Afdal Naguib, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of SAIB Bank, said 2026 will represent a pivotal and transformative year for the bank as it prepares to finalise and launch its new five-year strategy covering 2026-2030.
- 2025: Consolidating stability and strengthening discipline
- Expanding branch network and service channels
- Accelerating digital transformation and financial inclusion
- Artificial intelligence in credit and fraud monitoring
- Governance, compliance and risk management
- Investing in people as the key driver of success
In an interview with Daily News Egypt, Naguib revealed that the bank is in the final stages of completing the strategy, which has been developed in cooperation with some of the world’s largest specialised advisory firms. The roadmap is designed to position SAIB Bank for its next growth phase by modernising internal structures, simplifying and streamlining procedures, and embedding advanced technological solutions across all operations.
He explained that the strategy focuses on adopting the latest digital applications, expanding the use of artificial intelligence across multiple banking activities, enhancing operational efficiency, and continuously improving the working environment to support innovation and productivity.
Naguib noted that 2026 coincides with SAIB Bank’s 50th anniversary, describing the year as both a moment of reflection and a new launch towards the next fifty years. “The upcoming strategy reflects our ambitions for the coming phase and sets a clear path for sustainable growth and stronger competitiveness,” he said.
2025: Consolidating stability and strengthening discipline
According to Naguib, 2025 was primarily a year of consolidating stability and reinforcing institutional discipline, while pursuing a carefully measured expansion strategy that balanced growth objectives with financial sustainability.
The bank worked to enhance operational flexibility, improve risk management efficiency and further strengthen its financial position. This included maintaining prudent credit policies, improving asset quality indicators and reinforcing capital adequacy levels, in line with regulatory requirements.
At the same time, SAIB Bank continued to upgrade the customer experience through integrated and advanced banking solutions tailored to the evolving needs of both individuals and corporate clients.
Expansion during 2025 covered both corporate banking and retail banking activities, with particular emphasis on economic sectors capable of generating real added value for the Egyptian economy. The bank prioritised financing productive sectors and supporting businesses that contribute to employment generation and economic diversification.
Expanding branch network and service channels
Naguib said the bank strengthened its nationwide presence during 2025 through the opening of three new branches and the upgrading of several existing branches, bringing the total number of branches to 46 across Egypt.
Parallel to this expansion, SAIB Bank increased its investment in electronic channels, particularly by expanding its ATM network to enhance customer accessibility and service speed. These efforts aimed to ensure broader geographical coverage and improved service delivery standards.
He stressed that customer satisfaction remains the cornerstone of any banking success. “We are keen to offer flexible banking solutions that align with the differing needs of our customers,” he said, adding that the bank focuses on building long-term relationships based on mutual trust and a deep understanding of each client’s business model and financial aspirations.
The bank also undertook initiatives to simplify procedures, shorten transaction times and improve service efficiency within branches, alongside raising staff performance levels to ensure a consistent and high-quality customer experience.
Accelerating digital transformation and financial inclusion
Naguib said 2025 witnessed significant progress in the bank’s digital transformation journey, as SAIB Bank continued to modernise its technological infrastructure to keep pace with rapid developments in the banking sector.
The bank is moving steadily towards full digitalisation of banking transactions, relying on several core pillars, including the adoption of financial technology (FinTech) solutions and cooperation — and at times competition — with specialised technology companies to provide faster, more flexible and secure services.
Internet banking and mobile banking services have become central tools in customers’ daily transactions, reflecting the shift in banking behaviour towards digital platforms. This transformation has contributed to expanding the bank’s customer base and promoting financial inclusion, particularly in areas that previously had limited access to traditional banking services.
Naguib added that digitalisation is not solely aimed at improving operational efficiency, but also at reaching new customer segments and responding to changing expectations in the market.
Artificial intelligence in credit and fraud monitoring
As part of its forward-looking approach, SAIB Bank intends to expand the use of artificial intelligence in key operational areas. Naguib said the bank plans to deploy AI technologies in retail credit assessment processes to enhance the accuracy and speed of decision-making.
In addition, AI will be used in monitoring and fraud prevention systems to detect unusual or suspicious transactions at an early stage. These applications are expected to strengthen risk controls, protect customers and improve overall system integrity.
“This comes as part of our commitment to providing innovative solutions that meet market needs while enhancing financial inclusion,” he noted.
Governance, compliance and risk management
The CEO emphasised that strengthening corporate governance and risk management remained among the bank’s top priorities in 2025. SAIB Bank maintained full compliance with regulatory standards and instructions issued by the Central Bank of Egypt.
He said these governance frameworks and risk policies have supported the stability of the bank’s performance and preserved the quality of its loan portfolio, reflecting the robustness of its operating model and prudent management approach.
Investing in people as the key driver of success
Naguib underscored that developing and upgrading human capital remains the primary driver of institutional success.
During 2025, the bank implemented a series of training and qualification programmes aimed at raising employee efficiency, enhancing digital capabilities and preparing a second tier of banking leaders capable of managing modern systems and supporting customers through electronic channels.
He added that creating a positive and motivating work environment directly contributes to improving overall performance and achieving strategic objectives.
