First Bank of Nigeria won the Best Retail Bank in Nigeria by leveraging digital channels and improving customer experience. The bank has also won the Best Cybersecurity and IT Risk Management Technology Initiative in Africa, the Best Digital Self-Service Initiative in Africa and the Best Social Media Engagement Initiative in Africa. Bank of Punjab won the Best SME Bank in Pakistan with a user-friendly platform and increasing financing options, and the Best Cash Management Bank in Pakistan by leveraging digital platforms to enhance liquidity and cash flow management. The bank also won Best MSME Lending Technology Initiative in Pakistan. Stanbic IBTC won the Best Cash Management Bank in Nigeria through offering comprehensive cash management solutions and improving digital capabilities. Absa South Africa won the Best Trade Finance Bank in South Africa through providing comprehensive trade finance services and digital solutions. And Absa Mauritius won the Best Trade Finance Bank in Mauritius by enhancing trade finance solutions and leveraging technology for efficiency. Al Rajhi Bank won the Best Credit Card for Cash Back in the Middle East and the Best Financial Inclusion Initiative in the Middle East through generous cashback and appealing rewards, and by expanding financial services to underserved populations. BDO Unibank was awarded the Best Corporate, Investment and Wholesale Bank in the Philippines for its tailored corporate solutions supported by digital scale and risk discipline, and for its strong growth in lending and cash management. Singapore, 21 November 2025 – First Bank of Nigeria, Bank of Punjab, Stanbic IBTC, and Absa were recognised as the best banks for retail finance, SME Banking, cash management and trade finance each in their regions at The TAB Global Finance Awards 2025. Best Retail Bank in Nigeria First Bank of Nigeria has played a pivotal role in transforming Nigeria’s retail banking landscape by investing in digital platforms and improving customer service. It has prioritised digital banking, offering a wide range of services through its mobile platform, thus reaching a broader customer base. In 2024, mobile banking transactions grew by 60%, with customer engagement rising by 25%. First Bank of Nigeria’s continued digitalisation efforts have led to enhanced accessibility, particularly for underserved customers. First Bank of Nigeria also won the Best Cybersecurity and IT Risk Management Technology Initiative in Africa, Best Digital Self-Service Initiative in Africa and Best Social Media Engagement Initiative in Africa by prioritising cybersecurity and ensuring operational resilience, enhancing customer convenience and reducing reliance on physical branches, and by leveraging social media for customer engagement and brand growth. Best SME Bank in Pakistan Bank of Punjab has pioneered digital banking solutions aimed at enhancing the experience of SMEs in Pakistan. In 2024, the bank reported a 20% growth in SME lending, supported by its dedicated digital platform that simplifies the loan application process. Bank of Punjab’s focus on offering accessible financing and facilitating digital payments has significantly improved cash flow management for SMEs. Bank of Punjab also won the Best MSME Lending Technology Initiative in Pakistan with a technology-driven platform that streamlines loan applications and disbursements. Best Cash Management Bank in Pakistan Bank of Punjab has revolutionised cash management services in Pakistan by offering cutting-edge technology solutions for businesses. In 2024, the bank saw a 35% increase in transaction volumes, with its digital platform providing real-time liquidity visibility and payment automation. The bank’s innovative tools, including API solutions and a bulk payments platform, have made cash management simpler and more efficient for corporates and SMEs. By leveraging digital platforms to enhance liquidity and cash flow management, the Best Cash Management Bank in Pakistan is Bank of Punjab. Best Cash Management Bank in Nigeria Stanbic IBTC has set the standard for cash management services in Nigeria with its innovative solutions designed to streamline corporate payments and collections. In 2024, Stanbic IBTC’s cash management service processed over 2 million transactions, helping clients optimise their cash flow and reduce operational costs. Stanbic IBTC has also integrated real-time payments and automated reconciliation, enhancing operational efficiency. Best Trade Finance Bank in Mauritius Absa Mauritius has demonstrated exceptional expertise in trade finance, offering innovative solutions that have streamlined cross-border trade in Mauritius. In 2024, Absa Mauritius facilitated over $5 billion in trade transactions, with a 25% year-on-year growth in trade finance revenue. Absa Mauritius’ use of digital platforms and secure trade financing products has made it a trusted partner for businesses involved in international trade. Best Trade Finance Bank