
FSS showcases AI-driven payment innovations at Simply Payments 2025 Dubai, as UAE accelerates towards an intelligent financial future
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates-- (BUSINESS WIRE/AETOSWire)-- At a time when the UAE's financial services industry is undergoing unprecedented transformation, Financial Software and Systems (FSS), a global leader in payments technology, hosted the Dubai edition of its flagship event Simply Payments 2025 series, convening top minds in Fintech, Government Payments, and Artificial Intelligence.
Held under the theme 'Reimagining Payments in the AI Era,' the event underscored the urgent need for banks and financial institutions to embrace AI not just as a technology tool, but as a strategic enabler of operational agility, consumer relevance, and sustainable growth.
The event came at a critical juncture for UAE. With the Central Bank of the UAE's Financial Infrastructure Transformation (FIT) Programme already pushing for the rollout of instant payments, and the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031 placing the UAE among global AI leaders, FSS positioned itself as a key catalyst enabling local and regional players to navigate the new digital paradigm.
A Trusted Global Enabler, Now Deepening Its MENA Focus
FSS, which powers mission-critical payments across 26+ countries, is increasing focus on the MENA region, with Dubai emerging as a hub for strategic fintech partnerships.
'For over 15 years, we have supported the payments modernization journey of governments and private sector institutions. Today, the UAE is a beacon for innovation, and FSS is proud to help realize its vision of an AI-led, inclusive digital economy,' said Sandeep David Crasta, Head of Sales – Retail Payments, MENA at FSS, during the welcome address.
FSS's platform offerings—spanning real-time payment processing, AI-based fraud management, and open API integration—are purpose-built to meet the evolving demands of the Gulf's financial ecosystem.
AI as a Driver of Economic and Operational Efficiency
In a keynote titled The Role of AI in Reshaping Financial Economics, Imad Ahmed Abdalwahab, MD – Government Payment Solutions at Magnati, emphasized AI's concrete benefits:
A 30–40% increase in transaction acceptance rates due to intelligent decision-making systems.
Real-time fraud prevention powered by machine learning and behavioural analytics.
AI-driven personalization that enhances user engagement across digital banking channels.
'We are no longer talking about potential. AI is already transforming how payments are processed, secured, and experienced by end-users. And in the UAE, where infrastructure and policy are in sync, the benefits are immediate,' said Abdalwahab.
He credited FSS as a 'critical partner' in deploying backend systems that are faster, simpler, and more responsive—especially for government-related payments, where trust and efficiency are paramount.
V Balasubramanian, CEO of FSS, offered a nuanced take on AI's potential and responsibilities. 'AI is not just algorithms—it's about building ethical systems that empower human decision-making. The regulatory frameworks in the UAE, which focus on exploring the ability, governance, and consumer protection, are setting global standards. We at FSS are proud to align with them.' Balasubramanian also noted that dual intelligence—leveraging both human insight and machine learning—is key to creating differentiated outcomes in a crowded market.
Panel Discussion: Reimagining Payments in the Artificial Intelligence Era
The high-powered panel discussion brought together prominent voices from the fintech and banking sectors, including Haishan Wu, Mohamed Chakib Ouabi, Devendra Kumar, Malaz Mubaid, and Sandeep Crasta. Panellists also highlighted that strategic investments in AI are becoming key differentiators for banks, especially as the pressure to modernize intensifies in an increasingly competitive financial landscape.
FSS's offerings are deeply compatible with emerging trends in the region. Last year, FSS had launched the FSS BLAZE platform in the UAE, which has since then been more than warmly received by banks and telecom companies alike. Many of them have since adopted BLAZE, and together, with FSS, have begun to reimagine how modern payments can work in a faster, smoother and more seamless manner.
About Financial Software and Systems (FSS)
Financial Software and Systems (FSS) is a global leader in payments technology and transaction processing, offering a comprehensive suite of products and solutions that redefine the payment experience. With a presence in over 25 countries, FSS powers seamless transactions and enhances customer experiences for banks, financial institutions, and fintechs worldwide. The company's offerings include card issuance, merchant acquiring, real-time payments, and reconciliation, secure 3D authentication, and active device monitoring. FSS's innovative platforms, such as FSS BLAZE™ and FSS BLAZE™ Studio, enable rapid deployment of payment products and low-code application development, fostering digital transformation in the payments ecosystem.
