Bain & Company joined the Economy Middle East Summit 2025 in Abu Dhabi, held in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). The event brought together experts from finance, technology, and regulation to discuss the future of financial services in the region and around the world.
Bianca Leodari, a Partner at Bain & Company Middle East, led a panel titled “Evolving in Finance: Exploring Tomorrow’s Financial Services Landscape.” The panel included Jayesh Patel, CEO of Wio Bank; Sunidhi Pasan, CEO of Finstreet; and Mary Anne Scicluna, a senior director at the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of ADGM.
The speakers discussed how financial services are changing. They talked about how new technologies like generative AI are not just helping companies work faster, but also changing how they operate. Financial firms are starting to shift from old systems to more flexible models. These models focus more on the customer, fast delivery, and working together with others in the ecosystem.
Artificial intelligence is now being used across every part of finance. It helps with personalizing services, spotting risks early, and automating tasks like compliance. This means AI is no longer just a support tool in the background. It is becoming a main part of how banks plan, manage risks, and improve services.
The panel also explained that using AI well means more than just having the software. It requires companies to change how they think and work. Financial institutions that succeed in the future will be the ones that make AI part of their daily work. They will use it to respond quickly to changes, improve customer care, and make better decisions.
Another key topic was the shift in business models. Many financial firms are moving away from doing everything in-house. Instead, they are now building networks of partners. These new systems are called ecosystems. They help companies grow faster and serve customers better. This change is important because customers now expect quick, easy, and smart services.
Regulators also have to keep up with this fast pace. The summit showed how financial authorities are using new tools to do this. For example, they are making rules that machines can read. They are also starting to use AI to watch over markets and make sure rules are followed. These steps help protect users while still allowing innovation to grow.
The speakers agreed that regulation is now more focused on outcomes than on following long checklists. This modern approach helps financial firms act faster and smarter, while still staying within the rules.
Bain & Company’s role in the summit highlights its support for financial firms going through change. The company works closely with banks and other financial groups to help them build systems that are ready for the future. Bain helps them shift to models that are led by technology, focused on customers, and flexible in real time.
The Middle East is becoming a strong area for fintech growth. Countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia are investing in digital banking and financial technology. Abu Dhabi Global Market is one of the major hubs for this growth. It supports startups and helps big firms test and launch new services.
Digital banks like Wio and fintech platforms like Finstreet are part of this growth. These companies use smart tools and mobile apps to make banking easier and faster. Customers can now do most banking tasks from their phones, in real time, with fewer steps.
Looking ahead to 2030, the financial world is expected to change even more. Experts at the summit said that companies need to be ready now. They must invest in technology and form strong partnerships. Those that adapt early will lead the next phase of finance.
The summit showed that the future of finance depends on three things: technology, flexibility, and teamwork. By bringing together banks, tech firms, and regulators, events like this help the industry move forward in the right direction.
Bain & Company is ready to support this journey. It helps firms redesign their services, improve their systems, and get ready for a digital-first world.