in South Africa Absa South Africa has solidified its position as a leader in trade finance in South Africa by offering innovative products that support businesses in managing international trade risks. In 2024, Absa South Africa processed over $10 billion in trade transactions, with a 30% increase in trade finance revenue. Absa South Africa’s advanced digital platforms have simplified the trade finance process, enabling faster and more secure transactions. Best Credit Card for Cash Back in the Middle East and Best Financial Inclusion Initiative in the Middle East Al Rajhi Bank has redefined the cash-back credit card offering in the Middle East with its highly competitive Cashback Plus Card. The card offers up to 10% cashback on certain purchases, making it an attractive option for customers seeking value. In 2024, the card’s adoption rate grew by 15%, with transaction volumes increasing by 20%. Al Rajhi Bank’s focus on high-value rewards and customer satisfaction has made this card one of the most sought-after in the market. Al Rajhi Bank has also driven financial inclusion in the Middle East through its SWAR programme, which offers financial services to underserved communities. The programme includes micro-loans, mobile banking solutions, and financial literacy initiatives. In 2024, Al Rajhi Bank increased its outreach by 40%, with over 50,000 new customers benefiting from its services. By providing accessible financial products and digital tools, Al Rajhi Bank has empowered individuals to participate in the economy. Best Corporate, Investment and Wholesale Bank in the Philippines for 2025 BDO Unibank cemented its position as the Philippines’ leading corporate, investment and wholesale bank by delivering tailored solutions to corporate and institutional clients, supported by strong client service, an international network and a disciplined risk management framework. Its Business Online Banking platform provides API, host-to-host, web and mobile connectivity, enabling efficient collections, recurring transactions and real-time cash operations. The bank’s corporate lending grew solidly, with loans to large corporates rising 13% and the middle-market portfolio expanding 12%. Its Cash Management Services under the Transaction Banking Group recorded a 37% increase in client users, driven by targeted digital upgrades, including a check-scanning service that improves efficiency and security. The bank now operates 16 offices overseas, including full-service branches in Hong Kong and Singapore, supporting cross-border trade, treasury and investment activities. Through scale, digital capability and strong governance, BDO Unibank remains a central player in corporate and institutional banking in the Philippines. Complete Winner List Retail Institutional Awards The following leading financial institutions were recognised for their excellence in retail, SME, wealth management and digital banking. Best Retail Bank in Nigeria - First Bank of Nigeria Best SME Bank in Pakistan - Bank of Punjab Transaction Finance Awards The following leading financial institutions were recognised for their excellence in transaction finance, cash management, trade and supply chain finance and foreign exchange. Best Cash Management Bank in Nigeria - Stanbic IBTC Best Cash Management Bank in Pakistan - Bank of Punjab Best Trade Finance Bank in Mauritius - Absa Mauritius Best Trade Finance Bank in South Africa - Absa South Africa Retail Finance Products, Service and Digital Awards The following leading financial institutions were recognised for their excellence in retail finance products and digital initiatives. Best Credit Card for Cash Back in the Middle East - Al Rajhi Bank Best Digital Self-Service Initiative in Africa - First Bank of Nigeria Best Financial Inclusion Initiative in the Middle East - Al Rajhi Bank Best Social Media Engagement Initiative in Africa - First Bank of Nigeria Financial Technology Innovation Awards The following leading financial institutions were recognised for using cutting edge technologies to innovate and generate concrete impacts on the financial business. Best Cybersecurity and IT Risk Management Technology Initiative in Africa - First Bank of Nigeria Best MSME Lending Technology Initiative in Pakistan - Bank of Punjab World’s Best Corporate, Investment, Wholesale Bank Ranking Awards Best Corporate, Investment and Wholesale Bank in the Philippines for 2025 - BDO Unibank About TAB Global TAB Global owns and manages a number of world-class digital content platforms namely, The Asian Banker, Wealth and Society, BankQuality.com as well as learning platforms like The Banking Academy and The Skill Store. Incorporated in Singapore, it has offices in Beijing, Dubai and support offices in Kuala Lumpur and Manila, with plans to expand to Johannesburg, London, Zurich and New York. Visit https://www.tab.global/ for details. For media enquiries, please contact: Genivi Factao Editor TAB Global Email: gfactao@tab.global
