Chief Executive Officer
Debbie's Dream Foundation
AWIBFA Awards 2027
Recognising the women shaping finance
Presented at the Gala Dinner on 22 January 2027, the Awards celebrate women shaping the future of banking and finance through leadership, innovation and measurable impact.
Who is eligible
- Arab women working in banking and finance.
- European women working for Arab financial institutions.
- Financial institutions, for the two institutional awards.
Why nominate
Recognise excellence
Spotlight exceptional leadership, performance and strategic achievement.
Inspire the future
Showcase role models who empower the next generation of women in finance.
Drive industry change
Raise the visibility of women making a lasting impact on Arab finance.
14 award categories
Individual awards
Rising Star
Under 35 on 22 January 2027: early-career talent across finance.
Corporate & Transaction Banking
Trade finance and supply chain finance.
Treasury & Capital Markets
Treasury, syndications, bonds and equity.
Insurance & Takaful
Insurers, reinsurers and takaful operators.
Investment & Asset Management
Private equity, funds, sovereign wealth funds and pensions.
Private Banking & Wealth Management
Advising private clients and families.
Islamic Finance
Islamic banking, sukuk and Sharia-compliant products.
Digital & FinTech Innovator
Fintech, payments and digital transformation.
Sustainable & Impact Finance
ESG, green finance and financial inclusion.
Bridge Builder (Arab World-Europe)
Deals and partnerships across the two regions.
Strategic Functions Leader
Risk, compliance, legal, HR and communications.
Women on Boards
Non-executive, independent directors and board chairs of financial institutions.
Institutional awards
Organisation of the Year
Institutions advancing women in finance.
Best Institution Led by a Woman
A financial institution with a female CEO.
The nomination committee
The independent panel reviewing and selecting the AWIBFA 2027 award winners.
Head of Sovereign Trade Loans
The OPEC Fund for International Development
FMO-Nominated Independent Board MemberMember & Mentor, European Women on Boards
KRK Kosovo, JSCB Universalbank, JSC Alliance Bank
Former Director, Human Development (Two Regions)Co-Chair, External Advisory Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, AUB
The World Bank
Board Member & Member of the Executive CommitteeFormer AGM, Head of Commercial Banking & SMEs, National Bank of Bahrain
Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait
Head of Private Banking & EXCO Member
Emirates Investment Bank
Board Member & Chair, Audit & Governance CommitteeFormer First Deputy Minister of Finance for Economic Affairs
3ANUTA
President & Founding Member at Le Régent International School
Serendipity Capital
Managing Partner, FursānFormer SEO, KAMCO Investment Company (DIFC) Ltd.Former Board Member, Commercial Bank of Kuwait
Fursān
Call for nominations
Self-nominations and third-party nominations are welcome. An independent judging panel assesses each nomination on leadership, measurable impact, innovation and contribution to advancing women in finance.
- Deadline
- 15 November 2026
- Who can nominate
- Self-nominations and third parties
- Questions
- nominations@womanbanker.com
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