Mashreq earns accolade at Asian Banking & Finance Retail Banking Awards 2025

The bank was recognised for its Neo Credit, the United Arab Emirates’ first fully digital short-term loan.

Mashreq bagged the New Consumer Lending Product of the Year - UAE category at the Asian Banking & Finance Retail Banking Awards 2025, highlighting its efficient digital short-term lending solution, Neo Credit.

Mashreq introduced Neo Credit in an era where speed and simplicity are everything. The solution, which is a first-of-its-kind, is a 100% digital short-term lending solution built to match the pace of modern life.

With Neo Credit, customers can now access instant funds in just a few taps, an innovation that is entirely paperless and offers a seamless borrowing experience.

Neo Credit, which reshapes how short-term credit works in the UAE, is designed for Existing-to-Bank (ETB) customers with a CASA account. Whether it's to cover an unexpected expense, manage cash flow, or bridge a financial gap, Neo Credit puts speed and convenience directly in the user’s hands.

Neo Credit sets itself apart from other solutions with its instant loans and zero paperwork. The entire journey is digital, from application to approval, saying goodbye to salary transfer letters, cheques, or lengthy forms. 

Neo Credit also uses real-time checks and a smart assessment engine to approve and disburse loans within minutes. Furthermore, users can track, manage, and repay loans anytime through the Mashreq App with full transparency and control.

Neo Credit is deemed a smarter way to borrow. It is also built with consideration of Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) impact.

Neo Credit eliminates the need for physical documents, hence contributing an estimated avoided emission of 278.89 tCO2e annually. It is also fully digital, so there is lower energy use and reduced emissions—an improvement that supports a lower carbon footprint.

Its social impact, meanwhile, is its inclusive access and ease of use. Designed for quick, small-ticket borrowing, Neo Credit provides an immediate financial solution without requiring salary transfers. Instant approvals and digital onboarding mean customers can apply and receive funds within minutes.

Moreover, Neo Credit is built with strong data protection, real-time KYC/AML checks, and regulatory alignment. It also uses advanced Emirates Facial Recognition-based e-KYC, which ensures high security and identity verification standards.

Neo Credit is setting a new standard for personal finance, one that is fast, secure, and sustainable.

Asian Banking & Finance Retail Banking Awards recognises the outstanding entities in the retail banking landscape, and serves as a platform to highlight their innovative solutions, retail products, digital banking breakthroughs, and exceptional customer experiences.

The ABF Retail Banking Awards is presented by Asian Banking & Finance Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2026 awards programme and be recognised for your company's cutting-edge products, services, and solutions that made a positive impact on your customers, please contact Julie Anne Nuñez-Difuntorum at [email protected].