RBI Asia Trailblazer Awards open entries with new tech implementation categories

Retail Banker International has opened entries for the 18th annual RBI Asia Trailblazer Awards 2027, adding 15 bank and technology implementation categories that broaden recognition across digital banks, specialist lenders and banking transformation partners in Asia Pacific. Winners will be announced in Singapore in 2027.

Why it matters: - The expanded awards program widens recognition for the banks and technology partners driving retail banking change across Asia Pacific. - The new category set reflects the shift toward digital-only banking, specialist finance and measurable technology implementation. - The program is designed to reward outcomes, not just new product launches or announcements.

What happened: - Retail Banker International opened entries for the 18th annual RBI Asia Trailblazer Awards 2027 on October 23, 2026. - The 2027 edition adds 15 dedicated bank and technology implementation categories. - The awards ceremony will take place in Singapore in 2027.

The details: - The new implementation awards recognize jointly delivered solutions between banks and technology partners. - Covered areas include core banking modernisation, artificial intelligence, payments, lending, cybersecurity and data-driven personalisation. - Institutional awards now include digital-only and newly established digital banks. - The expanded field also includes mid-sized institutions, international retail banks and specialist consumer finance providers, including eligible non-bank lenders. - Additional recognition has been added for SME banking, AI-driven customer experience, intelligent automation, financial crime prevention and data-driven customer engagement. - Individual leadership in retail banking is being recognized more broadly. - Entries will be judged by an independent panel of industry experts. - Evaluation criteria will focus on innovation, execution and demonstrable results. - Entry details, eligibility requirements and submissions are available by email at feven.assefa@globaldata.com or through the RBI Asia Trailblazer Awards 2027 entries website.

Between the lines: - The new structure suggests the awards are tracking the banking industry’s move from standalone products toward partnership-led transformation. - The emphasis on demonstrable results signals a preference for proven deployment over early-stage concepts. - The broader institutional mix shows the awards are moving beyond traditional large banks.

What's next: - The entry portal remains open for submissions. - Winners will be celebrated at the 2027 ceremony in Singapore alongside senior banking executives, financial institutions and technology providers from across Asia Pacific. - Retail Banker International will continue to position the awards as a benchmark for retail banking and consumer finance excellence in the region.

The bottom line: - RBI Asia Trailblazer Awards 2027 is expanding to mirror how Asian retail banking is changing: more digital, more partnership-driven and more focused on measurable impact.