Renowned finance leaders to share secrets of unlocking growth in MEASA at Global Financial Forum in Dubai

• Second edition to examine the prospects for investment and expansion in the high growth emerging markets across Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA)
• Speakers include renowned commentators, corporate leaders and entrepreneurs

Dubai, UAE – Industry leaders from across the spectrum of financial services will be sharing insight into ‘Unlocking Growth in a Changing World’ at the Global Financial Forum (GFF) in Dubai on 11 March 2019, hosted by the Dubai International Financial Centre, the leading financial hub in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region.

The financial services industry in MEASA is poised for expansion as businesses seize the opportunities presented by disruptive technology, demographic shifts, new trends and a greater focus on sustainability. The GFF will be a chance for investors, entrepreneurs and members of the business community to learn how to capitalise on the potential of these fast-growing markets and thrive in this fast-changing sector.

The opening session at this year’s GFF will feature world-renowned economic commentator Martin Wolf, from the Financial Times, talking about the opportunities and challenges the world faces as the global economic recovery finds its feet in a talk entitled ‘Redefining Growth for the 21st Century’.

Meanwhile, Sir Gerry Grimstone, the Chairman of Barclays Bank, will be drawing on his vast experience in both the public and private sectors when he takes part in a panel discussion looking at what differentiates leaders from laggards. He will be joined in the conversation by, among others, Shayne Nelson, Group Chief Executive Officer of Emirates NBD, who has extensive global expertise and heads one of the region’s leading banks, and Sunil Kaushal, Regional Chief Executive Officer, Africa and Middle East for Standard Chartered, who will bring over 30 years of diverse banking experience to the discussion.

Investment guru Mark Mobius, who is the founder of Mobius Capital Partners and former Executive Chairman of Templeton Emerging Markets Group will also be speaking at the event. One of the world’s foremost experts on emerging markets and author of over 10 best-selling business books, Mobius will share insights from his illustrious career during a fireside chat with the Financial Times.

Further insight will be provided by another banking icon, Bahren Shaari, Chief Executive Officer at Bank of Singapore. Shaari, who recently received the Berita Harian Achiever of the Year award from the Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong, will be discussing how wealth and asset managers can capitalise on the high net worth individual market in the region in a session entitled: ‘Wealth Leaders: New Customers, Markets, Technologies’.

A key address at GFF will be delivered by Dato’ Mohamed Rafique Merican, Group Chief Executive Officer of Islamic Banking at Maybank, and Chief Executive Officer of Maybank Islamic Berhad, who has been responsible for driving the expansion of Islamic banking globally. During his session, Dato’ Rafique will shed light on how the appetite for Islamic finance is outpacing its conventional counterparts in its home markets in a session titled: ‘Islamic Finance – navigating the next phase of growth’.

Elsewhere, the positive outlook for corporate banking will be the subject of ‘Realising the Potential of Corporate Banking in the Region’, while there will also be a chance to look ahead to the trends and technology that will be shaping the industry this year at a panel on ‘Top 10 FinTech Predictions for 2019 and Beyond’, with insight from Jonathan Larsen, Chief Innovation Officer of Ping An Insurance, third largest insurance company in the world and most innovative financial group in China. Larsen will be joined by accomplished entrepreneur, investor and journalist for CNBC in Silicon Valley, Cory Johnson, who is currently Chief Market Strategist at Ripple.

Other topics of discussion will include perspectives on the macro and geo-economic outlook, as well as areas seen as having major potential in the coming years, such as infrastructure, real estate, corporate finance, and private banking. Speakers will examine and evaluate the new business opportunities resulting from the strong regional economic outlook, as well as those presented by China’s Belt and Road Initiative. They will also be discussing topics ranging from new forces in technology, competition and regulation to product development and service provision.

The forum will also see participation from the philanthropic sector, with David Evans, Chief, Global Philanthropy at UNICEF; and David Lubinski, Senior Program Officer, Payment Infrastructure, Financial Services for the Poor (FSP), Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, discussing ‘Reaching Out – Unlocking Rewards from Financial Inclusion’ in a session moderated by CNBC International’s Hadley Gamble. Other sessions will be moderated by leading journalists from across Financial Times Group titles.

There will also be opportunities for speakers and delegates to network throughout the day, as well as at a reception in the afternoon.

For the full programme and further details on registration visit http://globalfinancialforum.ae/.

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About Dubai International Financial Centre

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is one of the world’s most advanced financial centres, and the leading financial hub for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA), which comprises 72 countries with an approximate population of 3 billion and a nominal GDP of US$ 7.7 trillion.

With a 15-year track record of facilitating trade and investment flows across the MEASA region, the Centre connects these fast-growing markets with the economies of Asia, Europe and the Americas through Dubai.

DIFC is home to an internationally recognised, independent regulator and a proven judicial system with an English common law framework, as well as the region’s largest financial ecosystem of [more than 22,000 professionals working across over 2,000 active registered companies] – making up the largest and most diverse pool of industry talent in the region.

The Centre’s vision is to drive the future of finance. Today, it offers one of the region’s most comprehensive FinTech and venture capital environments, including cost-effective licensing solutions, fit-for-purpose regulation, innovative accelerator programmes, and funding for growth-stage start-ups.

Comprising a variety of world-renowned retail and dining venues, a dynamic art and culture scene, residential apartments, hotels and public spaces, DIFC continues to be one of Dubai’s most sought-after business and lifestyle destinations.

For further information, please visit our website: difc.ae, or follow us on Twitter @DIFC.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Manal Shaikh

Dubai International Financial Centre Authority

Senior Manager, Communications

Tel: +971 4 362 2453

Email: manal.shaikh@difc.ae

Joudi Issa

Brunswick Group

Tel: +971 4 560 9600

Email: DIFC@brunswickgroup.com

© Press Release 2019