ADCB Egypt was established in 2020 as a member of Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) Group, the third largest financial institution in the UAE. Now ranking among the fastest growing banks in the country, ADCB Egypt serves customers across segments: Retail, Affluent, SME and Corporate.
In this interview, CEO and Managing Director, Ihab ElSewerky shares the bank’s approach to Women’s Markets, financial inclusion and sustainable development in Egypt.
What is ADCB’s market position in Egypt and the overall strategic vision for the company?
Ihab ElSewerky: Our vision is to be the most preferred bank for our customers by helping them achieve their ambitions. Since our launch in 2020, we have been steadily growing and are now among the fastest-growing banks in Egypt, backed by strong financial performance and an expanding customer base. Our commitment to digital transformation and customer-centric innovation is key to ensuring we provide convenient and accessible financial services to all.
As part of ADCB Group, we follow a forward-looking ESG strategy built on four key pillars: Climate, Governance, Communities & Customers, and Employees. Within the last 2 pillars, we aim to have a strong social impact, placing an emphasis on supporting our customers and communities, advancing financial inclusion and diversity. Our ‘Inclusion via Empowerment’ approach focuses on integrating under-served segments into the financial system, ensuring they have access to the right banking solutions.
Which women segments does the bank prioritize and what unique value propositions you are considering for them?
ElSewerky: In 2024, we launched the “Hayah” financial inclusion package specifically for women which includes access to basic financial services at no cost and non-financial benefits such as health insurance and discounted medical services.
Additionally, we introduced a specialized package for entrepreneurs, recognizing their vital role in the economy. This year, our ambition is to expand our support for women-led businesses through capacity-building initiatives and the creation of a community where they can network, learn, and grow.
How do your digital financial services help bring more women customers to your bank?
ElSewerky: Digital banking is a cornerstone of our development plan. It plays a crucial role in making financial services more accessible. For example, the ability to open accounts through our mobile app, enables women to do so and manage their finances from the comfort of their homes.
How do you envision ADCB Egypt contributing to a national strategy for supporting women entrepreneurs?
ElSewerky: Entrepreneurship is the backbone of the economy, and we believe that partnerships are key to making a nationwide impact. That’s why we are open to collaborating with public sector entities, NGOs, and the private sector to provide accessible financial services and scale impact.
Sex-disaggregated data is critical to establishing a baseline for a women’s markets program, yet many banks face significant challenges capturing it. Where are you in your gender data journey?
ElSewerky: Data is critical for designing tailored solutions. As a relatively young bank, we have the advantage of building our systems with a forward-looking approach. Since our launch, we have been investing in digital transformation and enhancing our data capabilities. For us, the focus is on designing the right products and reaching the right customers in a way that creates meaningful impact.
Internal diversity and inclusion is a crucial aspect to get Women’s Markets right. Could you provide an overview of female representation within ADCB Egypt?
Currently, women represent 31 percent of our workforce, with around 25 percent holding senior management positions. Our selection and promotion processes are based on talent, performance, and fairness, ensuring that opportunities are driven by merit rather than gender.
We are proud to have been recognized as a Top Employer in Egypt for 2025, a milestone that reflects our dedication to best practices in employee development and inclusion.
ADCB Egypt is also a signatory of the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles, reinforcing our commitment to advancing gender equality within the bank.
Why did you decide to join the Alliance, and what are you looking forward to learning from and/or sharing with the network?
The Alliance offers a valuable opportunity to learn from a global network of financial institutions that are leaders in serving women. It provides insights into effective strategies, emerging challenges, and innovative solutions that can be applied in different markets. Beyond learning, it is also a space for meaningful collaboration, where financial institutions can exchange ideas, explore partnerships, and work together to advance financial inclusion for women.
