Top 13 Banks in Cairo: Breakdown of the best Financial Institutions in Egypt
Market leadership, asset portfolios, and strategic positioning in the Middle East’s largest banking sector
Egypt’s banking sector represents one of the most sophisticated financial ecosystems in the Middle East and Africa: The top 13 institutions control over 70% of the country’s total banking assets, with combined portfolios exceeding EGP 14 trillion as of June 2024.
Led by the National Bank of Egypt’s commanding 35.17% market share and Banque Misr’s solid 17.97% position, these institutions serve over 40 million customers while supporting Egypt’s economic transformation and regional financial integration.
From century-old institutions with deep historical roots to modern international partnerships, Cairo’s banking landscape reflects both traditional Egyptian financial strength and contemporary global banking excellence.
35.17%
NBE Market Share
EGP 6.8 trillion assets
13
Major Banks
Top-tier institutions
70%+
Asset Control
Combined market share
40M+
Customer Base
Across all institutions
Market Leadership Tiers
Dominant Leader
National Bank of Egypt
35.17%
Strong Second
Banque Misr
17.97%
Private Leader
Commercial International Bank
5.44%
Market Share Distribution: Top 13 Banks by Assets (June 2024)
Asset Portfolio Comparison: Leading Egyptian Banks (EGP Billions)
Comprehensive Bank Profiles
National Bank of Egypt (NBE)
#1
EGP 6.8T
Total Assets
35.17%
Market Share
640
Branches
Established in 1898, NBE is synonymous with modern banking in Egypt. Originally founded with British capital, it served as Egypt’s de facto central bank until 1961. Today, with over $170 billion in assets and serving nearly 19 million customers, NBE is Egypt’s largest financial institution and one of Africa’s banking giants. Multiple Global Finance awards recognize its position as Egypt’s Safest Bank.
Banque Misr
#2
$120B
Total Assets
17.97%
Market Share
800
Branches
Founded in 1920 by Talaat Harb and Joseph Cattaui, Banque Misr was Egypt’s first wholly Egyptian-owned national bank. Over 100+ years, it has supported industries from textiles to aviation and filmmaking. With 20,000 employees serving 13+ million customers, BM maintains international presence across 8 countries and consistently wins Global Finance awards for Treasury & Cash Management.
Commercial International Bank (CIB)
#3
EGP 1.05T
Total Assets
5.44%
Market Share
500+
Major Corporates
Established in 1975 as a joint venture with Chase Manhattan Bank, CIB is Egypt’s largest private lender and top listed company on EGX by market cap. Serving 500+ of Egypt’s largest corporations, CIB has maintained its position as the nation’s most profitable commercial bank for over four decades. Multiple Global Finance recognitions include World’s Best Emerging Markets Bank.
Arab African International Bank (AAIB)
#4
EGP 760.4B
Total Assets
3.93%
Market Share
1964
Established
Egypt’s first multinational bank, established in 1964 as a joint venture between Central Bank of Egypt (49.37%) and Kuwait Investment Authority (49.37%). AAIB pioneered credit cards in Egypt (1982) and was first to adopt Equator Principles (2009). Comprehensive regional banking across retail, corporate, and investment services with multiple Global Finance awards.
QNB Alahli
#5
EGP 740.9B
Total Assets
3.83%
Market Share
200+
Branches
Originally NSGB Bank (1978), rebranded as QNB Alahli in 2013 following QNB Group’s majority acquisition. Egypt’s second-largest private bank serving 2 million clients through 200+ branches and 900+ ATMs. Specializes in SME banking, women-focused programs, and green financing. Two-time Global Finance winner for Best SME’s Bank in Egypt.
Banque du Caire
#6
EGP 449.6B
Total Assets
2.33%
Market Share
248
Branches
Founded in 1952, Banque du Caire operates 248 branches and 1,640 ATMs serving 3+ million customers. Strong in microfinance with 300,000+ client accounts and ~25% local market share. State-owned with government plans to offer 49% stake on Egyptian Exchange. Global Finance award winner for Best Sub-Custodian Services in Egypt.
