Saudi First Bank receives CinOrg 7-star rating – first in the region
In a move reflecting the leading role of the banking sector in Saudi Arabia, Saudi Alawwal Bank (SAB) an unprecedented milestone in the region by receiving the Leadership in Innovation certification with a 7-star , the highest level awarded by the Certified Innovative Organization (CinOrg®) certification issued by the Global Innovation Institute (GInI). This achievement officially establishes the bank as a leader among innovative financial institutions, making it the first bank in the Middle East to achieve this prestigious rating.
A qualitative leap in the journey of digital transformation and innovation
This international recognition is the culmination of intensive strategic efforts led by the bank to enhance its corporate innovation environment. This ranking follows a comprehensive and rigorous innovation maturity assessment conducted by the Global Innovation Institute in December 2025, which complemented an earlier assessment in December 2023. The results demonstrated a remarkable improvement in the bank's performance, elevating its ranking from "Leader" to "Pioneer," reflecting the success of its innovation operating model and its exceptional ability to transform creative ideas into tangible and sustainable solutions that serve its customers.
A supportive national context and alignment with Vision 2030
This achievement cannot be separated from the broader context of the economic renaissance underway in Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030 , specifically the Financial Sector Development Program, which aims to transform the Kingdom into a global financial hub and a destination for financial technology (Fintech). Alawwal Bank's attainment of this accreditation underscores the commitment of Saudi financial institutions to adopting the latest international standards in governance and innovation, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of the Saudi economy regionally and internationally.
Innovation Center and Global Awards
To solidify this position, the bank launched the “First Innovation Center” in 2025, which has become the driving force behind development within the institution. This initiative has resulted in the bank winning six prestigious international innovation awards, in addition to its laboratory receiving global accreditation. The center plays a pivotal role in accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies and artificial intelligence, and in enabling fruitful collaboration across various departments, thus ensuring continuous development and the delivery of future-proof banking services that meet the aspirations of the next generation of customers.
Executive leadership: Innovation is a culture, not just tools
Commenting on this exceptional achievement, Saeed Asiri, Chief Innovation Officer at Alawwal Bank, stated: “This accreditation reflects the culmination of years of systematic institutional work to establish a sustainable innovation ecosystem at Alawwal. We have been committed to investing in the bank’s culture, strengthening governance frameworks, and developing national talent, believing that innovation enhances our readiness for the future.” Asiri emphasized that this achievement embodies the bank’s commitment to supporting the journey of financial innovation in the Kingdom and delivering sustainable added value to its customers.
In conclusion, this accreditation represents a pivotal milestone in the journey of Saudi First Bank, as it confirms its readiness to lead the banking scene in the region, based on an advanced technological infrastructure and qualified human resources, to provide a model to be emulated in how to integrate innovation into the core strategies of major financial institutions.
