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Shehab Zidan named as “Best Digital Transformation Leader in Egypt 2026” Award from Global Business Magazine

Shehab Zidan named as “Best Digital Transformation Leader in Egypt 2026” Award from Global Business Magazine

Shehab Zidan, Deputy CEO and Managing Director of Suez Canal Bank, has been awarded “Best Digital Transformation Leader in Egypt 2026” award by Global Business Magazine.

This recognition reflects Zidan’s prominent role in leading the Bank’s digital transformation journey and advancing its technological infrastructure in line with global standards. It also highlights the success of the Bank’s strategy in fostering innovation and delivering advanced banking solutions that enhance customer experience and support the transition toward a digital economy. Furthermore, the award represents international recognition of the Bank’s position as a financial institution that embraces digital transformation as a key driver of sustainable growth.

Since assuming the position of Deputy CEO and Managing Director, Zidan has led Suez Canal Bank through significant milestones in digital transformation. This has included the establishment of highly capable teams and the launch of the Bank’s first Digital Factory, which serves as a foundation for a series of digital products and services designed to meet the evolving needs of both retail and corporate customers.

In addition, the Bank has continued investing in the modernization of its technological infrastructure, the enhancement of its digital channels, and the adoption of artificial intelligence and process automation technologies. These efforts have contributed to improving operational efficiency and service quality, while simultaneously strengthening internal processes and cybersecurity capabilities in accordance with local and international standards, and in alignment with Egypt Vision 2030 and the directives of the Central Bank of Egypt.

Among Suez Canal Bank’s most notable achievements in digital transformation during the recent period are the upgrade of its mobile banking application for retail customers, the launch of its Corporate Online Banking platform, and the introduction of innovative solutions for SMEs, including the Click application, a digital financing solution designed specifically for small businesses. The Bank is also progressing toward the launch of its Corporate Mobile Application, a sophisticated digital banking platform tailored for corporate clients.

Commenting on receiving the award, Shehab Zidan expressed his pride in this recognition, noting that Suez Canal Bank’s digital transformation journey required considerable effort to establish a clear and balanced vision that combines digital expansion with robust governance and control frameworks. This approach ensures the delivery of an advanced and secure banking experience that meets customers’ evolving expectations while maintaining the highest standards of trust and security.

He added that selecting the right talent and building highly capable teams have been among the key factors behind the Bank’s progress in this field, alongside fostering a corporate culture that supports digital transformation and accelerates implementation while maximizing the value of technological capabilities.

Zidan further noted that the success of any organization’s digital transformation journey is not driven by technology alone, but rather by the clarity of its institutional vision. He emphasized that digital transformation is an enabling tool for achieving broader strategic objectives.

He also stressed that digital transformation is no longer an option, but an inevitable path for the future of the banking industry. He explained that customer expectations—particularly among younger generations—are undergoing a fundamental shift, requiring banking experiences to match the simplicity and seamlessness of social media platforms. This reality compels banks to redesign their services and products to align with these evolving expectations.

Zidan also pointed out that the Egyptian market possesses strong fundamentals for the adoption of digital services, citing the widespread use of smartphones, the rapid growth of the fintech sector, and the increasing reliance of customers on digital transactions across various aspects of daily life. These factors, he noted, reflect digital adoption rates that exceed traditional expectations.

It is worth noting that Shehab Zidan brings over 25 years of accumulated experience, during which he has held several senior positions at leading financial institutions, including Banque Misr, Barclays Bank, Arab African International Bank, and Commercial International Bank (CIB). His expertise spans banking operations, corporate banking products, correspondent banking, corporate and institutional credit, and digital transformation. Throughout his career, he has delivered exceptional results that have established him as one of the prominent leaders in the banking sector.

Prior to assuming his current role as Deputy CEO and Managing Director of Suez Canal Bank, Zidan served as Head of Digital Transformation and Data Analytics, as well as Head of Corporate Banking Products at Banque Misr, where he led the Bank’s transformation journey. He also accumulated extensive experience in global banking products, contributing to the establishment of Banque Misr’s first Global Banking Products team, as well as the first dedicated Digital Transformation division within the banking sector. In addition, he played a key role in launching numerous banking products, digital solutions, and digital channels for both retail and corporate customers, significantly enhancing service efficiency and customer experience.

Before joining Banque Misr, Zidan held several key positions at Barclays Bank, including Head of Large Corporate Banking and later Regional Head of Banking Products. In these roles, he managed cash management, trade finance, and working capital products, while supporting trade activities across several African countries and focusing on strengthening trade corridors within the continent. These achievements, combined with his success in the corporate banking products sector, contributed to strengthening client relationships and driving sustainable growth.

Zidan has also served as a board member of several leading companies, including Fawry, Misr Digital Innovation Company, and BM Leasing. He currently serves on the boards of International Company for Leasing (Incolease) and Anchors for investment & urban development.

In addition to his extensive professional experience, Zidan possesses a strong academic background. He holds a MBA (International Business Administration) from ESLSCA University, has completed the Executive Leadership Program at Harvard University (USA), Credit Skills Development Program (Advanced commercial lending) from IFC (UK), and successfully completed the “Transformational Leadership in the Age of AI” program at London Business School, alongside numerous other internationally recognized professional certifications.