Bank Leumi Recognized as Israel's Leading Bank for AI Adoption in EVIDENT AI Index for banks

Rhea-AI Summary

Bank Leumi (OTC: BLMIF) has been recognized as Israel's leading bank for AI adoption in the new Evident AI Index for Banks – MEA. It is the only Israeli bank in the regional top ten and ranks second in Innovation.

According to Bank Leumi, accelerated AI deployment, an AI Center reporting to the CEO, and AI-based products support its Q1 2026 efficiency ratio of 29.1%. The bank reports a market cap of about NIS 100 billion (USD 36 billion).

Positive

• Recognized as Israel's leading bank for AI adoption in MEA index
• Only Israeli bank ranked in the MEA AI banking Top-10
• Ranked second in Innovation in the Evident AI Index for Banks – MEA
• Q1 2026 efficiency ratio reported at 29.1%
• Market cap reported at approximately NIS 100 billion (USD 36 billion)

Negative

• None.

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TEL AVIV, Israel, June 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Bank Leumi (TASE: LUMI) recognized as Israel's leading bank for AI adoption by the Evident AI Index for Banks - MEA, the world's leading benchmark for tracking AI capabilities and implementation across major banking institutions in the region. Leumi is the only Israeli bank to be ranked in the regional top ten, and is also ranked second in Innovation in the region.

The Index is based on the analysis of millions of publicly available data sources. Each financial institution's ranking is determined by a weighted assessment of four core pillars related to AI capabilities: talent, innovation, leadership and transparency. Evident benchmarks the AI maturity of the world's leading financial services firms, and today it is launching a new index ranking 25 banks across the Middle East and Africa, including Israeli banks.

In recent years, Bank Leumi has significantly accelerated the development, deployment, and creation of advanced AI tools within the bank, as part of its strategy to lead the AI transformation in Israel's business sector.

Over the past year, the bank also established an advanced AI Center reporting directly to the Bank's CEO, Hanan Friedman. The Center oversees all AI activities at Leumi and is responsible for managing and developing a wide range of AI-based products for customers. As a result of the successful implementation of its AI strategy, Leumi consistently reports the best efficiency ratio in Israel and among the best globally. In its recent financial results for the first quarter of 2026, the bank reported an efficiency ratio of 29.1%. Leumi is Israel's largest and leading bank, with a market cap of approximately NIS 100 billion (USD 36 billion).

Hanan Friedman, CEO of Bank Leumi: "Bank Leumi has been one of the pioneers of the AI revolution in Israel. I am proud that the significant efforts we are investing in AI are bearing fruit and receiving international recognition. Through AI, we are building a different kind of banking - one that delivers a holistic, real-time, and personalized response to our customers' financial needs. Furthermore, AI is enabling a true transformation of our cost structure - we are doing much more with far fewer resources, a trend that is reflected in our efficiency ratio, which consistently remains among the best globally."

Alexandra Mousavizadeh, co-founder and CEO of Evident: "Bank Leumi is the highest ranked Israeli bank in the Evident AI Index, emerging as a premier leader in Innovation where it takes 2nd place globally. This high ranking is driven by a comprehensive AI ecosystem that includes 'Garage Ventures', an investment arm specifically targeting AI and data startups. This strength in AI-focus Innovation underpins its overall performance in the ranking, securing a place among the Top-10 established leaders in the Middle East and Africa".

About Bank Leumi:

Bank Leumi, founded more than 120 years ago, is Israel's leading financial institution. Leumi serves millions of customers across all segments, including households, small businesses, mid-sized companies, and large corporations. The Bank combines a nationwide physical presence with advanced digital capabilities. Leumi's ongoing technological transformation has led to a significant improvement in its operational efficiency, positioning it among the most efficient banks in the world.

About Evident:

Evident is an intelligence platform for AI adoption in financial services. The company helps leaders stay ahead of change through trusted insights, benchmarking, and data, delivered via its real-time Use Case Tracker and flagship Indexes—covering banking, insurance, and payments.

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bank-leumi-recognized-as-israels-leading-bank-for-ai-adoption-in-evident-ai-index-for-banks-302788074.html

SOURCE Bank Leumi

FAQ

What AI recognition did Bank Leumi (BLMIF) receive from the Evident AI Index in June 2026?

Bank Leumi was recognized as Israel's leading bank for AI adoption in the Evident AI Index for Banks – MEA. According to Evident, it is the only Israeli bank in the regional top ten and ranks second in Innovation.

How does Bank Leumi's AI strategy relate to its 2026 efficiency ratio?

Bank Leumi links its AI strategy to a reported Q1 2026 efficiency ratio of 29.1%. According to Bank Leumi, accelerated AI deployment and an advanced AI Center are helping it maintain one of the strongest efficiency ratios in Israel and globally.

What is the role of Bank Leumi's AI Center in its digital strategy?

Bank Leumi’s AI Center oversees all AI activities and reports directly to the CEO. According to Bank Leumi, the Center develops a wide range of AI-based products, supporting real-time, personalized banking services and contributing to changes in the bank’s cost structure.

How large is Bank Leumi (BLMIF) following its AI leadership recognition in 2026?

Bank Leumi reports a market cap of approximately NIS 100 billion, about USD 36 billion. According to Bank Leumi, this scale, combined with its AI leadership ranking, positions it as Israel’s largest and one of its leading banks by efficiency.

Why did Evident rank Bank Leumi second in Innovation in its AI banking index?

Evident ranked Bank Leumi second in Innovation due to its comprehensive AI ecosystem. According to Evident, initiatives like 'Garage Ventures', which invests in AI and data startups, underpin the bank’s strong innovation score and overall top-ten position in the MEA region.

What does Bank Leumi’s AI adoption mean for its customers in 2026?

Bank Leumi states that AI supports more holistic, real-time, and personalized banking for customers. According to Bank Leumi, AI tools enable tailored financial responses and improved service, while also transforming the bank’s cost structure by doing more with fewer resources.