Middle East and Africa (MEA) Retail Banking Regional Report

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This report offers a comprehensive analysis of the Middle East and Africa (MEA) retail banking market, focusing on financial performance, competitive dynamics, and customer relationships. It explores the impact of digital banking and fintech innovations, which are transforming the region's banking landscape. The report highlights the opportunities and challenges faced by traditional banks as they navigate the rise of digital-only propositions. Additionally, it examines the role of consumer preferences and government initiatives in driving growth in deposits and mortgages.

The MEA retail banking market is experiencing dynamic growth, primarily driven by emerging economies across the Gulf Cooperation Council and Turkiye. The region is witnessing a surge in retail deposits and residential mortgage balances, with the region set to grow the fastest globally. Government initiatives and a strong demand for first-time home buying, especially in Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, are key factors propelling this expansion. Additionally, the increasing penetration of digital banking and fintech innovations is reshaping the competitive landscape, offering significant opportunities for growth and transformation.

Scope

The MEA region will continue to experience robust growth in deposits and mortgages, particularly driven by Saudi Arabia and Turkiye.

Digital engagement is high among new banking customers, particularly in Nigeria and Turkiye, where banking apps are pivotal in account setup and ongoing engagement.

Traditional banks face increasing competition from fintechs, which are gaining traction with digital-only propositions, yet incumbents retain an advantage through established physical infrastructure.

Key Highlights

  • Net interest margin in Saudi Arabia fell over 2018-2022.
  • UAE banks capitalized the most on the high-rate environment of 2022, boosting the average return on assets compared to 2020.
  • Many Nigerian consumers prefer to open a new current account with a digital wallet, the highest proportion in the region.

Reasons to Buy

Assess the recent and future macroeconomic impact on the retail banking sector in the MEA.

Determine the competitive landscape of key markets in the region as well as drivers behind the emergence of new players.

Examine the strength of banks’ relationships with their customers across MEA markets.

Ascertain reasons for satisfaction across the region and identify strategies to improve the banking relationship with consumers.

Emirates NBD
First Abu Dhabi Bank
Dubai Islamic Bank
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank
Saudi National Bank
Alinma Bank
Arab National Bank
Banque Saudi Fransi
Saudi British Bank
Capitec
African Bank
Vakifbank
Ziraat Bankasi
Standard Bank
Nedbank
Turkiye IS Bankasi
Turkiye Halk Bankasi
Akbank
National Bank of Egypt
FirstRand
Absa Bank
Qatar National Bank
STC Bank
Access Bank
First Bank of Nigeria
Mashreq Neo
Citibank UAE
Al Hilal Bank
Tyme
Discovery Bank

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

1. Executive Summary

2. Financials

3. Competitive Landscape

4. Depth of Relationship

5. Digital Banking Engagement

6. Customer Satisfaction

7. Appendix

Middle East and Africa (MEA) Retail Banking Regional Report standard reports
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