Retail Banker International (RBI) has opened entries for the 18th annual RBI Asia Trailblazer Awards 2027, expanding the programme to recognise a broader range of financial institutions and technology partnerships transforming retail banking across Asia Pacific. 

The 2027 edition introduces 15 dedicated bank-technology implementation categories, recognising jointly delivered solutions across core banking modernisation, artificial intelligence (AI), payments, lending, cybersecurity and data-driven personalisation. 

“A significant development is the introduction of awards recognising technology implementations delivered jointly by banks and their technology partners,” said Douglas Blakey, editor of Retail Banker International. 

The institutional awards have also been expanded to recognise digital-only and newly established digital banks, mid-sized institutions, international retail banks and specialist consumer finance providers, including eligible non-bank lenders. 

Other additions strengthen recognition across small and medium enterprise (SME) banking, AI-driven customer experience, intelligent automation, financial crime prevention and data-driven customer engagement. The programme also expands recognition of individual leadership across retail banking. 

“The expanded awards reflect how the industry is changing, both in terms of the institutions serving retail customers and the partnerships delivering banking transformation,” said Sarah Rizvi, editorial and programme director, RBI Asia Trailblazer Awards. 

“We want to recognise initiatives that demonstrate what has been achieved, rather than simply what has been introduced.” 

Entries will be evaluated by an independent panel of industry experts, with emphasis on innovation, execution and demonstrable results. 

Winners will be recognised at the 2027 awards ceremony in Singapore, bringing together senior banking executives, financial institutions and technology providers from across Asia Pacific.