Theo Youngman, Business Sales Associate at 10x Banking, visited Dubai FinTech Summit and shared his takeaways. 

Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Dubai FinTech Summit, the second edition of this global event organized by the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) a new era in financial innovation, heralds uniting the sharpest intellects, policymakers, and influencers to collaboratively shape the future of FinTech and finance.

The Summit aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33’S Strategic Goal Of Propelling Dubai Into The Ranks Of The Top Four Global Financial Hubs By 2033.

H.H. Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, UAE

From engaging discussions with renowned speakers to having the privilege of meeting Mohamed Ali Alabbar, the founder of Emaar Properties and the developer of the Burj Khalifa by Emaar, every moment of the summit was filled with warmth, hospitality, and intense learning.

Banks vs Fintechs

One of the highlights of the summit was our CEO Antony Jenkins' fireside chat with Jane Witherspoon, where they delved into the evolving dynamics between traditional banks and fintech disruptors. Jenkins pointed out the challenges faced by banks, including outdated technology infrastructures and cultural barriers. However, he also emphasized the importance of adaptability and agility in navigating this new landscape, highlighting the need for incumbents to embrace innovation to stay competitive.

Fintech innovation shaping the future of global finance

Another illuminating session was the panel discussion on fintech innovation shaping the future of global finance, featuring industry experts such as Sanjay Saraf and Simon Just. Saraf's insights on strategic partnerships in untapped markets resonated deeply, underscoring the significance of collaboration for fintech success. Similarly, Simon Just highlighted the importance of integrating regulatory requirements seamlessly into user experiences, emphasizing the delicate balance between innovation and compliance.

Navigating the digital frontier

The summit also provided a platform for exploring the pivotal role of customer-centricity in digital transformation, as discussed by Ahmed Al Qassim, Marwan Hadi, and Maryam Rasheed. Their insights into Emirates' customer-focused approach underscored the essential nature of involving customers in the innovation journey, enabling organizations to identify and address pain points effectively. Moreover, they reiterated that digital transformation is no longer a choice but a necessity for survival in today's rapidly evolving landscape.

As I reflect on my experience at the Dubai FinTech Summit, I am filled with gratitude for the wealth of knowledge shared and the connections forged. The summit served as a catalyst for future collaborations and partnerships aimed at shaping the future of finance. I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and eager to continue engaging with like-minded professionals to drive meaningful change in the industry.