Hanan Friedman

Hanan Friedman is the CEO of Bank Leumi, Israel's second-largest bank by assets. Leumi has differentiated itself through technology investments, including launching Pepper — Israel's first fully digital bank — and positioning itself as the go-to bank for Israel's vibrant technology startup ecosystem. The bank provides retail, corporate, and private banking services across Israel and select international markets. Leumi's strength in the tech sector means it has deep relationships with many of Israel's most innovative companies and their founders. The bank has also benefited from Israel's strong economic growth and rising interest rates, which have boosted net interest income significantly. Friedman's key decisions involve digital banking strategy, tech sector relationship management, managing geopolitical risk impacts on the Israeli economy, mortgage and consumer lending growth, and maintaining credit discipline in uncertain times.