The afaqs! BankFin 360 Awards 2026, held on October 8, celebrated outstanding marketing campaigns and creative achievements across the banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI) sector.

With the financial industry increasingly embracing artificial intelligence, the awards recognised brands, agencies and teams for excellence in creativity, customer engagement, data-driven strategies, AI adoption and business impact.

Kotak Mahindra Bank emerged as the biggest winner, earning the prestigious Brand of the Year title. The bank secured 14 medals, comprising four Gold, seven Silver and three Bronze awards. Bajaj Finserv followed with nine medals, while PNB MetLife secured third place with five medals.

ARM Worldwide was named Agency of the Year, recognising its contribution to marketing and communications within the BFSI industry.

Other brands that delivered notable performances included Niva Bupa Health Insurance, Axis Bank, Zaggle, BajajCapital Insurance Broking, L&T Finance and SBI Card.

The winners were chosen by a Grand Jury comprising senior marketing and communications professionals representing leading financial institutions. The jury evaluated campaigns based on their creativity, effectiveness, innovation and overall impact.

The event was supported by Nians and Publive as Gold Partners, Truecaller Ads as Silver Partner, and Walk The Talk as co-partner.

The 2026 edition highlighted the growing importance of innovative marketing, technology-led engagement and impactful brand communication in shaping the future of India's BFSI sector.