NBQ ranks among world’s top performing banks in 2026 by Forbes

The National Bank of Umm Al Qaiwain (NBQ) has been recognized as one of the top performing banks globally in the 2026 Forbes' World’s Top Performing Banks ranking, published in collaboration with Statista. NBQ secured the fifth position among small banks, outperforming 144 other banks within the small-bank category of 149 banks.

This ranking highlights NBQ's robust financial performance, solid balance sheet, disciplined risk management, and consistent dedication to sustainable growth. NBQ's assets fall below the $10 billion threshold, making it part of the small-bank category encompassing 500 banks from 89 countries.

To determine the ranking, Forbes evaluated banks on four key dimensions: profitability, growth and earnings quality, capital and funding resilience, and asset quality and efficiency. The assessment relied on objective financial data, sourced from prominent platforms such as S&P Capital IQ, desk research, and data provided by banks via Forbes.com.

This method ensured the evaluation was based on the most up-to-date financial information available. To be eligible for the ranking, banks needed to be licensed deposit-taking institutions offering retail or corporate lending services, report under reconcilable national accounting standards, publish audited financial statements for their latest completed fiscal year, and provide at least three years of financial data. Additionally, eligible banks must have assets exceeding $3 billion.

Adnan Al Awadhi, the Chief Executive Officer of NBQ, expressed gratitude to the Umm Al Quwain leadership, board, shareholders, customers, and employees for their support. He emphasized that this ranking reflects NBQ's strong performance during challenging times, including the first half of 2026 amid geopolitical uncertainty and a lower interest rate environment.

NBQ's diversified business model, strong capital and liquidity positions, prudent risk management, and sustained focus on asset quality contributed to this achievement.

Al Awadhi further stated that NBQ remains committed to investing in digital technologies to enhance customer experience, improve operational efficiency, and bolster the security and resilience of digital platforms. The bank plans to expand services through strategic partnerships while prioritizing Emiratisation, leadership development, sustainability, and community engagement.

The recognition underscores NBQ's commitment to innovation, customer-centricity, operational excellence, and prudent risk management, positioning the bank as a trusted financial partner aligned with a digital-first approach to empower customers with innovative and sustainable financial solutions.