Pedro Sousa Cardoso recognised for pioneering digital transformation and innovation at ENBD

Cardoso was recognised for leading a multi-year digital transformation that strengthened ENBD’s position as one of the most competitive and customer-focused financial institutions in the Middle East. With over 20 years of expertise in strategy, product innovation, digital technology and data across global institutions, he has consistently championed technology as a key driver for digital product innovation and customer experience improvement.  

The Financial Technology Leadership Achievement Award recognises the achievements of individuals in the banking and financial technology sectors who have transformed their institutions and impacted their industry and region. The award also acknowledges the individual’s career achievements, leadership, as well as dedication to promoting innovation, operational excellence and human capital development.  

Over the last three years, Cardoso has restructured ENBD’s digital operating model by spearheading a multi-year digital acceleration programme focused on retail banking and wealth management. He aligned distribution models with evolving customer needs while expanding the bank’s digital presence in the Middle East. At the same time, he supported ENBD’s transition to a cloud-native infrastructure, enhancing operational efficiency and enabling seamless integration with fintech solutions.   

Cardoso started ENBD’s digital transformation programme with the development of new-to-market products such as assisted tablet sales platform, instant cross-border DirectRemit and WhatsApp banking. These initiatives have boosted business growth and laid the foundation for a digital leap in subsequent years. 

He was also instrumental in launching the ENBD X app and achieving a digital adoption rate of over 91%, setting a regional standard. Additionally, the revitalisation of Liv, ENBD’s digital-only bank, attracted younger customers through unique offerings.   

Under Cardoso’s leadership, a new platform for wealth management was also established, leading to a 1,600% growth in wealth clients. All these achievements contribute to Emirates NBD's leadership in digital innovation.