2024 Summit Agenda

09:00 - 09:20

Opening Remarks by Master of Ceremonies

Flo Akinbiyi, Official MC,

09:20 - 09:40

FEATURED FIRESIDE CHAT:
Next-Gen Now: Shaping Banking's Next with Emirates NBD

Miguel Rio-Tinto, Group Chief Digital and Information Officer, Emirates NBD
Sriranga Sampathkumar, VP and General Manager - Middle East and Africa, Infosys Ltd

09:40 - 10:00

An Economic Perspective of AI: The Risks and Opportunities that AI presents for us, our businesses, and for humanity in general
We stand at the cusp of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. To understand how this will shape our future, we need to look back at the trends that emerged from the previous industrial revolutions. This presentation will examine these evolving patterns, identify risks and opportunities presented by AI for individuals, businesses, and humanity as a whole, and explore how we can best prepare ourselves to thrive in the times to come.

Deepak Mehra, Chief Economist, Commercial Bank of Dubai

10:00 - 10:20

Hyper Automation: Transforming Global Banking Operations

In the dynamic landscape of global banking, hyperautomation is emerging as a pivotal strategy for enhancing operational efficiency, reducing costs, and delivering superior customer experiences. In this session, George will be shedding some light on how hyperautomation, powered by Robotic Process Automation (RPA), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning (ML), are revolutionizing banking operations, with a focus on international examples.

George William Faraj​​​​, Head of IT Strategy & PMO, National Bank of Bahrain

10:20 - 10:40

The Future of Lending: Embracing Innovation and Navigating Change

Adapting to Technological Advances and Shifting Market Dynamics

• Technological Innovations Driving Change: How AI, blockchain, and cloud computing are transforming lending processes and risk assessments.
• Evolving Customer Expectations: The demand for faster, more personalized, and accessible lending services in the digital age.
• Emerging Business Models: The rise of peer-to-peer lending, embedded finance, and alternative credit scoring methods.
• Strategies for Success in a Dynamic Landscape for FIs : Essential steps for financial institutions to stay competitive and compliant amid ongoing changes.

Anshul Khare, Director, Products and Business Solutions, Nucleus Software

10:40 - 11:20

CIO/CTO/CDO PANEL DISCUSSION:

Integrating AI and Machine Learning in Banking Operations

This discussion will explore the challenges of integrating AI and ML, including data integration, model development, scalability, and infrastructure requirements. It will also share best practices and solutions.

• How to establish a robust data management platform?
• Managing investments in scalable computing resources, including cloud infrastructure and high-performance computing clusters?
• How to establish a framework for deploying and monitoring machine learning models?

Abdulla Al-Awadi, General Manager of Strategy Department, Kuwait International Bank
Dr. Joseph George, Group Chief Digital and Information Officer, Doha Bank
Hussain Sajjad Ali Al Lawati, Head of IT Change & Innovation, National Bank of Oman
James Popham, Executive Vice President & Head of Technology Delivery, RAKBANK
Mohamed ElSabban, Chief Innovation and Strategic Ventures Officer, Banque Misr - Egypt
Mohammad Helal, Head of Technology Architecture, National Bank of Egypt (NBE)
Pedro Sousa Cardoso, Chief Digital Officer - Retail Banking & Wealth Management, Emirates NBD

11:50 - 12:10

Driving Financial Services Innovation: Harnessing the Power of Data, CRM, and AI

Explore how Salesforce Financial Services Cloud empowers banks to innovate by leveraging integrated CRM solutions, data-driven insights, and AI capabilities. Discover how these technologies are transforming customer engagement and enabling financial institutions to deliver personalized, efficient, and scalable services.

Ramy Yassa, Account Director, Financial Services, Salesforce Middle East
Riccardo Moretti, Principal Solution Engineer, Financial Services, Salesforce Middle East

12:10 - 12:30

From Operations to Experience: Taking the BFSI Space to the Next-level
Superpowers aren't just restricted to comic books. In the world of banking, a transformative platform like NewgenONE holds the ultimate superpower. As financial institutions face extraordinary demands and complex challenges, Newgen's groundbreaking AI-driven low-code platform can transform operations and accelerate every phase of the banking journey. Join an exclusive session to learn how banks can navigate the tricky waters of the financial sector.

