Dubai — The much-anticipated Future of Finance 2025 conference in Dubai last week brought together global and regional leaders to explore how artificial intelligence, blockchain, fintech, and sustainability are reshaping the financial landscape. Hosted by The CFO Middle East and tahawultech.com, the event convened pioneers, innovators, and changemakers to discuss opportunities, challenges, and the road ahead for the finance sector.
Welcoming delegates, Sandhya D’Mello, Editor – Technology Division, CPI Media Group, highlighted how the financial world is in the midst of an unprecedented transformation.
“The rise of AI, blockchain, and fintech is reshaping industries, while sustainability and ESG are redefining the very purpose of capital. Today, we bring together pioneers, innovators, and changemakers who are charting the course for this new era,” D’Mello said.
Transforming Finance through AI and Automation
The opening keynote was delivered by Jonathan Holman, Head of Open Finance for the UAE at Nebras Open Finance, who drew on his extensive experience leading the nation’s central Open Finance initiative. Recognised among the world’s top 60 fintech leaders, Holman explored how AI and automation are transforming financial systems, from AI-driven credit risk modelling to innovations that enhance trust and efficiency across markets.
Navigating Digital Economy
The first panel discussion, Navigating the Digital Economy – Opportunities & Challenges, brought together Dr. Nilay Ranjan Singh, CEO of State Bank of India – DIFC, Dubai; Krishnan Ramachandran, CEO of Barjeel Geojit Financial Services; CA Naveen Sharma, Director – Internal Audit at Oasis Investment Company (Al Shirawi Group); and Esha D’Souza, CEO & Partner at Corporate Group UAE Offices. The dialogue addressed how organisations are adapting to digital transformation while balancing governance, resilience, and trust across banking, investment, and advisory services.
Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, and Fintech Innovations
The second panel, Revolutionising the Future of Finance, featured Kokila Alagh, Founder of KARM; Mo Ali Yusuf, Co-Founder and CEO of Fuze; Monte Safieddine, Head of Research for Capital.com MENA; and Jorge Carrasco, Managing Director – Blockchain & Digital Assets at FTI Consulting. Speakers explored how blockchain, digital assets, and decentralised finance are rewriting the rules of trust, transparency, and inclusion, while also highlighting opportunities and challenges in building a more decentralised future for finance.
Sustainability and ESG Investing
The day concluded with a forward-looking session on Sustainability and ESG Investing – Finance’s Next Frontier, which brought together Swethal Kumar, Founder and CEO of Startupscale360; Aliyu Mohammed Ali, CEO and Co-Founder of Ehfaaz; Mohamed Roshdy Elbastaweesy, CIO of Reem Finance; and Ahmed Seleem, Area Vice President – META at Nexthink. The discussion underscored how ESG considerations have moved from niche to mainstream, with panellists emphasising that financial returns and social responsibility must go hand in hand.
Closing with collaboration
D’Mello thanked speakers, partners, and delegates for their active participation. “Future of Finance 2025 has been about more than discussions — it has been about reimagining finance’s role in a digital, inclusive, and sustainable world,” she said. The conference set a strong foundation for shaping the future of finance in the UAE and beyond, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a hub for innovation, sustainability, and financial excellence.
