Akef El-Maghraby, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Suez Canal Bank, said the bank achieved unprecedented financial and operational results in 2025, consolidating its position in Egypt’s banking sector through a comprehensive strategy that combined strong financial performance, accelerated digital transformation and expanded sectoral financing.
- Record profitability and strong balance sheet growth
- Corporate finance momentum and sector-focused lending
- SMEs at the heart of strategy
- Retail banking growth and geographical expansion
- Digital transformation and IT modernisation
- Supporting financial inclusion and youth engagement
- Sustainable finance and green partnerships
- Entrepreneurship, awards and social responsibility
In an interview with Daily News Egypt, El-Maghraby said the bank’s 2025 performance reflects a carefully executed strategy built on measured expansion, disciplined risk management and a customer-centric vision aligned with national economic priorities.
Record profitability and strong balance sheet growth
El-Maghraby described 2025 as a landmark year in terms of profitability and financial indicators. In December 2025, the bank recorded net profits of EGP 6.4bn, marking a 13% increase compared with EGP 5.71bn in 2024.
Total assets expanded significantly to EGP 270bn, representing a 50% rise compared with approximately EGP 180bn in the previous year. This growth was driven by strong expansion in lending activity, prudent asset allocation and effective liquidity management.
He noted that these results were achieved within a framework of balanced growth that safeguards asset quality and reinforces capital adequacy ratios, in full compliance with regulatory standards issued by the Central Bank of Egypt.
The year also witnessed the launch of the bank’s new corporate identity under the slogan “Your world… in one place”, reflecting its ambition to become a comprehensive financial partner more closely connected to customers’ professional and personal aspirations.
Corporate finance momentum and sector-focused lending
A key driver of the bank’s growth in 2025 was the significant expansion of its corporate finance activities. The direct loan portfolio surged by 63% to reach EGP 122bn by year-end, reflecting the bank’s strengthened role in financing large corporates and strategic projects.
El-Maghraby said financing was directed towards vital and productive sectors that generate sustainable economic value, including energy, infrastructure, manufacturing and tourism. These sectors, he noted, play a critical role in supporting national development, boosting exports and creating employment opportunities.
The bank also recorded a qualitative shift in syndicated lending and structured finance. Its syndicated finance portfolio expanded both in the number and size of transactions, as well as in the diversity of sectors financed.
Among the most prominent deals in 2025 was the bank’s role as initial lead arranger, facility agent, security agent, documentation bank, account bank and bookrunner in arranging a syndicated loan worth EGP 4.485bn for Madkour Projects. In addition, the bank acted as lead arranger and debt service reserve account bank in a long-term syndicated Islamic financing structured as a mudaraba worth EGP 5.2bn for Inertia for Real Estate Development, to finance part of the investment cost of the Jefaira project in Ras El-Hekma on the North Coast.
These transactions reinforced Suez Canal Bank’s position as a key player in structuring and arranging large-scale financing solutions.
SMEs at the heart of strategy
El-Maghraby stressed that small and medium-sized enterprises remain central to the bank’s strategic vision, in line with the directives and initiatives of the Central Bank of Egypt aimed at stimulating productive activity and supporting economic diversification.
The bank continues to participate actively in the 5% initiative to finance small enterprises, which has enabled a large number of businesses to expand operations and enhance productivity. It also took part in the tourism support initiative, easing financing burdens for companies operating in one of Egypt’s most strategic sectors.
Through tailored financing programmes, advisory support and simplified procedures, the bank seeks to empower SMEs to grow sustainably and integrate more effectively into value chains.
Retail banking growth and geographical expansion
On the retail side, Suez Canal Bank adopted a strategy based on deep understanding of customer needs and offering innovative financial solutions. As a result, the retail loan portfolio increased by 114%, reaching EGP 11.4bn in 2025 compared with EGP 5.3bn in 2024.
This growth was supported by a balanced geographical expansion plan. The bank’s branch network reached 55 branches across various governorates, complemented by a wide network of ATMs to enhance accessibility and service efficiency.
El-Maghraby emphasised that enhancing customer experience remains a strategic priority. The bank undertook initiatives to simplify procedures, reduce transaction times and raise service quality standards across branches.
Digital transformation and IT modernisation
Digital transformation continued to be a core pillar of the bank’s development strategy in 2025. The bank invested heavily in modernising its IT infrastructure, strengthening system capabilities and adopting advanced digital solutions to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
During the year, Suez Canal Bank launched a modern mobile banking application offering a seamless, secure and user-friendly experience. The app provides a wide range of services, including account management, transfers, bill payments and lending products, with further enhancements planned.
The bank also implemented a comprehensive cybersecurity framework based on advanced encryption technologies, real-time threat detection systems and continuous staff training. Information security policies are regularly updated to address emerging risks and safeguard customer data.
El-Maghraby noted that digital transformation is not merely a technological upgrade but a fundamental shift in the bank’s operating model, aimed at delivering faster, safer and more convenient services while expanding financial inclusion.
Supporting financial inclusion and youth engagement
In alignment with the national financial inclusion agenda, Suez Canal Bank actively participates in initiatives launched under the auspices of the Central Bank of Egypt.
The bank offers the “Bedaya” financial inclusion account starting from the age of 15, facilitates the opening of foreign currency accounts and organises awareness sessions in cooperation with universities, ministries and civil society organisations.
These efforts aim to enhance financial literacy, integrate new segments into the formal banking system and support youth empowerment.
Sustainable finance and green partnerships
El-Maghraby highlighted the bank’s growing role in sustainable finance and environmental responsibility. In 2025, the bank strengthened partnerships with international financial institutions, securing green credit facilities from the International Finance Corporation and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
The bank issued sustainability reports aligned with international standards, measured the carbon footprint of its financing portfolio and obtained EDGE green building certifications for several branches, supporting Egypt’s transition towards a low-carbon economy.
Entrepreneurship, awards and social responsibility
Supporting entrepreneurship remains a priority. The bank participated in sponsoring the Central Bank’s NilePreneurs initiative, and 51 start-ups have graduated from Suez Canal Bank’s business incubator, reflecting its commitment to fostering innovation and job creation.
The bank’s achievements were recognised through approximately 40 international, regional and local awards across various fields. Notably, it advanced six places in the Forbes Middle East rankings and climbed 31 places in the Financial Times list of Africa’s fastest-growing companies.
On corporate social responsibility, the bank implemented more than 85 community initiatives up to 2025, covering healthcare, education, social solidarity, youth empowerment, women’s advancement, support for people of determination, as well as sports, arts and cultural programmes.
El-Maghraby concluded that Suez Canal Bank’s 2025 performance reflects a balanced model that integrates financial strength, digital innovation, sectoral diversification, sustainability and social responsibility, positioning the bank for continued growth and deeper impact in the Egyptian market.
