The KBC banking app has been named the best in the world by consultancy Sia Partners, the Belgian bank announced on Thursday.
For the seventh time, Sia Partners has evaluated apps from 140 banks in 22 countries, based on 95 criteria. KBC took the top spot, followed by France's Boursobank and online bank Revolut Metal. Belfius, another Belgian bank, ranked eighth.
Sia Partners considered app functionality, user experience, and customer ratings in its assessment. The consultancy has been conducting these evaluations for several years, refining criteria to match new trends.
KBC said it owed its number one position to the fact that it has an extensive range of banking and insurance products and services on offer through its app, as well as in depth information and assistance from its digital assistant Kate, and a high degree of user friendliness.
KBC's digital first strategy
Johan Thijs, KBC Group's CEO, said the number one ranking is "down to a decade of innovating, growing and above all, focusing on our customers, combined with the tireless efforts of so many Team Blue members."
"For me, this award not only puts Belgium in the spotlight, it also acknowledges the value of the mobile apps we offer our customers in all our core markets," he said.
"I am particularly pleased with the reference to Kate, our personal digital assistant who is at the heart of our data-driven organisation and who guides our physical and digital interactions with customers. [...] Our Digital First strategy has once again demonstrated its added value in this regard," he added.
The KBC app currently has 2.3 million users.
Sia Partners noted a growing disparity between digital leaders and other banks, as this year's results highlight the ongoing focus on digital banking and the increased competition among mobile apps, where even minor improvements can significantly impact rankings.
