11th Middle East Retail Banking Expo opens its doors

The 11th annual edition of Middle East Retail Banking Forum and Expo kicked off today at The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC, Dubai with the participation of over 200 delegates attending to hear what more than 30 experts in the field have to say about market disruption in financial sectors, branch transformation, enhanced user experience and digitalization of banking services and many other topics will be addressed at the 11th edition of the event, which is already one of the region's most established banking events. This gathering will bring together hundreds of CEOs, CFOs, MDs & Directors from the leading Regional and International Retail Banks to tackle the latest innovations and best offerings in financial services technology and to discuss the most sensitive issues surrounding the Retail Banking sectors in the Middle East and beyond.

Running alongside the forum is a dedicated exhibition showcasing the latest technological products and services. More than 30 international exhibitors are participating at 11th edition of the event such as Misys, InfoSys, Backbase, Qlik, Sutherland Global, CRIF D&B, VASCO, ebankIT, Experian and Innofis to name a few, representing the best of what the industry has to offer.

This year’s forum will feature top industry minds and guru speakers from Regional and International Banks such as Emirates NBD, Mashreq Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank, RAK Bank, Al Ahli Bank, National Bank of Abu Dhabi, National Bank of Kuwait, Qatar National Bank, Samba Financial Group, Citi Bank and many more.

As part of the 11th edition of the Middle East Retail Banking Forum & Expo, a new initiative has been set up – The Fintech Disruption & Innovation Panel which is aimed at broader banking and Fintech audiences. These free-to-attend open sessions which are led by representatives of EY, Beehive, Bridg, Souqalmal and many others will serve as a common ground between retail bankers and Fintech professionals.

Visitors to the Expo will enjoy a complimentary access to specialized open sessions focused on Fintech Disruption and Innovation in Banking Services. Alternative payment technologies are a new phenomenon and heavyweight household names such as Paypal, Google and Apple followed by a large number of medium sized Fintech companies and small start-ups are venturing in the Retail Banking sphere with their own products and thus disrupting the established Retail Banking models which are here for decades.

"There are so many new technologies being introduced to the market that are causing a massive digital disruption. Our aim at Retail Banking Forum and Expo is to promote a culture of innovation and have the greatest banking minds come together to address hot topics such as the ecosystem of digital banking, branch transformation, changes in customer behaviour, among many subjects. I am excited to see and hear what our speakers and exhibitors have to bring to the table", said Alex Heuff, Exhibition Director.  

“We’re expecting the next couple of days to surpass all previous additions with more than 30 industry experts, covering over 25 sessions. We’re also expecting more than 1000 attendees that are likely to walk through the doors over the 2 days of the event”. He concluded.

The 11th Middle East Retail Banking Forum and Expo is organised by Fleming. and supported by Bahrain Association of Banks, Natural Security Alliance, PIF and Smart Payment Association. The event will also be receiving a special two-day coverage from CNBC Arabia, the Official Arabic Broadcast Partner for the event.