BBK launches Bahrain’s first EmTech Summit and Expo

Under the patronage of the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB), BBK EmTech Summit and Expo was launched this morning. Hosted by BBK, in collaboration with Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) as a Knowledge Partner, the summit focuses on the importance of Emerging Technology (EmTech) and how it reshapes Bahrain’s economy.

The two-day summit aims at providing an interactive learning platform to be up-to-date with the latest EmTech trends and its relevance & importance to the financial services sector. Under the theme “Technology that Changes the Paradigm”, more than 500 tech figures participated at the summit, representing the private and public sectors as well as a number of experts in various fields such as finance, education, and technology.

The summit presented panel discussions focusing on important topics that address various emerging technologies. Among the experts participating in the discussions were Suhail Algossaibi, Founder & CEO – Falak Consulting; Ali Moosa, Managing Director  –  JP Morgan; J.K. Khalil, General Manager Saudi Arabia & Bahrain – MasterCard; Mark Warman, Founder & Digital Consultant  – East Innovations W.L.L; Dr. Simon Galpin, Managing Director – Economic Development Board; Yasin Aboudaoud, Chief Development Officer – Brinc; and Asher Nazem, CEO – Waqfe.

Furthermore, the summit agenda presented deliberations highlighting various emerging technologies such as Cyber Threat & the Dark Web, Blockchain for Fintech, Cloud Technologies, Digital Innovation, the Effect of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and, the Internet of Things (IoT), amongst other topics.

Alongside the main event, an expo was also held to highlight the latest IT trends and give the attendees a comprehensive overview of economic prospects and potential opportunities towards financial and economic stability.

On this occasion, BBK Chief Executive, Mr. Reyadh Yousif Sater stated, “We are very pleased to launch this important summit with the participation of a number of high-profile tech figures, reflecting the strong belief in the importance of emerging technologies and their impact on the industry. Today, EmTech represents an opportunity for banks to further develop their digital financial services, coupled with the Kingdom’s ability to serve as a Centre for innovation in this sector”.

On his part, the BIBF Director, Dr. Ahmed Abdul Hameed Al Shaikh said, “EmTech is an opportunity to discover future trends and to understand the technologies that will drive the new global economy. With the rapid changes in Technology and Services worldwide, Bahrain is well positioned to be the pioneer for EmTech in the region, providing excellence in service for User Experience, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, FinTech, amongst other services. EmTech is where Technology, Business and Culture converge to provide innovative solutions.”

For more information on BBK EmTech Summit & Expo, please visit bbkemtech.bibf.com