Mayank Sharma, Head Presales Consulting (MENA), Newgen Soft

12:30 - 12:50

From Sandbox to Stronghold: Scalable AI Platform for Banking

The financial landscape is evolving rapidly with AI. We will delve into the practical considerations of building a robust AI platform for the banking industry. Explore best practices for enterprise-grade AI touching on following areas:

• Integrating AI in the Enterprise
• AI Governance & Security
• Productionizing AI Models

Prag Jaodekar, Technology Director at CTO Office, Synechron

12:50 - 13:10

Banking & Financial Reforms in Oman: Opportunities for Technology & Innovation

A discussion on recent reforms and how they pave the way for technological advancements and innovation in the financial sector

Ali Hassan Moosa, Financial Expert - National Program for Fiscal Sustainability & Financial Sector Development, Ministry of Finance - Oman

13:10 - 13:50

CDAO PANEL DISCUSSION:

Data-Driven Strategies for Competitive Advantage

The panel will explore how banks can utilize data analytics and business intelligence tools to derive actionable insights, improve operational efficiency, and drive decision-making processes. They will discuss banks' various data assets, including customer transaction data, demographic information, market trends, and social media interactions.

• How can banks use data analytics and workflow automation to simplify transaction processing and reduce repetitive tasks?
• What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) that banks should analyze to track their performance in terms of profitability, customer acquisition costs, and operational efficiency metrics?
• How can predictive analytics models help banks anticipate future trends, customer behavior, and market conditions, allowing them to make better-informed decisions?

Dr. Jihad Rashid Al Wahshi, Head of Data Management, Central Bank of Oman
Madhavi Bhatia, Global Business Strategy & Compliance Leader, Digital Transformation Expert,
Nagui BEN LEMRID, Data Science Manager, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank
Talal Al-Muawed, Manager - Data Analytics, National Bank of Kuwait
Thiruvilasen Pillay, Group Product Manager Retail Assets, Qatar National Bank (QNB Group)

13:50 - 14:30

CXO PANEL DISCUSSION:

Customer Experience in Banking: Strategies for the Digital Era

The panellists will discuss how banking customers' expectations are changing in today's digital age. They will explore the preferences for convenience, personalization, and seamless omnichannel experiences. Additionally, they will discuss how digital transformation initiatives are reshaping customer experiences in banking. This includes adopting digital channels, mobile banking apps, chatbots, and AI-driven insights.

• Why is it important to provide a seamless experience across all channels, including branches, websites, mobile apps, social media, and call centers?
• Why is it important for CXOs to prioritize customer journey mapping exercises? These exercises can help to identify pain points, friction points, and opportunities for improvement across the customer lifecycle.
• How can CXOs align employees' goals, incentives, and behaviors with customer needs and priorities to create a customer-centric culture?

Ahmed ElHennawy, Digital Transformation & Fintech Programme Manager, Arab National Bank - Saudi Arabia
Mai Momani, Head of Client Experience, Invest Bank, UAE
Manal Meshal, Head of Customer Excellence & Change Management, Ahli United Bank - Bahrain
Mohamed Hicham Chraibi, Senior Vice President/Head of Digital Factory, Riyad Bank - Saudi Arabia
Shorouk Abdelfattah, Assistant Manager - Customer Experience Management, Boubyan Bank - Kuwait
Soheyl Kadjani, Chief Digital Officer, Rabobank

14:30 - 14:40

Revolutionizing Middle East Banking with eMACH.ai Open Finance Platform
Join us to explore the eMACH.ai Open Finance Platform, introduced by Intellect Global Consumer Banking. This advanced Open Finance Platform embodies the next generation of technological innovation with an event-driven, microservices-based architecture, comprehensive API integration capabilities, cloud-native features, and a headless approach, augmented by sophisticated AI models (eMACH.ai). This architecture paves the way for unparalleled agility, scalability, and opens avenues for new business models aimed at market expansion. It creates a holistic financial ecosystem where banks can make their APIs accessible to third parties, enabling the development of innovative financial services for consumers. Third-Party Providers (TPPs), such as fintech companies, e- commerce giants, ride-hailing services, food delivery platforms, and digital wallet providers, are provided with the capability to connect with this platform, which in turn allows them to offer a wide range of banking services to their customers.

