The future of financial inclusion will not be defined by geographical boundaries, but by our ability to connect financial ecosystems, institutions and markets to create opportunities for individuals and businesses worldwide.
The 2026 IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings, held in Bangkok, provided an important platform for global financial leaders, central banks, regulators and policymakers to explore how greater international cooperation can support economic growth, financial resilience and a more inclusive financial system.
For Mashreq, participation in these meetings goes beyond engaging in global economic dialogue. It represents a strategic opportunity to build relationships with international banks, collaborate with regulators and explore partnerships that can help overcome traditional barriers to banking, particularly for customers and businesses with financial needs across borders.
We believe the future of banking is about creating the partnerships and infrastructure that allow financial services to reach customers
Our ambition is to contribute to a more connected banking ecosystem where access to financial services is not limited by geography, institutional boundaries or traditional distribution models. Earlier this year, we launched Mashreq NEO BIZ in Pakistan: a key commitment and part of our agenda to support financial inclusion. The launch supports Pakistan’s SMEs: a key pillar of the South Asian economy.
Building financial ecosystems beyond borders
In an increasingly interconnected world, the movement of people, businesses and capital across borders is reshaping expectations of banking.
Yet financial services often remain fragmented across markets. Individuals living and working internationally face challenges accessing banking solutions outside their home countries, while businesses operating across jurisdictions encounter complexities that can limit their growth. Addressing these challenges requires a fundamental shift from traditional, institution-centric banking towards a more connected, partnership-driven financial ecosystem.
At Mashreq, our ecosystem and platform banking strategy is designed around this opportunity. By collaborating with financial institutions, fintechs and digital platforms across markets, we aim to extend banking capabilities beyond conventional boundaries, enabling more seamless financial experiences and expanding access to previously underserved segments. Our approach to cross-border and non-resident banking reflects this ambition: connecting customers with financial opportunities across their home and resident markets, while leveraging digital capabilities and strategic partnerships that simplify access.
Turning partnerships into opportunity
The true value of participating in international forums such as the IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings lies in translating dialogue into lasting partnerships and tangible economic impact.
For Mashreq, the opportunity is to bring together international financial institutions, regulators and digital ecosystem partners around a shared vision: making financial services more accessible across markets and creating stronger connections between individuals, businesses and economies. Whether through cross-border banking, non-resident financial solutions or embedded banking capabilities, we see significant potential to build financial ecosystems that extend access, simplify customer experiences and enable new forms of economic participation. Our ambition is not simply to expand our banking footprint. It is to extend the reach of banking through collaborationconnecting markets, unlocking opportunities and helping shape a financial system where inclusion is not determined by geography.
Because the next chapter of financial inclusion will not be written by banks operating independently, but by the ecosystems we build, the borders we bridge and the opportunities we unlock together.
