The Moroccan Banking Sector: Sustained Growth and Strategic Transformation

The Moroccan banking sector continues its growth trajectory. According to the Future of Finance 2026 report published by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), banking institutions reported a consolidated balance sheet growth of approximately 8% in 2025 while effectively managing costs and improving the quality of their assets.

This performance has also been reflected in an increased diversification of revenue sources, elevating the valuation of Moroccan banks and bolstering investor confidence. For BCG, this financial solidity now provides institutions with the capacity for strategic investments to prepare for the next phases of their development.

Artificial Intelligence: A New Engine for Transformation

According to the consulting firm, the priority has shifted from merely preserving financial stability to leveraging it to create new growth opportunities. Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a major lever to transform the banking model.

With this technology, banks can enhance operational efficiency, automate several processes, refine risk analysis, and offer more effective services to their clients. Segments that have previously been challenging to monetize—such as financial inclusion for low-income households, funding for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and the development of new financial services—are set to experience significant growth.

Othman Omary, Managing Director & Partner at BCG Casablanca, believes that institutions integrating AI into their core processes will possess a sustainable competitive advantage.

Africa’s Strong Development Potential

The report also highlights the promising prospects for the African banking sector. Banks on the continent rank among the financial institutions that have created the most value in recent years.

Several factors support this dynamic, including the low banking penetration rate, significant financing needs for MSMEs, and the rapid growth of digital payment solutions. AI could accelerate this evolution by reducing operational costs and enhancing access to financial services.

BCG assesses that African banks are entering this new phase under favorable conditions, following several years of growth and diversification in their activities.

A New Phase for the Global Financial Sector

At an international level, the report reveals that the financial sector generated a return exceeding 30% for shareholders in 2025, outpacing performance across other economic sectors, including technology.

For the first time in several years, a majority of publicly-listed banks are valued above their book value, thanks to a rebound in revenue growth, better financial discipline, and stronger balance sheets.

However, BCG notes that banks are still valued at about a 40% discount compared to other sectors, prompting investors to seek evidence of sustainable growth.

Massive Investments in Artificial Intelligence

To address these new challenges, BCG identifies three strategic priorities: accelerating the deployment of AI, developing new growth levers, and strengthening mergers and acquisitions operations.

The initial results from the most advanced institutions are already significant. AI has reportedly enhanced productivity in credit processing by up to 50% and increased the marketing of savings products by nearly 30%.

Financial institutions plan to allocate nearly 2% of their revenue to AI-related projects in 2026, compared to only 0.9% the previous year.

A Rapidly Evolving Competitive Landscape

Finally, the report emphasizes the emergence of a new financial ecosystem marked by the rise of non-bank actors, fintechs, and stablecoins.

In this rapidly changing landscape, BCG believes banks will maintain a central role as trusted intermediaries, but they must accelerate their modernization efforts to remain competitive against new entrants.