In a landmark move for Egypt’s banking sector, the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) has granted approval for Misr Digital Innovation (MDI) to transform into “onebank”, Egypt’s first fully digital native bank, designed to serve customers by offering financial services exclusively through digital channels and platforms.
This pivotal transition marks a turning point in the evolution of Egypt’s banking sector, cementing onebank’s position as a pioneer in the field and a key pillar in building the country’s digital economy.
MDI was established in 2020 as a leading player in the Egyptian financial sector, funded by Banque Misr as main shareholder. Today, MDI’s transformation into onebank reflects a Egypt’s clear vision for building a digital economy.
onebank is set to launch its products and services to the Egyptian public in 2026 following the final approval from the Central Bank of Egypt.
onebank aims to drive financial inclusion and support Egypt’s digital economy growth strategy, the bank is committed to deliver secure and inclusive financial services, serving customers anytime, anywhere, powered by the latest technologies to meet the demands of this digital-first era.
This strategic transformation is reinforced by the appointment of Eng. Khaled El Attar as Chairman, supported by an exceptional Board of Directors, comprised of distinguished leaders and global experts in technology, law, investment, public policy, and innovation. With a shared vision and purpose, the leadership team is set to guide onebank in advancing Egypt’s digital economy, financial inclusion, and leadership in banking transformation.
“onebank represents a new chapter in the history of Egypt’s financial sector, and a pivotal step towards embedding digital transformation in our national economy” said Eng. Khaled El Attar, newly appointed Chairman of onebank. “Our mission is clear: to provide smarter, more inclusive, and more seamless banking services that are accessible to every Egyptian.
We are guided by a leadership team of global experts with diverse backgrounds, working together to deliver secure, advanced and user-friendly financial solutions; hence, placing onebank at the forefront of Egypt’s digital banking landscape.”
Commenting on the upcoming launch, Mr. Sherif ElBehery, CEO and Managing Director of onebank, said: “We are not simply introducing a new digital bank; we are redefining the future of banking in Egypt.
Our newly appointed board of directors brings a wealth of expertise and strategic vision, empowering us to deliver innovative solutions that cater to the evolving needs of Egyptian consumers. Together, we are committed to placing onebank at the forefront of the financial services sector, setting new standards for excellence and accessibility across the region," said ElBehery.
onebank is represented by a Board of Directors with unique competencies and a clear strategic vision. The members of the Board of Directors are:
Eng. Khaled El Attar, Chairman of onebank, Non-Executive – Eng. Khaled El Attar is a seasoned Egyptian technology leader with over 35 years of experience in informatics and digital transformation.
Throughout his career, El Attar has overseen more than 150 IT projects across Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Germany, and the United States. He has held senior roles at Digital Egypt Platform, IBM and Raya Holding for 28 years and served as the Vice Minister for Administrative Development, Digital Transformation, and Automation at Egypt’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) from 2018 till 2024.
Mr. Sherif Elbehery, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of onebank – With over 25 years of experience in the global financial services industry, Sherif Elbehery has been at the forefront of leadership in major banks including Citibank, Barclays & Banque Misr, he spearheaded the establishment of MDI (now onebank) since its inception. His extensive international career spans the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Russia, where he successfully developed and executed market entry strategies, business growth and transformation plans. He brings deep expertise in retail, SMEs and Islamic banking to drive onebank’s vision forward.
Mr. Anwar Zeidan, Non-Executive Board Member representing Banque Misr, is a founding partner of Zulficar & Partners Law Firm and head of its Capital Markets Group. With over 25 years of legal experience, he is recognized as an expert in capital markets, banking, and investment law, having led major transactions and contributed to regulatory development, including ESOPs in Egypt.
Ms. Amal Enan, Non-Executive Independent Board Member, is CIO of AUC’s Endowment and a Partner at 500 Global, overseeing $2.5B in assets. She has held senior roles at the Egyptian American Enterprise Fund, Ministry of Finance, and IFC. A Harvard MBA and LSE graduate, she is a recognized leader in early-stage investment and sustainable finance.
Dr. Ayman Ismail, Non-Executive Independent Board Member, is a global expert in entrepreneurship and economic development. He founded AUC Venture Lab and AUC Innovation Hub and has held roles at Harvard, McKinsey, and the World Bank. He holds a PhD from MIT and has co-founded several tech startups and consultancies.
Dr. Nada Elshazly, Non-Executive Independent Board Member, is a professor and advisor in economics and financial transformation. Formerly Head of Economics & FinTech at SSM, she has consulted for global institutions including the World Bank and European Commission. She co-founded Everest Business Consulting and holds advanced degrees from institutions in the UK, Egypt, and Asia.
About onebank
onebank is Egypt’s first fully digital native bank, built to deliver innovative financial services through a simple, secure, and seamless banking experience, and to drive financial inclusion. Operating under the regulations of the Central Bank of Egypt, onebank will launch in 2026 to set a new benchmark for the digital banking experience in the region.