Last year the SME Banking Awards organized by the Qorus SME Banking community took place online. The event saw Union Bank of the Philippines named SME Bank of the Year, while Simone Cooper of Standard Bank won the SME Banker of the Year award.
“It was a great edition,” recalls Lukas Dzuroska, Head of Communities & Clubs and Global SME Banking Lead at Qorus. “The vote was very close and in the end the winners were not necessarily those who could have been announced as favorites.”
But this is not really a surprise for Lukas, who leads this community that gathers about a hundred professionals working all over the world. “Europe is well represented in our community, but we also have very active members on other continents and we realize at each of our meetings the great work they do.”
This year the event is getting bigger. First of all with the appearance of a new category: SME Neoplayer of the Year. “Our community keeps an eye on neobanks and other fintechs that are launching on the market. Some of them are really innovative and could challenge traditional banks if they don't pay attention. It was therefore normal to take an interest in these new entrants and to reward the best of them,” says Dzuroska.
The other novelty is that the ceremony will take place in person at the Reinvent Forum in Milan. “It's great to be able to meet in the same room, to discuss with each other and to celebrate the best of us. The community was born in physical events. Most of our events are now online and that's normal because we are all scattered all over the world. But when we can get together, it's always a joy," concludes Dzuroska.
At the ceremony on June 15 from 5pm to 7pm, non-members are welcome to attend but it is reserved for bankers only. They will also be able to participate in the open meetup which will take place the next day from 9am to 1pm and which will be dedicated to the gig economy.
Watch the nominees and book your seat
