporate efficiency, offering seamless digital solutions across multiple markets. CBQ’s integrated approach to cash and liquidity management has enhanced client experience and accelerated operational performance. The bank also received the award for Best Home Loan Financing in Qatar and the Middle East for its simplified and fully digital loan application process, which contributed to a 25% increase in loan applications and a 20% improvement in approval rates. These results demonstrate CBQ’s sustained commitment to customer convenience and digital transformation across its retail and corporate segments. BSF received the award for Best Trade Finance Bank in Saudi Arabia. The bank’s trade finance operations have become instrumental in facilitating international trade, particularly in supporting corporates contributing to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 diversification agenda. BSF’s focus on innovation, digital documentation and client advisory services has strengthened its position as a trusted partner in regional trade finance. This recognition reinforces the bank’s role in promoting efficiency and transparency across complex trade ecosystems in the Middle East. United Bank for Africa (UBA) received multiple accolades for its digital banking innovations across the continent. Its Leo Chatbot was named Best Chatbot/Smart Voice Banking Service in Africa for reducing customer response times by 50% and boosting satisfaction scores. The UBA Mobile App was awarded Best Mobile Banking Service in Africa, while Merchant Plus and RedPay POS platforms were recognised for excellence in merchant and real-time payments services. Collectively, these honours reflect UBA’s commitment to digitising banking experiences consumers and businesses across Africa. Industrial and Commercial Bank of China’s regional branches were also recognised for excellence in RMB financial services, underscoring the bank’s expanding influence in cross-border clearing, derivatives and foreign exchange operations across the Middle East and Africa. About the Middle East and Africa Awards 2025 The MEA Awards is one of the region’s most established benchmarking programmes in retail banking, transaction finance, risk management and financial technology. It recognises institutions that demonstrate exceptional innovation, leadership and performance across the financial services industry. TAB Global Middle East and Africa Awards 2025 Retail Institutional Awards Best Retail Bank in Ghana – Absa Ghana Transaction Banking Awards Best Transaction Bank in Qatar and Best Regional Cash Management Bank in the Middle East – Commercial Bank of Qatar Best Trade Finance Bank in Saudi Arabia – BSF Retail Product Awards Best Home Loan Financing in Qatar & the Middle East – Commercial Bank of Qatar Best Chatbot/Smart Voice Banking Service in Africa – United Bank for Africa (Leo Chatbot) Best Mobile Banking Service in Africa – United Bank for Africa (UBA Mobile App) Best Merchant Service in Africa – United Bank for Africa (Merchant Plus) Best Real-Time Payments Initiative in Africa – United Bank for Africa (UBA RedPay POS) RMB Awards Best RMB Bond Underwriter in UAE & Best RMB Derivatives Provider in UAE – Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Dubai (DIFC) Branch Best RMB FX and Derivatives Provider in Qatar & Best RMB Clearing Bank in Middle East and Africa – Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Doha (QFC) Branch For media enquiries, please contact: Genivi Factao Editor TAB Global Email: gfactao@tab.global
