Mid East Banks set to spend US$ 1.3 billion on financial technology in 2006

Under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Mohamed Khalfan bin Khirbash, UAE Minister of State for Finance and Industry, the Summit is an exclusive invitation-only event for CIOs of the TOP 100 Arab Banks, Central Banks and leading IT vendors, from throughout the region.

The event is not a traditional trade show, its cutting edge format is appropriate for the complexity and sensitivity of the financial technology sector. The FT Summit uses a qualitative approach, to offer a strategic platform for the CIOs and IT vendors to interact one-on-one in a professional and friendly atmosphere, a proven formula which suits the high profile participants.

Commenting on the format, Khaled Eid, Managing Director, The World Development Forum said,

"Our proven concept is far beyond the traditional trade show approach, which is usually based on traffic. FT Summit offers focused integrated marketing channels to bring together both the IT decision makers and leading IT vendors, this concept helps our partners and delegates to make the best use of their time and resources."

In 2005, the inaugural event attracted 250 senior delegates, including 70% of the CIOs from the Top 100 Arab banks. This year The Financial Technology Summit will explore the most critical issues & challenges facing the industry and will include, profitability analysis, IT governance, multi-channel integration & delivery, the latest regulatory compliance, information security storage and disaster recovery amongst other key topics.