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Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Khaleej Times
FSS Showcases AI-Driven Payment Innovation at flagship Dubai event
On a sun-kissed morning in late April, inside the luxurious Grosvenor House Hotel in Dubai Marina, global payments technology provider Financial Software & Systems Private Limited (FSS) hosted the second edition of its flagship event in Dubai. The gathering brought together policymakers, banking leaders, and fintech experts from across the Mena region for a morning of high-impact discussions on the transformational power of artificial intelligence (AI) in the payments space. With the UAE rapidly emerging as a hub for fintech innovation, the event's timing and location underscored both regional opportunity and global relevance. The agenda focused on how AI is being applied today to reshape customer experience, mitigate fraud, streamline operations, and ensure regulatory compliance — all while accelerating the shift to a cashless economy. For FSS, the event was also a platform to reinforce its role as a long-term partner to financial institutions across the Gulf. FSS CEO V. Balasubramanian shared the company's overarching point of view on AI, framing it as a catalyst not just for technological transformation but for deep-rooted organisational change. He emphasised that the true value of AI lies in its ability to drive continuous improvement and enable informed, data-led decision-making at scale. 'AI is not just about technology or tools — it is about enabling process improvement and data-driven decision-making at scale,' he stated. Balasubramanian highlighted the importance of 'dual intelligence', urging organisations to think beyond flashy tools and focus instead on leveraging commonly available technologies in innovative ways to achieve differentiated outcomes. He also stressed the need for smart prioritisation, advising firms to pursue a dual-track approach: capitalise on easy, quick wins to build internal momentum while simultaneously investing in high-impact, long-term AI initiatives that generate sustainable value. On the critical topic of ethics in AI, Balasubramanian was unequivocal: 'Responsible AI adoption — built on transparency, fairness, and accountability — is non-negotiable.' He added that ethical frameworks are essential to mitigate risks, build stakeholder trust, and unlock AI's full potential over the long term. Setting a bold vision, he urged organizations to target a 30 per cent impact across systems, workflows, or decision-making as a benchmark for real AI-led transformation. He concluded by emphasizing that trust and regulation are key enablers of AI success: a trusted partner ecosystem can dramatically accelerate meaningful adoption, while proactive regulatory frameworks will shape how AI evolves across industries. A standout use case came during a session led by Imad Ahmed Abdalwahab, Managing Director of Government Payment Solutions at Magnati, who shared how AI is already delivering tangible results. Imad discussed an instance in which a high-risk transaction was identified and blocked by an AI-powered engine in real time — demonstrating how financial security is shifting from reactive protocols to proactive systems. 'AI enables us to act before the threat fully emerges,' he said, adding that the UAE's leadership in fintech governance is helping organisations like Magnati push boundaries safely and effectively. The morning reached a crescendo with the panel discussion 'Reimagining Payments in the Artificial Intelligence Era,' moderated by Benedict Xavier, Global Head of Business Solutions at FSS. The session brought together a distinguished group of industry leaders, including Haishan Wu, Head of Innovation, AI & Data at Zand Bank; Mohamed Chakib Ouabi, Data & AI Value Strategy Lead at Accenture; Devendra Kumar, Head of Digital Channels – Global Transaction Banking at Mashreq Bank; Malaz Mubaid, Chief Executive Officer of Wall Street Exchange; and Sandeep Crasta. The discussion spanned everything from fraud prevention to regulatory compliance, predictive analytics, workflow automation, and customer personalisation. Panelists highlighted how AI enables a more tailored approach to banking — making it possible to anticipate customer needs, detect anomalies, and comply with evolving regulations in real time. A recurring theme throughout the panel was data governance, ensuring that as AI systems become more powerful, their use remains transparent, secure, and fair. The panelists stressed that effective AI must be explainable and auditable, especially in financial services where trust is paramount. They also spoke about the enabling role of national initiatives such as the Jaywan national card scheme and real-time payments platforms, which are pushing the digital transformation agenda across the region. Adding further regional context, Sandeep David Crasta, Head of Sales – Retail Payments, Mena at FSS, contributed valuable insights on how localised AI strategies can drive customer-centric innovation and operational excellence. As the payments ecosystem grows more sophisticated, FSS is investing in modular, secure, and scalable platforms that cater to regional market needs while staying globally competitive. Its AI-enabled solutions are designed not only to increase efficiency but to help banks future-proof their operations in a fast-evolving digital landscape. In a region that is evolving as fast as the jet skis skimming across the Marina waters outside the Grosvenor House, FSS is committed to moving just as quickly ensuring that no institution, business, or consumer is left behind in the digital shift. Through its ongoing commitment to innovation, collaboration, and impact, FSS is not just observing the AI revolution — it is helping to lead it. FSS: A GLOBAL LEADER Financial Software and Systems (FSS) is a global leader in payments technology and transaction processing, offering a comprehensive suite of products and solutions that redefine the payment experience. With a presence in over 25 countries, FSS powers seamless transactions and enhances customer experiences for banks, financial institutions, and fintechs worldwide. The company's offerings include card issuance, merchant acquiring, real-time payments, and reconciliation, secure 3D authentication, and active device monitoring.


Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Khaleej Times
Powering a cashless economy through fintech revolution
In a world rapidly shifting toward digitisation, the UAE has emerged as a regional — and global — trailblazer in the race to build a cashless economy. With an ambitious vision anchored in innovation, the country is redefining the future of finance, commerce, and customer experience. Leading this transformation is Dubai's strategic push to eliminate cash dependency, paving the way for a smarter, faster, and more secure financial ecosystem. At the heart of this evolution is the Dubai Cashless Strategy, a bold initiative launched by Digital Dubai with the goal of ensuring that 90% of all transactions are digital by 2026. This move aligns with Dubai's wider ambition to become one of the top digital cities in the world. By accelerating digital payments and financial innovation, the strategy is expected to inject more than Dh8 billion ($2.17 billion) into the economy annually. AI and machine learning technologies are being integrated into payment systems to enable real-time fraud detection, personalized financial services, and smarter decision-making across financial touchpoints. A Progressive Yet Balanced Ecosystem 'The UAE's digital payment ecosystem in 2025 is both highly progressive and uniquely balanced,' says Hennie Du Plessis, Senior Vice President – Financial Institutions, Middle East & Africa at IDEMIA. Citing findings from IDEMIA Secure Transactions' 2024 global survey on consumer payment trends, he notes that over 50% of UAE residents now regularly opt for cashless transactions. Interestingly, 67% still carry two or more physical cards — an insight that underscores the duality of consumer behaviour in the region. 'This tells us that while the digital infrastructure is accelerating rapidly, consumer trust in physical cards remains deeply rooted,' Du Plessis explains. 'The dual preference reflects a mature ecosystem that seamlessly integrates both digital innovation and physical reliability.' This coexistence of digital and traditional payment methods signals a nuanced and sophisticated market, where consumers are empowered with choice and confidence, and businesses are equipped to meet evolving expectations. At the heart of this transformation lies robust government policy. The UAE's leadership has played an instrumental role in driving the nation towards a cashless economy through strategic frameworks and future-focused initiatives. 'Government policy has been a driving force,' affirms Du Plessis. 'Programmes like the UAE Central Bank's Financial Infrastructure Transformation (FIT) strategy and broader smart government initiatives are setting a foundation for secure, real-time digital transactions.' The FIT programme, in particular, is designed to enhance interoperability, boost financial inclusion, and create an environment conducive to fintech innovation. These efforts ensure that regulatory frameworks evolve in tandem with technological advancements, allowing both consumers and financial institutions to adopt digital solutions with confidence. Key Milestones According to Du Plessis, the nation has already achieved several significant milestones that reflect its digital maturity. 'Key milestones include the rise in contactless payments, mainstream adoption of digital wallets, and the launch of innovative smart cards with state-of-the-art designs — like metal and illuminated cards — and functionalities such as biometric payment options,' he says. Biometric technology, in particular, is emerging as a key enabler of secure, frictionless payments. ' Biometric payments readiness is especially high, with 98% of UAE consumers open to using at least one biometric method to pay, and 69% expressing specific interest in fingerprint-based transactions,' Du Plessis adds. Looking ahead, the next wave of innovation will focus on enhancing payment accessibility and experience. Du Plessis outlines the future roadmap: 'The next steps lie in expanding wearable payment technologies and blockchain-based platforms, while ensuring inclusive access across all age and income segments.' As the market matures, specific innovations within the digital payment space are gaining strong traction. QR code payments and Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services are witnessing rapid adoption, especially in dynamic sectors like e-commerce, food & beverage, and urban mobility. 'The UAE consumers are increasingly opting for frictionless checkouts and contactless retail experiences,' Du Plessis observes. 'This is being enabled through wallet integration, tokenisation, and one-click transactions offered by solutions like Tap To Pay.' An Ecosystem Built on Collaboration Unlike fragmented global markets where banks and fintechs often operate in silos, the UAE has created an environment of strategic cooperation. According to Du Plessis, this synergy is driving the nation's fintech revolution. 