H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, attended the first Majlis Mohamed bin Zayed Ramadan session of the year. The session, titled “The Future of Finance in the Age of Intelligence,” took place at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Jim Marous, a leading expert in digital banking and financial disruption, delivered the keynote speech.
Marous emphasized how artificial intelligence is transforming banking. He explained that consumers now expect more than just efficient services. Instead, they seek engagement, dialogue, and personalized experiences. He also highlighted the need for financial institutions to build trust while upgrading their legacy systems. Without modern infrastructure, banks may struggle to keep up with AI-driven advancements.
AI and the Future of Financial Services
The discussion continued with a panel featuring industry leaders. The panelists included Hana Al Rostamani, CEO of First Abu Dhabi Bank; Abdallah Al Mansoori, Managing Partner of I3H Investment; and Feras Jalbout, Founder and CEO of Baraka.
Al Rostamani outlined three priorities for traditional banks. First, they must adopt technology to process data effectively. Second, they need to upskill employees to stay future-ready. Finally, they must maintain a secure and well-regulated operating environment.
Al Mansoori spoke about financial inclusion and AI adoption. He praised the UAE Central Bank’s initiative to integrate digital infrastructure and improve financial services nationwide.
Jalbout discussed AI’s impact on investment management. He explained how technology is making capital markets more accessible. Additionally, he noted that AI is helping investors build wealth through smarter financial decisions.
Broadcasting Details
Moderated by Shatha Al Shamsi, Strategy Consultant at EY-Parthenon, the session provided valuable insights into the future of finance. Viewers can watch the discussion on Abu Dhabi TV and the Majlis Mohamed bin Zayed YouTube channel on Saturday, March 8, at 5 PM.
