I’m thrilled to sit down with Priya Jaiswal, a distinguished expert in Banking, Business, and Finance, whose profound insights into market analysis, portfolio management, and international business trends have shaped the fintech landscape. Today, we’re diving into Finnovex Middle East 2025, a pivotal event set to take place in Dubai, where over 300 leaders will explore the region’s financial transformation. Our conversation will touch on the groundbreaking themes of digital innovation, decentralized finance, the role of AI and blockchain, and the unique opportunities this summit offers for collaboration and growth in the Middle East’s dynamic fintech ecosystem.
How does Finnovex Middle East 2025 aim to shape the future of finance in the region?
Finnovex Middle East 2025 is a catalyst for redefining the financial landscape in the region by bringing together key players—banking leaders, policymakers, and tech innovators—to tackle the rapid evolution of fintech. Happening on November 11-12 in Dubai, this 33rd global edition focuses on a transformative theme: digital, decentralized, and disruptive finance. It’s about harnessing technologies like AI and blockchain to create inclusive, real-time financial services while addressing regional challenges and opportunities. The event acts as a platform for strategic dialogue and partnerships that can drive the Middle East’s position as a global fintech hub.
What makes the theme “Middle East’s Fintech Metamorphosis: Digital, Decentralized & Disruptive” particularly relevant right now?
The theme captures the essence of the seismic shifts happening in the Middle East’s financial sector. Digital transformation is accelerating with tools like AI personalizing customer experiences, while decentralized models such as DeFi are breaking down traditional barriers to access. Disruption is the name of the game—whether it’s through blockchain or new regulatory frameworks. This theme reflects the region’s ambition to not just keep up with global trends but to lead them, especially as places like Dubai position themselves as innovation powerhouses.
Why is Dubai the ideal setting for a summit of this magnitude?
Dubai is often seen as the innovation capital of the Middle East, and for good reason. It’s a melting pot of technology, finance, and forward-thinking policy. The city has invested heavily in creating an ecosystem that supports fintech startups, blockchain initiatives, and digital banking. Hosting Finnovex here amplifies the event’s impact—it’s a place where ideas meet action, and global leaders can witness firsthand how the region is shaping the future of finance.
Can you elaborate on the innovations in AI and decentralized finance that will be highlighted under the “Fintech Decentralised” track?
Absolutely. The “Fintech Decentralised” track will dive into how AI is enabling hyper-personalized financial services, like predictive analytics for customer needs or fraud detection in real time. On the DeFi side, we’re looking at blockchain-based solutions that remove intermediaries, offering peer-to-peer lending or savings products accessible to the unbanked. These innovations aren’t just tech for tech’s sake—they’re about inclusion, making sure more people in the region can participate in the financial system on their terms.
How are digital banks changing the game for financial inclusion in the Middle East?
Digital banks are revolutionizing access in the Middle East by leveraging technology to reach underserved populations. They’re offering mobile-first solutions that don’t require physical branches, which is huge in areas where traditional banking infrastructure is limited. Beyond access, they’re using data to tailor services—think personalized loan offers or savings plans based on individual behavior. This is breaking down barriers, especially for younger demographics and small businesses, fostering a more inclusive financial ecosystem.
What role is AI playing in transforming banks into more customer-centric institutions under the “Intelligent Finance” track?
AI is at the heart of making banks more responsive to customers. Under the “Intelligent Finance” track, we’ll explore how AI tools analyze vast amounts of data to understand customer preferences and predict needs—whether it’s suggesting investment options or flagging unusual spending. It’s also streamlining operations, like automating customer service through chatbots that actually feel helpful. The end goal is a banking experience that feels personal and proactive, not one-size-fits-all, which is critical for building trust and loyalty.
How are cloud-native technologies helping banks in the region prepare for future challenges?
Cloud-native technologies are giving banks the agility they need to adapt in a fast-changing world. They allow for scalable systems that can handle spikes in demand, integrate new tools quickly, and reduce costs compared to traditional IT setups. In the Middle East, where digital adoption is skyrocketing, this flexibility means banks can roll out new services, like mobile payment platforms, without overhauling their entire infrastructure. It’s also about resilience—cloud systems enhance security and uptime, which are non-negotiable as cyber threats grow.
In terms of regulatory innovation, how are Middle Eastern regulators adapting to the rise of new financial technologies?
Regulators in the Middle East are stepping up in impressive ways. They’re creating innovation hubs and sandboxes where fintechs can test new ideas under supervision, which balances innovation with stability. There’s also a push to update compliance frameworks to accommodate technologies like blockchain while protecting consumers. With initiatives around Central Bank Digital Currencies, or CBDCs, they’re rethinking monetary policy to stay ahead of global trends. It’s a proactive approach, ensuring the region remains a competitive player in the fintech space.
Why should financial leaders prioritize attending Finnovex Middle East 2025 over other industry events?
Finnovex Middle East 2025 stands out because it’s not just a conference—it’s a tailored experience for the region’s unique financial landscape. With over 300 delegates, including 200+ C-level decision-makers, it offers unmatched access to the people shaping the industry. The mix of visionary keynotes, closed-door roundtables, and topics like ESG financing or cross-border payments means leaders walk away with actionable strategies, not just buzzwords. Plus, being in Dubai, it’s a hotspot for forging partnerships that can scale across the Middle East and beyond.
What is your forecast for the future of fintech in the Middle East over the next decade?
I’m incredibly optimistic about the Middle East’s fintech trajectory. Over the next decade, I expect the region to solidify its role as a global leader, driven by heavy investments in AI, blockchain, and digital infrastructure. We’ll likely see widespread adoption of CBDCs, making transactions faster and more transparent. Inclusion will deepen as digital banks and DeFi platforms reach even remote areas. The challenge will be balancing innovation with regulation, but with the proactive stance we’re seeing, I believe the Middle East will set benchmarks for how fintech can transform economies while prioritizing security and equity.
