For the first time in Élan Awards history, a new honor was introduced in 2025: Best Overall Card by Region, recognizing standout achievements in card design and manufacturing across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. Judged by ICMA leaders—Dori Rombola of Infineon Technologies, Brian Summerhayes of Barnes International and ICMA Standards and Technical Representative David Tushie of Magellan Consulting—this new award highlights the diversity and craftsmanship shaping the global card industry. 

Let’s take a closer look at the three extraordinary cards that earned the top regional distinction: 

North America Winner: CompoSecure LLC 

FAB ISLAMIC EMIRATI Card for FAB 

CompoSecure claimed the top North American honor with a luxury metal card designed for First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB). Tailored for a premium audience, this card reflects a modern, minimalistic aesthetic that speaks to a new generation of affluent users. 

The card’s abstract geometric lines evoke speed, simplicity and digital-native behavior—capturing the essence of how younger consumers engage with payments. Behind its clean elegance lies precise engineering: micro-laser technology engraves the background patterns, while mechanical engraving defines the FAB logo with sharp precision. The result is a sophisticated metal card that blends contemporary design with timeless refinement. 

“In true CompoSecure fashion, this card stands out for its exceptional craftsmanship and high-quality execution,” said Rombola. “It’s not just the fact that it’s a metal card—it’s the depth, clarity and precision of the imagery that truly set it apart as this year’s North America regional winner.” 

Europe Winner: Giesecke+Devrient 

National Bank of Egypt Visa Platinum Credit Card 

Representing Europe, Giesecke+Devrient (G+D)earned top honors for a card that’s as sustainable as it is striking. Crafted for the National Bank of Egypt, this Visa Platinum Credit Card redefines luxury with its environmental focus and cultural elegance. 

“Competition for the European Region winner was very tight as there were lots of entries and a number of really innovative products and excellent designs,” said Summerhayes. “After some deliberation, the judges decided that the National Bank of Egypt Visa Platinum Credit Card manufactured by G+D should be the winner.” 

The 3D design of the Pharaoh’s headdress brings the National Bank of Egypt’s logo to life. “This central feature, complemented by the sliver light beams, which seem to signify fast and easy payment, and the use of hot stamped foil that changes color when tilted, all make for an excellent and appealing design,” Summerhayes said.  

The gold coloring combined with a mainly dark background signifies Egyptian history and rich heritage as well as premium value to the card user. 

More principle reasons why the judges chose this card as the winner include: 

• The card entered into the competition is a production sample, not a prototype. 

• The print quality and finish on the front and back is perfect; everything was sharp and legible. 

• The card is made of recycled PVC. 

• The card offers secure means of contact and contactless payment. 

“Overall, the card powerfully projected the National Bank of Egypt’s brand,” Summerhayes said. 

Asia Pacific Winner: Giesecke+Devrient (China) Technologies Co. Ltd. 

SPD Bank x Palace Museum Cultural Theme Card – Xiaobangchui Vase 

In Asia Pacific, Giesecke+Devrient China earned accolades for an exceptional blend of artistry and cultural storytelling with their Xiaobangchui Vase-themed card for Shanghai Pudong Development Bank. 

Inspired by a Qing Dynasty famille-rose lotus vase from the Palace Museum, this card pays homage to China’s rich heritage with a visual and tactile experience unlike any other. The card’s surface showcases delicate lotus patterns, applied using chromatic porcelain craftsmanship—a technique that mirrors the color layering and glazing of actual ceramics. 

To achieve this, the design team overcame significant technical hurdles, combining special printing materials with colored ceramic elements. The result is a card that gleams with durability and artistic flair. It’s not just a payment tool—it’s a collectible work of art, radiating elegance, history and cultural pride. 

“First, it is a fully functional transactional bank payment card with chip-based security elements,” said Tushie. “It is also a card of ceramic construction that not only depicts a cultural work of art, but the card craftmanship is a work of art itself. The card art is finely detailed with rich colors and contrast that ‘pop’ from the card surface.  A layered approach to the art gives both a depth to the colors as well as a three-dimensional look and feel to the artwork. The glazing of the ceramic materials gives a very high-gloss finish, which is both aesthetically pleasing and provides robust durability. These new materials of construction and processes showcase an entirely new adaptation of technology in card production without compromise in transaction card functionality.” 

A Celebration of Global Craftsmanship 

The Best Overall Card by Region awards underscore the power of design, technology and cultural relevance in today’s card industry. From laser-engraved metal cards to recycled plastic masterpieces and ceramic-inspired collectibles, this year’s regional winners represent the cutting edge of card innovation across three continents. 

Why ICMA Membership Matters 

As ICMA celebrates 35 years of leadership in 2025, the association remains steadfast in its mission to empower the global card manufacturing community. Through a blend of cutting-edge marketing support and robust professional development, ICMA equips its members with the tools they need to lead, innovate and grow.  

ICMA’s professional development programs are designed to elevate technical knowledge and leadership skills. Programs like Advanced Card Education (ACE) and the Card Industry Training & Education (CITE) initiative help individuals deepen their expertise, while the EXPO and CardTREX bring together the brightest minds in the industry for learning, networking and innovation.  

Members who engage in ICMA’s educational offerings and industry events don’t just keep pace with change—they help drive it. Whether contributing thought leadership to Card Manufacturing magazine or gaining recognition through programs like the Élan Awards of Excellence, ICMA provides members with meaningful opportunities to raise their profile and shape the future of the industry.  

For card industry professionals looking to stay competitive and connected in 2025 and beyond, ICMA offers a clear path forward through education, visibility and community.  

Discover the full value of ICMA membership and join a global network of professionals advancing the card industry.