• QNB gets license to launch digital bank “ezbank” in Egypt
• Move supports financial inclusion, targets Egypt’s unbanked population
• Mobile-first platform to drive access using AI and smart tech

Qatar National Bank (QNB) announced on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, that it has received a license from the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) to launch a digital bank in the most populous Arab country.

The license for the new virtual bank, named “ezbank,” aims to support the CBE’s vision for financial inclusion and digital transformation, and aligns with the government’s broader economic development strategy, QNB said in a statement.

“ezbank will combine advanced digital technology with international best practices to offer simplified financial services to a broad range of customers,” QNB said.

The bank added that it will use mobile-first platforms, AI-driven tools, and smart risk management systems to facilitate transactions, expand access, and support Egypt’s digital economy.

Tapping Into the Unbanked Population

The Qatari banking group aims to leverage the new neobank to reach the large share of adults excluded from traditional banking services.

Egypt’s banking penetration rate stands at around 30%, while mobile phone subscriptions exceed 96 million, covering 92.7% of the population. This gap, QNB said, creates strong potential to expand financial inclusion nationwide.

Qatar National Bank, which has been present in Egypt since 1978, offers retail, corporate, and multinational services through an extensive network of branches and ATMs across the country.

Walid Kéfi