Fidor won Gold in the category of “Best Neobank” at the Efma Accenture Awards for the moneysmart digital community that was launched by ADIB in partnership with Fidor. The awards were held in Lisbon on 17 October.

The awards are part of the Efma - Accenture Banking Innovation Programme, which aims to identify and celebrate the most innovative projects in retail banking. Fidor was chosen for its community based approach, which was made fully shariah compliant for the Middle East region. ADIB moneysmart launched a community in the UAE, similar to Fidor’s European community, and leveraged Fidor’s digital open banking software platform, fidorOS.

Today, the moneysmart community is open and thriving, and is designed to be highly interactive. It will carry articles, blogs, tips and comments from users, who can receive cashable reward points for their input. Independent experts are also on hand to provide their knowledge and objective advice.

Fidor wants to re-establish confidence in banks while empowering consumers with the most relevant services and products. Its new approach to financial services in the digital age addresses issues that challenge traditional banks. Fidor believes in openness, fairness, and a community-based approach to their decision-making. Because of this, it has defined a completely new banking relationship for digitally-savvy consumers and businesses.

Fidor Bank received its full banking licence in May 2009. It launched into the UK in 2015 and has over 800,000 community members globally.

Philip King, Global Head of Retail Banking, ADIB commented: “We’re so glad that ADIB’s moneysmart community has been recognised by Efma. The online community brings openness to the world of personal finance and is in line with our objective to guide people to make better financial decisions. Through the platform, customers can talk about financial issues, exchange advice, and create solutions. Fidor’s technology enables our customers to feel engaged with many aspects of modern living that are tied to personal finance, from smart tips for saving when travelling, to big life decisions, such as buying a house.”

Matthias Kröner, CEO, Fidor Group said: “We’re thrilled to win gold in the category of ‘Best Neobank.’ It’s truly an honour to be recognised as the best new business in the space, and our work with ADIB is the perfect example of how we’re striving to change fintech and bank partnerships, while also making banking more transparent and accessible for customers all over the world.”

Ge Drossaert, Board Member, Fidor Group commented: “Banking should enable consumers to do more, to take control of their financial lives, and it should fit around their lifestyles. We at Fidor pride ourselves on our community - they’re our source of inspiration. Our customers tell us what they want, and enable us to stay ahead of the curve, ensuring we’re always the best in the business.”