Evolution of Banking, Finance & Insurance: ABES2023 Introductory Forum

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A panel of leading banking executives were welcomed to the Chamber on Wednesday afternoon, 12 July, for a high powered discussion on The Evolution of Banking, Finance and Insurance, which was the latest of our ABES2023 introductory forums.

The packed auditorium made up of business executives, ABCC members and guests heard our four expert speakers share their considered insights into trends in the banking and financial services industry across both the UK and the Arab world during a time when the incredible speed of transformation was being driven by AI technologies, digitalisation and innovation.

The discussion set the scene for a key session to be held at the Arab British Economic Summit, when it opens on 20 November, stated Mr Abdeslam El Idrissi, ABCC Deputy CEO & Secretary General, who anticipated that the forthcoming event would exceed the 700-800 footfall achieved in 2022.

The distinguished speakers were Naim Hakim, CFA, executive banker prominent in Lebanon and the Gulf region, Mr Michael Bishop, Head of Wealth Management, WH Ireland, formerly with UBS, Steve Herbert, Wellbeing & Benefits Director, Partners& and Mr James Redfern, Sales Director, Diligencia.

Each of the speakers offered solutions to the new challenges and risks emerging with the post-pandemic growth in digital transactions, the rise in cyber threats and the immense reputational and financial costs of data theft. More sophisticated regulation, greater transparency in the management of wealth, closer cooperation between companies and improving the financial literacy of customers were just some of the remedies raised by the panellists and in their wide ranging exchanges with delegates.