AI is becoming a foundational operating capability across banking functions Transaction banking, cash management, trade finance and treasury solutions remain key areas of institutional leadership Retail banking and wealth management are being reshaped through digital engagement, AI-enabled advisory and client-centred service models Beijing, 16 July, 2026 – The Asian Banker China Awards 2026 recognised leading financial institutions in China across AI, cash management, trade and supply chain finance, retail banking and wealth management. Winning banks demonstrated how innovation is being translated into scalable operating models, stronger client engagement and more efficient financial services across corporate and retail banking. AI becomes a foundational operating capability WeBank was recognised as Best AI-Driven Bank of the Year in Asia Pacific for developing an AI-native operating model and embedding AI across product design, operational management and customer interaction. Through a unified AI engineering platform, the bank has established end-to-end lifecycle management covering data processing, model management, training and deployment, as well as application monitoring. This enables rapid replication and large-scale deployment of AI capabilities across automated operations, intelligent decision-making and customer engagement. The bank’s transformation demonstrates how AI can be used as a foundational capability to support sustainable growth, improve operational efficiency and expand inclusive financial services. Transaction banking deepens through cash, trade and treasury innovation Su Merchants Bank was awarded Best Trade and Supply Chain Finance Bank in China (Digital Bank) for its digital supply chain finance framework serving small and micro enterprises and agricultural customers. The bank leverages blockchain-based accounts receivable circulation, Internet of Things-enabled movable asset pledges and its “Lens” intelligent risk management platform to support credit assessment and automated approvals. The platform has served more than 200,000 supply chain customers, generated business income at the tens-of-millions US dollar level and maintained growth of approximately 20%. With long-term non-performing loan ratios below 1% and minute-level approval capabilities, Su Merchants Bank has strengthened inclusive finance through supply chain finance technology innovation. Bank of Shanghai was awarded Best Provincial Cash Management Bank in China for its “Shangxing e Enterprise Win” treasury service framework. Built on cloud-native and microservices architecture, the platform enables centralised cash management, budget control and risk monitoring through its “1+4+X” framework. By integrating with enterprise resource planning systems, office automation systems and external application programming interfaces, the solution enhances coordination between corporate finance operations and business activities. The platform now serves nearly 7,000 corporate customers, manages approximately RMB 200 billion (approximately $29 billion) in funds and has achieved an active user rate exceeding 97%. Bank of China was recognised for its 7×24 Global Cash Pool, which enables real-time, multi-currency liquidity management across jurisdictions through continuous fund flows. The solution reflects the growing importance of cross-border treasury infrastructure and liquidity efficiency for corporate clients operating across multiple markets. China Merchants Bank was awarded Best Trade and Supply Chain Finance Bank in China for its leading capabilities in digital trade finance and supply chain financing, including guarantees, factoring and letters of credit. The bank’s capabilities are underpinned by deep integration with customers’ enterprise resource planning systems, highly automated workflows and industry-specific financing solutions. By combining advisory expertise, structured financing design and digital execution, China Merchants Bank has set a benchmark for efficient and customer-centric trade finance services in China. Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) was awarded Best Transaction Bank in China for its outstanding performance across domestic and international operations. By combining extensive domestic business strengths with a broad global network, the bank has established a balanced leadership position in transaction banking. Supported by a strong client base and efficient operating model, ICBC delivers comprehensive capabilities across cash management, trade finance and payments, positioning it as a preferred partner for Chinese enterprises managing complex financial operations. ICBC was also recognised as Best Cash Management Bank in China for its comprehensive cash management platform and strong performance across domestic and international markets. Supported by a vast corporate client base and high transaction volumes, the bank provides an integrated platform capable of managing complex mandates across China and global markets. In addition, ICBC received Highly Commended Regional Cash Management Bank in Asia Pacific for its global cash management capabilities, supported by large-scale client coverage, integrated domestic and international technology platforms and comprehensive treasury management solutions. Retail banking and wealth management focus on digital engagement China Merchants Bank was awarded Best Joint-Stock Retail Bank in China for its retail banking performance, including growth in retail segment revenue, wealth management contribution and deposits. The bank’s execution was supported by industry-leading digital customer engagement, with a digital journey score of 9.5. Its continued strength in customer experience and risk management highlights its ability to combine innovation, technology-driven efficiency and sustainable retail banking growth. China Merchants Bank was also awarded Best Wealth Management Bank in China (Affluent Category) for maintaining balanced growth across quality, efficiency and scale, while improving operating performance and maintaining stable asset quality. Through AI Xiao Zhao and the TREE asset allocation framework, the bank has enhanced personalised services and professional advisory capabilities. Its “human plus digital intelligence” model delivers differentiated and customised experiences for mass affluent customers, reflecting the role of digital integration and AI-enabled advisory in China’s wealth management market. View the full list of winners of The Asian Banker China Awards 2026. 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 our website for details. Media contact Nanda Lakhwani Editor, TAB Global Email: nlakhwani@tab.global
