Bank Leumi Ranks Second in MENA for AI Innovation and First in Israel for AI Implementation in 2026

Bank Leumi has been ranked second among banks across the Middle East and North Africa for innovation, and first in Israel for artificial intelligence adoption, according to the Evident AI Index for Banks MEA, released on 2 June 2026.

The recognition places Bank Leumi alongside the most AI-advanced financial institutions in a region undergoing one of the fastest banking digitalisation cycles globally. The UAE and Saudi Arabia have both accelerated national AI strategies that directly intersect with financial services transformation.

Hanan Friedman, CEO of Bank Leumi, described the results as validation of the bank's strategic decision to treat AI as a core operational transformation lever. "Through AI, we are building a different kind of banking, one that delivers a holistic, real-time, and personalised response to our customers' financial needs," Friedman said. He added that AI is enabling a structural transformation of the bank's cost base, with efficiency gains reflected in a Q1 2026 efficiency ratio of 29.1%, which the bank describes as among the best globally.

Alexandra Mousavizadeh, co-founder and CEO of Evident, noted that the ranking is driven by a comprehensive AI ecosystem that includes Garage Ventures, Bank Leumi's investment arm specifically targeting AI and data startups.

What the MENA AI Banking Race Looks Like in 2026

The Evident index evaluates banks on AI talent density, technology infrastructure, product deployment, and governance frameworks. A second-place ranking across the entire MENA region signals that AI implementation at Bank Leumi has moved well beyond pilots into operational programmes with measurable financial outcomes.

MENA AI funding has reached $2.8 billion year-to-date in 2026, with financial services among the top three sectors attracting capital. Dubai-based financial technology firms are deploying AI for credit decisioning, fraud detection, and customer personalisation at scale. Vision 2030 has accelerated AI integration into Saudi banking infrastructure, with the Saudi Central Bank actively encouraging adoption across licensed institutions.

The Evident index sends a clear signal for enterprise leaders: institutions that have invested in dedicated AI governance structures and measurable efficiency programmes are pulling ahead of peers treating AI as an IT function rather than a board-level priority.

Bank Leumi's AI Centre, reporting directly to the CEO and overseeing all AI activities, reflects a governance architecture increasingly recommended by regulators across the GCC as AI deployment in financial services scales up.

The full rankings are available via Evident Insights. For the latest AI intelligence across the region, visit the AI Watch MENA intelligence hub.