Middle East and Africa International Banking Convention

The Asian Banker Middle East and Africa International Banking Convention is latest in an ongoing and annual series of conversations amongst senior bankers in The Middle East and Africa on changes to the global and regional retail banking industry – from competitive market conditions to the shifting regulatory landscape and advancements in technology – and how banks are meeting these challenges.

Retail banking in The Middle East and Africa has evolved tremendously as banks scan the landscape for new products and seek creative innovation to meet customer expectations. However, recent regulatory changes have restricted fee levels and interest obtained from customers. Together with the low interest rate environment, banks also contend with the market reality of intensifying margin compression. All told, banks feel the need to diversify into and accelerate growth stipulated in their corporate strategies – from new business lines and new customer segments – by growing evaluating current market operations and considering expansion into untapped markets. Finally, external issues are placing pressure on banks to improve operational efficiency, processes and technology. Liquidity must be managed, customers must be better understood and product quality and service excellence prioritized to truly realise required growth.

This year’s dialogue will focus on key issues facing the Middle Eastern and African banking industry today – a marketplace that is increasingly complex, heavily dependent on IT and tightly regulated – and the challenges it faces to manage rising costs while sustaining profit.

This dialogue will focus broadly on the following goals:

• Fostering the development of ideas related to retail banking technology and innovation
• Identifying benchmarks and best practices emanating from different situations
• Ensuring the long-term integrity and viability of the retail banking industry
• Evaluating technology-driven innovations shaping the future of retail banking
• Considering and internalising a range of responses to retail banking trends
• Planning and developing future strategies for banks

This dialogue also provides partner organisations from financial institutions and consulting firms to technology solution providers the opportunity to interact with key decision makers leading The Middle East and Africa retail banking environment.