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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:

a red and black pattern with a yellow line going through it
a red and black pattern with a yellow line going through it

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

Connect with our team for further information