Ankur Singh, Product Head, Intellect's eMach.ai Digital Engagement Platform, Intellect Design

08:45 - 09.00

Opening Remarks by Master of Ceremonies

Flo Akinbiyi, Official MC,

09:00 - 09:20

Islamic Banking Technology: Innovations, Challenges, and Opportunities in the Digital Era

This topic aims to overview the relationship between Islamic banking and technology. It will focus on the challenges and opportunities when integrating digital solutions with Shariah-compliant principles. Additionally, we will explore how digital technologies are transforming Islamic banking operations, enhancing customer experiences, and broadening product offerings.

Christoph Koster, Chief Executive Officer, ruya

09:20 - 09:40

Building a Culture of Innovation

This presentation will focus on the impact of organizational culture on shaping behaviors, attitudes, and decision-making to adopt innovation across teams.

• Building internal champions of change, adopting a fintech mindset for agility and innovation
• Best practices for creating supportive structures for embedded innovation
• Strategies for fostering a culture that embraces digital innovation

Mai AlOwaish, Chief Executive Officer, CINET - Kuwait's Credit Bureau

09:40 - 10:00

The Future of Money

Delving the evolving landscape of digital currency and banking, this session will provide an in-depth exploration of how stablecoins are poised to stabilize and transform transactions, while advancements in cross-border payment systems are set to revolutionize international transactions with unprecedented speed and efficiency. Discover the latest in crypto custody solutions and their vital role in securing digital assets, and gain a clear understanding of the emerging regulatory frameworks that are shaping the crypto space. Additionally, the session will delve into how traditional financial institutions are integrating digital currencies and blockchain technology, offering insights into the implications for the future of banking.

Reece Merrick, Managing Director, Middle East & Africa, Ripple

10:00 - 10:20

FEATURED FIRESIDE CHAT:

Banking for the Greater Good

This fireside chat will delve into the critical role the Banks play in fostering a sustainable and equitable future. As financial institutions, banks have the power and responsibility to drive positive change by prioritizing sustainability, social responsibility, and customer-centric innovations. The conversation will be around the importance for banks to lead in these areas, ensuring that while their operations generate profit, they also contribute to the greater good of society.

Satya Mishra, Vice President and Business Unit Head, Tata Consultancy Services Limited
Vikas Sethi, Head of Digital Transformation (Wholesale Banking), Gulf International Bank - Bahrain

10:20 - 10:40

From Data to Decisions: Unlocking the Power of Advanced Analytics in Banking
Join us for a dynamic session that delves into how advanced analytics and AI are revolutionizing the banking industry. Discover how leading banks are leveraging cutting-edge models to predict customer behaviour, enhance risk management, and boost profitability. Through real-world case studies, you'll gain insights into the successful implementation and scaling of predictive analytics. Whether you're looking to stay ahead of the curve or drive your bank's digital transformation, this session offers valuable strategies and actionable takeaways that you won't want to miss.

Vishal Soni, Senior Product Manager, Alteryx

10:40 - 11:20

OPEN BANKING PANEL DISCUSSION:

Open Banking Unleashed: Transforming Financial Services in the Digital Age

This panel will explore the disruptive potential of open banking and its transformative impact on the financial sector. The experts will discuss key topics such as API integration, consumer consent frameworks, risk management strategies, and the role of emerging technologies like blockchain and artificial intelligence.

