
14 October 2025 | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia Decision-Makers Roundtable
TRANSFORMING THE FUTURE: DIGITAL INNOVATION FOR ENHANCED EFFICIENCY
Overview
The UAE financial sector faces distinct challenges, including intense competition from both local and international players, and the urgent need for digital transformation. Traditional institutions must adapt to the rise of fintech solutions while navigating rapid technological advancements and evolving consumer expectations. This roundtable event will convene industry leaders, innovators, and experts to explore critical issues shaping the future of financial industry in the region. Discussions will focus on:






Transforming Core: The Convergence of Emerging Tech and Open Banking
The Future of Finance: Convergence, Embedded Solutions, and Inclusion
Transform, Optimize, Secure: The Power of Digital, AI, and RPA
Together, we will address these pressing issues and define the future of banking in the UAE.
Overview
Saudi Arabia's financial sector transformation is gaining momentum, driven by Vision 2030. Digital innovation, regulatory advancements and strategic investments converge to create a world-class financial ecosystem. Our invitation-only Roundtable on October 14th in Riyadh brings together senior executives to discuss pivotal issues shaping the sector.
We will discuss:






Core Banking Modernization: How to modernize legacy systems to enhance efficiency and customer experience.
Digital Banking: Strategies for building robust digital banking platforms and attracting a new generation of customers.
Cybersecurity: Best practices for protecting sensitive customer data and mitigating cyber threats.
Unlock the future of Saudi finance! Join our exclusive roundtable to explore best practices, success factors, and strategic insights.
AI and Analytics: Leveraging AI and data analytics to drive innovation and decision-making.


Open Banking: Implementing open banking frameworks to foster innovation and competition.


Event Format
Each session will include:


Case Studies
In-depth analysis of successful use cases from other markets.
Roundtable Discussions
Interactive discussions among participants to share perspectives and identify solutions.
Expert Presentations
Insights on industry trends and best practices.
We'll aggregate participant insights through a survey to inform the roundtable proceedings and distribute key points and minutes to attendees and a wider audience under Chatham House Rules.




Participants






Ullas Puntambekar
Director - Global Partnerships
Veefin, India
Nahim Bassa
SVP, Group Head of Strategy & Transformation
Bank Aljazira, KSA
Sami Al-Rowaithey
Chief Digital Officer
Alinma Bank, KSA


Ladle Patel
Senior Advisor - Data Office
Arab National Bank, KSA
Cyrus Daruwala
Chairman and Board Advisor
ASEAN FinTech Forum, Singapore
Ahmed M. Al-Ben Saleh
Head of Liquidity & Cash Management Solutions
Banque Saudi Fransi, KSA


Talha Bin Hafeez
Industry Expert
KSA






Kate Yurechka
EVP, Head of Digital
The Saudi Investment Bank, KSA
Yousef Amin
Chief Corporate Development Officer
Alrajhi Takaful, KSA


Nabeel Wyne
Senior Director
Capgemini, KSA


Ehab Banjar
Industry Expert
KSA


Naif A. Alsuheili
Head of Transaction Banking Solutions
Arab National Bank, KSA


Parag Ekbote
Chief Business Officer
Veefin, India


Fahim uz Zaman
Chief Curator
The Leaders Roundtables, UAE
Elif Parlak
Co-Founder
Dataroid, Türkiye


Patxi Gil
Partner
Strategy& Middle East, UAE


Feras Al Saab
Head of Fintech & Strategic Partnerships
Bank Aljazira, KSA


Nada AlHarthi
Head of Strategy & Sustainability
PIF Projects, KSA


Fahad Alsharari
Head of Affluent Banking
Banque Saudi Fransi, KSA


Ridoh Rylands
Data Analytics Lead
Vision Bank, KSA


Pankaj Kathuria
Chief Commercial Officer
Perfios, India


Vinay Sathyanarayana
Chief Product Officer - International
Perfios, India




Ganesh V. Puthuparampil
Consultant - IT Governance & Strategy
Arab National Bank, KSA
Homam Hashem
Chief Executive Officer
Kafalah, KSA


Amro A. Abbas
CMO - Executive Advisor to CEO
Vision Bank, KSA


Sultan Al-Bayhani
SVP, Head of Open Banking Business Section
Riyad Bank, KSA


Ozden Erturgut
Strategy & Business Development
Dataroid, Türkiye


Saad Almesalam
Director of User Experience
neoleap, KSA


Saed Mahfouz
Chief Operating Officer
Alraedahpay, KSA
Partners
Event Highlights
























Why attend?
Expert insights
Gain valuable perspectives from industry thought leaders and peers on the latest trends and innovations in core banking and payments.
Networking opportunities
Connect with senior bankers, fintech innovators and industry experts, fostering collaborations and partnerships.
Regional focus
Dive into the unique challenges and opportunities facing GCC's financial sector, tailored to the local context.
Leave with actionable strategies and best practices to modernize core banking systems, enhance payments infrastructures and drive digital transformation.
Practical takeaways
Exclusive format
Staying ahead
Engage in intimate and interactive roundtable discussions, ensuring meaningful interactions and knowledge-sharing.
Stay up-to-date on regulatory requirements, security threats and emerging technologies to maintain a competitive edge.


Calvin
Howards
Out of Town


Nicolle
Zagrenbbing
Vault Co.


Industry Experts (Speakers)
Richard
Alonderbridge
Forge Inc.


Robert
Clarisson
Cirrus
Agenda
09:00
Welcome and Introduction
09:10
Transforming Core: The Convergence of Emerging Tech and Open Banking
Presentation by Partner / Expert / Bank Client
Panel Discussion: Transforming Core: The Convergence of Emerging Tech and Open Banking
How will emerging technologies (e.g., cloud, AI, blockchain) shape core banking systems?
How will modern core banking systems support open banking and APIs?
What role does technology play in enhancing core banking system efficiency and security?
Panel discusion: Nicolle Zagrebbing & Robert Clarisson
10:30
Wrap-up
Partner / Expert
10:45
Coffee break & networking
11:00
The Future of Finance: Convergence, Embedded Solutions, and Inclusion
11:20
Panel Discussion: The Future of Finance: Convergence, Embedded Solutions, and Inclusion
12:30
Discussion
Partner / Expert
12:00
Wrap-up
09:30
Partner / Expert / Bank Client
Lunch break & networking
13:00
End of event
How is convergence of payments and lending giving rise to a new era of seamless financial transactions?
How can institutions achieve financial fluidity through embedded finance solutions?
What are the opportunities for growth in the embedded finance sector?
How can embedded finance be used to enhance financial literacy and inclusion?
Panel discusion: Nicolle Zagrebbing & Robert Clarisson