Dubai, UAE, 10 November 2026: FINNOVEX Middle East Chapter 39 concluded in Dubai, bringing together banking and financial services leaders for a day of discussion on the technologies, decisions and partnerships shaping the future of finance. The Alfa-Bank AI Leadership Award was one of the chapter’s headline moments, with the bank’s Diamond Sponsorship anchoring a programme built around governing artificial intelligence at scale.
Alfa-Bank, the event’s Diamond Sponsor, held a prominent position in the programme. Dmitry Ruzanov, Head of the Model Development Department, FRM, delivered a keynote titled “Governing AI at Scale: The Strategic Blueprint of the Largest Private Bank in Russia”. His keynote address placed the governance of artificial intelligence at the heart of the conversation, reflecting the growing importance of responsible oversight as banks deploy AI across increasingly complex operations.
Alfa-Bank AI Leadership Award: recognition at the FINNOVEX Awards
Alfa-Bank’s participation was further recognised at the FINNOVEX Awards, where it received the AI Leadership Award. The recognition was a highlight of the chapter’s awards programme, celebrating leadership in a field that is reshaping how financial institutions operate and serve their customers.
When AI Becomes a Systemic Risk: Is the Always On Bank Ready?
The discussion continued in the panel “When AI Becomes a Systemic Risk: Is the Always On Bank Ready?”, moderated by Ramkumar Balasubramaniam, CFO MEA at Barclays. The session explored the questions financial institutions face as AI becomes more deeply embedded in banking and the resilience of always-on services becomes increasingly important.
Sardine tackles Mankind vs. Machine
Sardine, a Gold Sponsor of FINNOVEX Middle East, also contributed to the programme. Maryam Saeed, Global Head of Growth, delivered a keynote titled “Fighting the Good Fight: Mankind vs. Machine”, bringing the role of technology and the challenges facing the financial ecosystem into focus.
Opportunity and responsibility in financial innovation
Across the programme, participants exchanged perspectives on the opportunities and responsibilities that come with financial innovation. The chapter brought industry voices together to consider how institutions can move forward with technology while maintaining the trust and resilience on which financial services depend.
About FINNOVEX
FINNOVEX is a global platform organised by Exibex Group, bringing together financial services leaders, technology providers and industry experts to discuss the future of finance through conferences, executive roundtables and industry recognition.
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