• Driving innovation and excellence in customer experience through Open Banking
• Ensuring data privacy and security in Open Banking
• Implementing APIs and technical infrastructure to enable Open Banking
• Automations within the FCC domain

Amith Rajan, EVP, Head Wholesale Digital Banking & CEO NeoVentures, Mashreq Bank
Dr. Ahmed Darwish, Head of Digital Delivery, Bank Albilad - Saudi Arabia
Ghaus Bin Ikram, Head of Financial Crime Compliance & Money Laundering Reporting Officer, United Arab Bank
Kamran Khan, Executive Director, Product Innovation & Implementations, First Abu Dhabi Bank
Vikas Sethi, Head of Digital Transformation (Wholesale Banking), Gulf International Bank - Bahrain

11:50 - 12:10

Banks as a Force for Societal Good

Leveraging ESG through AI and cutting edge Technology
As we navigate through a rapidly changing world, it has become abundantly clear that the role of banks extends far beyond providing financial services. Today, we stand at the intersection of finance, technology, and societal responsibility, where our actions can significantly influence the well-being of our planet and its people.

Sanjeeb Chaudhuri, Chairman, IDFC First Bank - India

12:10 - 12:50

PAYMENTS PANEL DISCUSSION:

Cashless Payments in Banking: Enhancing Convenience, Security, and Customer Experience

This panel's experts will discuss the advantages of cashless payments for banks, merchants, and customers. This will include the convenience, speed, enhanced security features, and improved customer experiences that cashless payments offer. They will address the technology and infrastructure requirements required to support cashless payments, including NFC-enabled POS terminals, mobile wallets, wearables, and backend systems integration.

• Analyzing the increasing adoption of cashless payments by consumers and businesses, and understanding the driving factors such as convenience, speed, and hygiene concerns.
• What can banks do to ensure the security of cashless payments against fraud and unauthorized access?
• Discover the benefits of cashless payments in enhancing customer experience. This includes faster transaction times, no need for physical contact with payment terminals, and frictionless payments in various environments.

Andrea Cianchetti, Head of Products, Al Etihad Payments
Haroon Durrani, Head of Cards, Payments & Direct Banking, Commercial Bank of Dubai
Islam Nabil Awad, Manager Solutions Architecture - Digital Group, Banque Saudi Fransi - Saudi Arabia
Jimmy Li, Group Chief Technology & Data Officer, Zand
Mohammed Al Zaabi, Head - Products and Digital Implementation (GTB), National Bank of Oman

12:50 - 13:10

Value Maximised, Operational Costs Neutralised - The AI Advantage in Banking

• AI-infused solutions provide personalized banking experiences, improving customer satisfaction and retention by offering tailored recommendations and 24/7 support through chatbots and virtual assistance
• Automating mundane tasks such as transaction processing, fraud detection, and compliance reporting reduces manual effort and errors, which leads to significant operational cost savings and streamlined processes for financial institutions
• AI-enabled advanced data analytics offers actionable insights for strategic decision-making, risk management, and targeted marketing, thereby maximizing value and optimizing workforce allocation

Saket Newaskar, Director & Head of Transformation, Expleo

13:10 - 13:50

SECURITY & RISK PANEL DISCUSSION:

Securing the Future: Navigating Risks and Challenges in the Era of Digital Transformation for Banks

The discussion focuses on the intersection of digital transformation, risk management, and security within the banking sector.

• Cybersecurity Threat Landscape in Digital Banking
• Developing a transparent digital strategy that harnesses data Privacy, Compliance, and Protection
• Strengthening Operational Resilience and Incident Response to the new world of digital
• Building a culture of risk awareness and readiness as a future-forward strategy

Abhishek Pratap Singh, Head of Information Security (CISO), National Bank of Oman
Linoy Kidd, Chief Information Officer, HSBC
Moataz Gad, Core Banking Development Manager, Al Rajhi Bank - Saudi Arabia
Shakeel Shaikh, Head of Information Security (CISO), Ahli United Bank - Bahrain
Zaheer Mubarak Shaikh, Chief Information Security Officer, MBank UAE

13:50 - 14:00

Transforming Enterprises with Nagarro: Fluidic Innovation for a Hyper-Connected Era

Empowering financial institutions to thrive in today's dynamic digital landscape using Nagarro's fluidic solutions. With our deep expertise and strategic partnerships, our comprehensive solutions for end-to-end digitization and innovative ecosystems, unlocks new opportunities, while driving sustainable growth.

Zainual Bashar Bhutto, Director of Business Growth, Nagarro