Ahmed Abdelaal, group CEO of Mashreq Bank, received the Best Bank CEO in the UAE award from TAB Global in recognition of his visionary leadership, transformative digital strategies and ability to deliver strong financial performance alongside commitment to sustainable banking. Under his leadership, Mashreqbank is also recognised as the Best Managed Bank in the UAE. Guided by four pillars—innovation, customer-centricity, resilience and regional leadership—Abdelaal has expanded digital capabilities, strengthened operational resilience, driven robust financial performance and introduced sustainable finance initiatives that create value for customers, employees and shareholders. The bank has advanced innovation and digital excellence while taking a leading role in environmental, social and governance (ESG) and sustainable finance. Driving digital innovation and technology Under Abdelaal’s leadership, the bank has made digital transformation central to its growth strategy, building a seamless, customer-centric financial ecosystem guided by a “human-centricity” philosophy. The Mashreq Neo platform brings full branch functionality to customers’ devices through Neo for consumers, NeoBiz for SMEs, and NEO CORP for corporates. Neo offers 100% paperless account opening, real-time investments and AI-driven financial insights. NeoBiz streamlines SME onboarding with AI-powered KYC and automated risk assessments, enabling 80% of accounts to open within three days. NEO CORP provides corporates with 80% of branch functionalities, including cash management, trade finance and cross-border payments. The bank has invested in AI-powered advisory tools, blockchain-enabled trade finance and cloud-native infrastructure to enhance efficiency, scalability and cybersecurity. In 2023, its partnership with Etisalat Egypt launched the country’s first banking-as-a-service initiative, promoting financial inclusion. In 2024, NeoVentures was established as an innovation hub, collaborating with over 35 banks and fintechs to commercialise emerging technologies and deliver next-generation solutions for institutional clients. Expanding international reach and market position Abdelaal has led the bank to strengthen its presence in key regional and international markets. The bank has established operations in India, Pakistan, Hong Kong, and Egypt, enhancing cross-border trade and corporate banking capabilities. The expansion of the NEO CORP digital platform across the Gulf region enables the bank to deliver comprehensive corporate banking solutions, providing seamless access to accounts, payments, trade finance, and liquidity management. Internationally, the bank has developed its private and wholesale banking segments, focusing on high-potential trade corridors and emerging markets for differentiated positioning. This strategy broadens revenue streams, enhances client experience, and reinforces its global reach and risk diversification, laying a strong foundation for sustainable long-term growth. Under Abdelaal, the bank achieved robust financial results, with strategic credit policies, targeted client support and disciplined cost management strengthening the balance sheet. The bank delivered strong profitability, with return on assets and return on equity ranking among the highest of UAE banks in 2023 and 2024. It maintained the lowest non-performing loan ratio in the country, reflecting rigorous risk assessment and prudent lending practices. Sustainability is integrated alongside financial performance. The bank champions ESG investments, financial inclusion and responsible governance, aiming to facilitate AED 110 billion ($30 billion) in sustainable finance by 2030.
