Azizi Bank: Best Digital Bank Afghanistan 2018

Afghanistan’s largest financial services provider, Azizi Bank has added to its already considerable momentum by incorporating the latest fintech developments into its corporate and client-facing processes, and expanding its global reach. The bank is the preferred partner of diplomatic missions, government entities, and development agencies. It is also the country’s largest commercial bank.

Azizi Bank has also broadened and deepened its initiatives to promote financial inclusion and literacy with a number of products and services aimed specifically at people still outside the regulated banking system. Azizi Bank’s ground-breaking ‘door-step’ banking programme introduces financial services to isolated rural communities previously ignored by the industry. The bank has signed up to a large-scale government programme, run in conjunction with the private sector, to further financial inclusion as an effective tool to encourage rural development.

Azizi Bank has deployed the full power of internet and mobile banking to further its services to existing customers and bring new ones aboard. Thanks to its user-friendly device-independent platform, Azizi Bank has managed to pull ahead of the competition and consolidate its leading position.

Afghanistan’s banking sector, barely fifteen years old, has recognised the opportunities available in a country of some 32 million inhabitants of whom, at present, not even 10% have access to financial services. Azizi Bank is now considered the country’s most socially-aware bank and has helped a large and growing number of Afghans overcome their initial reluctance to conduct their financial affairs through banks. As such, Azizi Bank has helped establish a paradigm shift in the popular attitude towards the entire banking sector.

The CFI.co judging panel notes Azizi Bank’s exceptionally smart use of smart technology to maintain its operational excellence whilst at the same time broaden the bank’s client base. The judges declare Azizi Bank winner of the 2018 Best Digital Bank Afghanistan Award.