'In contrast to more fragmented markets, the UAE's ecosystem is uniquely collaborative,' says Du Plessis. 'Fintechs here benefit from regulatory sandboxes, investor access, and a supportive public sector.' This collaborative environment is compelling traditional banks to modernise and innovate at pace. 'Traditional banks are responding by launching digital-first services, while neobanks and tech players are pushing the boundaries of seamless UX,' he adds. The result is a dynamic, healthy competition where innovation is accelerated — but not at the expense of consumer trust. Security as the Cornerstone of Innovation As digital payments become the norm, security has emerged as the foundation upon which user trust is built. In the UAE, where 84% of residents identify online fraud as a primary concern, financial institutions are doubling down on safeguarding every transaction. 'Security is front and center in every payment conversation,' Du Plessis notes. 'Technologies such as chip-level encryption, tokenization, and biometric authentication are now widely adopted to safeguard transactions end to end.' These advanced security layers not only protect against present-day cyber threats but also ensure that user-facing innovation — like seamless mobile payments or biometric card transactions — is meaningful and reliable. The industry's next major frontier in security lies in anticipating and mitigating the threat of quantum computing. As the potential for cryptographic vulnerabilities grows, financial institutions must adopt next-generation security standards to stay ahead. 'With quantum computing advancing, the threat of cryptographic vulnerabilities is no longer theoretical,' Du Plessis warns. 'This is driving a global shift toward post-quantum cryptographic standards and the deployment of next-generation secure chipsets embedded in cards, devices, and payment terminals.' These emerging technologies are designed to resist future quantum attacks and preserve the integrity of financial transactions well into the future. The UAE, with its progressive policies and appetite for innovation, is in a strong position to lead this transformation. 'We expect post-quantum-ready encryption to become a defining benchmark for compliance, trust, and operational resilience — not only for financial institutions, but across the broader payments and digital identity ecosystem. The future of secure payments will depend on the industry's ability to stay ahead of emerging threats by investing in resilient technologies that ensure transactions remain safe, trusted, and future-ready,' Du Plessis adds. While the UAE is clearly embracing digital payments at an unprecedented scale, the future may not completely eliminate cash. Instead, it will shift to a smart-payment-first economy where cash is relegated to niche or legacy use cases. 'The UAE is clearly on a trajectory toward a predominantly cashless economy, but not necessarily a cash-free one,' says Du Plessis. 'Cash might be reserved for specific use cases, while most transactions will be driven by digital channels — powered by smart cards, wearables, mobile wallets, and embedded payment technologies.' Interestingly, despite the rise of digital wallets and contactless solutions, physical payment cards are expected to maintain — and even increase their relevance. 'Physical payment cards will still play a central role, particularly among premium segments where tangibility and brand experience continue to matter,' Du Plessis adds. Shaping the Future of Financial Intelligence The role of AI and machine learning in banking and payments will evolve from operational support to strategic enablers of hyper-personalisation and proactive security. According to Du Plessis, these technologies will 'drive hyper-personalized banking, fraud detection, and predictive risk analysis.' Consumers can expect AI to not only offer tailored financial products based on real-time behaviors and preferences but also act as a frontline defense against increasingly sophisticated fraud threats. 'Blockchain will streamline everything from real-time cross-border payments to digital identity verification,' Du Plessis explains. Tokenised assets are gaining traction as consumers and businesses look for faster, more transparent ways to manage and transfer value. IDEMIA, for instance, is leading the charge with secure hardware wallets like which empower users to manage crypto assets with enhanced security and user control. As the UAE looks ahead, the convergence of AI, blockchain, and advanced payment infrastructure is setting the stage for a resilient financial ecosystem built on intelligence, speed, and trust. 'These technologies will define a new era of secure, intelligent financial infrastructure in the UAE,' Du Plessis affirms.


Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Khaleej Times
Cybersecurity serves as the backbone of the fintech landscape
Cybersecurity serves as the backbone of the fintech landscape, enabling secure transactions, protecting consumer interests, and ensuring compliance with regulations. As the sector continues to evolve, the integration of cutting-edge cybersecurity strategies will be crucial in sustaining growth and maintaining trust in digital financial services, according to experts. Industry executives and cybersecurity specialists said cybersecurity plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the burgeoning fintech sector, which encompasses a range of technologies transforming financial services, from mobile banking to blockchain and cryptocurrency applications. 'As fintech companies innovate and expand, they become attractive targets for cybercriminals seeking to exploit vulnerabilities for financial gain. Hence, robust cybersecurity measures are essential to prevent disruptions that can result from data breaches, fraud, or system outages,' say the experts. Cyber Resilience Subhalakshmi Ganapathy, Chief IT Security Evangelist at ManageEngine, said cybersecurity is not just a compliance requirement, but the foundation of financial stability in the UAE's rapidly evolving fintech landscape. 'With digital banking and cryptocurrency adoption surging, the attack surface is expanding, making robust security frameworks essential to preventing financial disruptions,' Ganapathy told BTR. Referring to Statista data, she said the UAE's cryptocurrency market is expected to reach 3.78 million users by 2025, with a penetration rate of 39.13%. 'Regulatory initiatives like the Financial Infrastructure Transformation (FIT) programme and Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (Vara) demonstrate the country's commitment to cyber resilience,' she said. However, she said financial institutions must go beyond regulations, proactively addressing threats such as ransomware, supply chain vulnerabilities, and crypto-specific risks. 'Given the UAE's global financial influence, a single cyber incident could have widespread repercussions. I believe public-private partnerships that integrate regulation with technological innovation are key to ensuring cybersecurity remains a business enabler, not an afterthought,' Ganapathy said. Backbone of Trust Ezzeldin Hussein, Regional Senior Director, Solution Engineering, META, SentinelOne, said cybersecurity is the backbone of trust in the UAE's rapidly growing fintech ecosystem, especially with the rise of digital banking and cryptocurrencies. 'As cyber threats become more sophisticated, financial institutions must proactively defend against fraud, data breaches, and ransomware attacks that could disrupt services and erode consumer confidence,' Hussein told BTR. 'Robust security frameworks, including AI-driven threat detection, zero-trust architecture, and blockchain security enhancements, are essential in mitigating risks. Regulatory compliance, such as adherence to UAE Central Bank guidelines and global security standards, also plays a crucial role in ensuring resilience,' he said. Beyond technology, he said continuous cybersecurity awareness among users and financial professionals is vital. 'Attackers often exploit human vulnerabilities, making education and vigilance just as important as technical defenses. Strong cybersecurity measures don't just prevent financial disruptions, but also enable innovation and long-term growth in the UAE's fintech sector by ensuring a secure and resilient digital financial landscape,' Hussein said. Data Protection, Regulatory Compliance Analysts and IT experts opine that cybersecurity facilitates stability in fintech by protecting sensitive financial data. 'Fintech firms handle personal and transactional data, which if compromised, can lead to identity theft, financial losses, and a loss of consumer trust. Implementing encryption, secure authentication protocols, and regular security audits helps protect against unauthorised access and ensures that customer data remains confidential and intact,' says an expert. In addition to protecting data, he said cybersecurity also aids in compliance with regulatory frameworks that govern financial transactions. 'With regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), fintech companies must adhere to strict security guidelines. A strong cybersecurity posture not only helps avoid costly fines but also demonstrates a commitment to consumer protection and ethical business practices.' Furthermore, proactive cybersecurity strategies, including incident response planning and continuous monitoring, are vital in swiftly addressing potential threats and vulnerabilities. 'By investing in cybersecurity technologies and fostering a culture of security awareness among employees, fintech companies can significantly reduce the risk of cyberattacks and subsequent financial disruption,' according to an IT specialist.