First Abu Dhabi Bank Egypt (FAB)
#7
EGP 429.9B
Total Assets
2.22%
Market Share
UAE
Ownership
Part of First Abu Dhabi Bank Group, one of the world’s largest and safest financial institutions. FAB Egypt leverages its parent company’s global expertise and capital strength to offer comprehensive banking services across retail, corporate, and investment banking segments in the Egyptian market.
Agricultural Bank of Egypt
#8
2.0%
Market Share
Agricultural
Specialization
State-Owned
Ownership
Specialized in agricultural financing and rural banking services, supporting Egypt’s agricultural sector development. Provides tailored financial products for farmers, agricultural cooperatives, and agribusiness enterprises throughout Egypt’s rural communities.
HSBC Bank Egypt
#9
1.75%
Market Share
100
Branches
7%
Foreign Market Share
Established 1982, HSBC Egypt is the largest foreign bank in Egypt with 7% market share. Operates 100 branches plus 20 mini-bank units. Offers comprehensive banking across personal, commercial, corporate, and investment banking, plus treasury, capital markets, insurance, and wealth management. Global Finance awards in Treasury & Cash Management.
Faisal Islamic Bank of Egypt
#10
EGP 215.8B
Total Assets
1.12%
Market Share
40+
Branches
Established in 1979 by Saudi Prince Mohammed al-Faisal, FIBE was Egypt’s first Shariah-compliant financial institution. Serves 1.9+ million customers through 40+ branches with $7 billion in assets. Offers interest-free loans (Al qard Al-Hassan) for hardship cases. Global Finance winner for Best Islamic Financial Institution.
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB Egypt)
#11
EGP 208.9B
Total Assets
1.08%
Market Share
Islamic
Banking Focus
Part of Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank Group, offering Shariah-compliant banking services in the Egyptian market. Combines Islamic banking principles with modern financial technology and international banking expertise from the UAE-based parent institution.
Bank of Alexandria (AlexBank)
#12
EGP 182.6B
Total Assets
0.94%
Market Share
175
Branches
Established in 1957 from nationalized Barclays operations following the Suez Crisis. Privatized in 2006 to Italy’s Sanpaolo (80% stake), rebranded as AlexBank in 2010. Serves 1.6+ million customers through 175 branches, providing banking and investment services across retail, SME, and corporate segments.
NBK Egypt
#13
EGP 163.2B
Total Assets
0.84%
Market Share
Kuwait
Ownership
Egyptian subsidiary of National Bank of Kuwait, one of the largest banking groups in the Gulf region. Leverages parent company’s regional expertise and financial strength to serve the Egyptian market with comprehensive commercial and retail banking services.
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Egypt’s banking sector demonstrates remarkable concentration among leading institutions, with the top 13 banks controlling over 70% of total sector assets. This concentration reflects both the scale advantages of major institutions and the strategic importance of financial services in Egypt’s economic development.
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Market concentration dynamics: NBE’s 35.17% market share and Banque Misr’s 17.97% position create a duopoly controlling over half the banking sector
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International partnerships: Strategic foreign ownership from Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, and Europe provides capital strength and global expertise
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Sector diversification: Mix of state-owned giants, private leaders, international subsidiaries, and Islamic banks serves diverse customer needs
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Historical foundation: Century-old institutions like NBE and Banque Misr provide stability while modern entrants drive innovation and competition
The combination of established domestic leadership, international partnerships, and specialized institutions positions Egypt’s banking sector as a cornerstone of Middle Eastern and African financial services, supporting both domestic economic growth and regional integration.
Sources: Egyptian Banking Sector Reports, Central Bank of Egypt, Global Finance Awards, Individual Bank Financial Statements, Egyptian Exchange (EGX)
Data Methodology: Market share calculations based on total assets as disclosed in June 2024 financial statements. Asset figures converted from reported currencies using average exchange rates for the reporting period.
Data Methodology: Market share calculations based on total assets as disclosed in June 2024 financial statements. Asset figures converted from reported currencies using average exchange rates for the reporting period.
