Are Banks Finally Getting SME Support Right?

Emirates NBD has once again proven why it remains a key player in the region’s banking sector. At the Euromoney Middle East Awards for Excellence 2025, the bank walked away with eight titles, solidifying its leadership across a range of categories—from sustainability and investment banking to customer experience and SME support.

This year, the bank surpassed its 2024 performance by clinching five regional awards, including the coveted title of “Middle East’s Best Bank.” Its financial performance in 2024 spoke for itself—net profit rose to AED 23 billion, a 7 percent increase year-on-year. One of the standout achievements has been the steady growth in credit and the fact that international operations now contribute 31 percent of the bank’s total income, showing that its expansion into the GCC, Asia, and Europe is bearing fruit.

From an SME lens, one of the most notable wins is “Middle East’s Best Bank for SMEs.” In a region where SMEs are central to economic diversification and innovation, Emirates NBD’s 11 percent revenue jump from this segment in 2024 signals a meaningful impact. The bank’s emphasis on digital onboarding has also made it easier for small business owners to set up and manage their accounts—with nearly 80 percent of SME accounts opened digitally last year alone.

Another area where Emirates NBD is making a mark is in sustainable finance. The bank won “Middle East’s Best Bank for ESG” and “Middle East’s Best ESG Deal 2025”—in part thanks to its pioneering issuance of the world’s first sustainability-linked loan financing bond aligned with the updated ICMA and LMA guidelines, raising USD 500 million. It also launched a sustainable fixed deposit that brought in USD 100 million in inflows. Through Emirates NBD Capital, the bank facilitated over USD 34 billion in sustainable finance, putting it among the world’s top 12 coordinators for emerging market ESG-labelled bonds.

At a national level, Emirates NBD was named “UAE’s Best Bank”, “UAE’s Best Bank for ESG”, and “UAE’s Best Investment Bank for Equity Capital Markets (ECM) 2025.” The bank’s asset base grew by 16 percent year-on-year, while new loans hit AED 160 billion (USD 43.6 billion). The bank also continues to maintain a one-third share of the UAE’s credit card market.

In terms of equity capital markets, Emirates NBD Capital played a lead role in high-profile IPOs, including those of Lulu Retail and Spinneys—two of the most talked-about listings in MENA’s grocery retail space—drawing strong investor interest across categories.

Customer experience was another area where the bank’s efforts were recognised, earning it the award for “Middle East’s Best Bank for Customer Experience.” Over the past 18 months, Emirates NBD has made notable efforts to overhaul its customer experience strategy—embedding improvements across operations, governance, culture, and technology.

Commenting on the wins, Shayne Nelson, Group CEO at Emirates NBD, said the awards reflect the bank’s focus on performance and transformation. He highlighted the bank’s aim to build stronger relationships through better experiences and deeper ESG integration, all while continuing to provide innovative solutions for a growing customer base.

For SMEs watching from the sidelines, Emirates NBD’s latest recognition shows how large financial institutions are stepping up with digital tools, tailored support, and a growing commitment to sustainability. Whether you’re just starting up or looking to scale, partnerships with banks that understand the evolving needs of small businesses could make all the difference.