Innovation is key at the GCC Financial Forum

March 29, 2017

Around 800 financiers, economists, academics and policy-makers recently came together in Bahrain to determine how the GCC funds its future.
These high-level delegates attended the sixth annual GCC Financial Forum, which took place February 27-28 at the Four Seasons Hotel, Bahrain Bay, Manama.
The event featured world-renowned speakers, interviewees and panellists. In wide-ranging speeches and discussions they delivered insight into the evolution of the Gulf’s financial markets, outlined regional challenges and explored how these can be met with innovative FinTech solutions.
The Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) has co-hosted the Forum since its inception in 2012. This continuous support underlines Bahrain’s pre-eminence as a regional financial services centre. The Kingdom has more than 40 years’ experience, the highest concentration of financial institutions, a powerful reputation for regulation through the Central Bank of Bahrain and strength across sectors from private banking to Islamic finance.
Victoria Behn, Director of Middle East and Africa at Euromoney Conferences, commented: “We are proud to host the GCC Financial Forum for the sixth consecutive year in partnership with the Bahrain Economic Development Board and we are excited to present a significantly upgraded event for 2017. Our flagship Forum has uniquely established itself as a truly international gathering which provides an ideal platform for financial experts, business leaders and policy-makers to exchange ideas, develop new contacts and participate in informed, impartial and leading-edge discussions.”
Keynote speakers and interviewees
H.E. Mr Rasheed Mohammed Al Maraj, Governor, Central Bank of Bahrain
Francis Fukuyama, political commentator, futurist and author
Lord Adair Turner, Chairman, Institute for New Economic Thinking
Chris Skinner, FinTech commentator and author
Khalid Al Rumaihi, Chief Executive, Bahrain Economic Development Board
Mahmood Hashim Al Kooheji, Chief Executive Officer, Mumtalakat
Adel A. El Labban, Chief Executive Officer, Ahli United Bank
Bassel Gamal, Group Chief Executive Officer, QIB
Jean Lemierre, Group Chairman, BNP Paribas
Panel discussions
The macro environment and financial sector outlook for 2017: global politics, currencies and more
The GCC financing challenge: oil market dynamics, fiscal strategy, new funding sources
Harnessing the power of private capital: interest rates, regulation, infrastructure
Creating vibrant financing platforms – innovation in payments: FinTech opportunities and implications
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