Best SME Bank Awards

Global Finance will select the World’s Best SME Banks 2027 based on independent research and entries submitted by banks. Editors will consider both objective and subjective factors.

Entries are not necessary to win, but they strengthen the likelihood of success by allowing institutions to present data, strategy, context, and innovation that may not be fully visible through public sources. 

Stage 1: Editorial Review and Initial Screening

Global Finance will apply a proprietary algorithm to narrow the field based on criteria including: 

• Knowledge of SME markets and client needs 

• Breadth and relevance of products and services 

• Market standing and innovation 

• Evidence of execution and impact

Stage 2: Final Editorial Assessment

Finalists will be evaluated on: 

• Scope of SME coverage and quality of product offerings 

• Customer service and client support 

• Risk management and execution skills 

• Customer experience and effective use of technology 

• Innovation in digital delivery, data use, and service design 

• Demonstrated support for SMEs during the review period

In the event of a tie, editors will lean toward local providers over global institutions and private-sector banks over government-owned institutions. Winners will be the institutions that best serve the specialized needs of SMEs in their markets.

KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOR 2027

For the 2027 cycle, Global Finance is especially interested in clear evidence of how banks are responding to the changing needs of SME clients, including: 

• Improved access to credit and working capital 

• Strong digital platforms for business clients 

• Payments, cash management, and transaction banking capabilities 

• Trade and cross-border support 

• Customer experience, onboarding and servicing 

• Smart use of data, automation, and/or AI 

• Industry-specific or segment-specific SME propositions 

• Advisory, ecosystem, or partnership models that improve client outcomes 

• Clear results achieved during the review period