In this episode, I'm exploring the capabilities of ChatGPT's Agent tool, demonstrating its ability to manage rather simple tasks such as accepting LinkedIn requests. I wanted to record the capability -- as it is today -- for posterity. As they say, this is the 'worst' that the technology will be -- it should, theoretically, always be improving.

So what's it like? How good is it? Watch along. I'll show you how it moves the cursor around its screen, navigating and completing (ultra simple!) tasks on my behalf.

Then I briefly discuss the implications of this kind of technology for businesses and workers. You might want to watch this one on Spotify if you'd like to see the screenshare -- otherwise, I do my best to narrate what I'm seeing!

In this episode, I recently sat down with my former colleague Mustafa Zafarullah , to explore the evolving world of wholesale and digital banking in Oman and the wider GCC.

Mustafa has 20+ years of banking experience across conventional and Islamic finance. He shares fascinating insights into how corporates are demanding greater autonomy through API banking, self-administration, and real-time reconciliation.

We discuss the growing role of FinTech partnerships, the challenges banks face balancing innovation with cost (or the famous 'ROI' phrase!) and why hyper-personalisation will be key for digital banks.

Mustafa also offers advice for those looking to enter the sector, his thoughts on AI’s potential in wholesale banking and even some travel tips for anyone considering a visit to Muscat/Oman!

Thank you for taking the time, Mustafa! You can connect and find out more about Mustafa via his LinkedIn profile.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of reconnecting with the brilliant Mr. Ali Hassan Moosa, one of the most experienced and thoughtful voices in Oman’s banking and fintech sector. We explored the evolution of digital banking in Oman over the last decade, from legacy system upgrades to the recent launch of a forward-thinking digital banking regulatory framework.

Mr. Ali shared insights from his time leading the Oman Banks Association, reflecting on the challenge of uniting competitive banks around shared goals like financial inclusion, digital literacy, and sector-wide modernisation.

We discussed the rapid rise of electronic payments (boosted by COVID) and the enthusiastic adoption of services like Apple Pay and Google Pay by Oman’s young population.

We also covered the country’s FinTech landscape: The cautious but growing collaboration between banks and fintechs, the potential of crowdfunding, and the role of regulators in encouraging innovation.

Ali offered practical advice for international FinTechs eyeing Oman, and we ended with a warm invitation to experience Oman’s unmatched natural beauty and hospitality (ideally in the cooler months!)

As always, it was a privilege to learn from someone who’s helped shape the sector and who continues to guide the next generation as an advisor, educator, and champion for progress.

As mentioned in the episode, you can reach out to Mr Ali directly via his LinkedIn.

In this episode, I explore the complexities around who truly owns AI within a bank. I talk about the strategic and operational ambiguity that often gets in the way of successful implementation, and why moving from Proof-of-Concept ("PoC") to production is such a challenge.

I examine the roles of different teams across the organisation, the political dynamics that can slow progress, and the vital importance of senior leadership stepping up to take real ownership.

I also highlight the risks of leaving things vague and the need for a clear, structured approach to deploying AI across the financial sector.

In this episode I'm tackling the critical need for banks to focus on learning about AI rather than rushing into Proof-of-Concepts and implementations.

I take a look at the macro current state of AI in financial institutions, highlighting that while there are some outliers, the majority are not actively utilising AI technologies in any compelling manner beyond "a bit of Microsoft Copilot".

I also discuss the importance of building a foundational understanding of AI across all levels of an organisation - and I point to the Lloyds Bank Data & AI Summer School initiative as a positive example of this. You can read more on Rohit Dhawan's post here. (Rohit is the Group Head of AI at Lloyds).

In summary, I think the best approach -- right now -- is to try and encourage a culture of curiosity and continuous learning amongst your colleagues.

Chapters

• 00:00 The Urgency of Learning AI in Banking
• 02:36 Understanding the AI Landscape in Financial Institutions
• 05:34 The Importance of AI Literacy
• 08:16 Challenges with Proof of Concepts
• 10:10 Building a Culture of Curiosity and Learning
• 12:58 Case Study: Lloyds Bank's Summer School Initiative
• 15:45 Encouraging Engagement in Learning Initiatives

In this episode, I'm discussing the importance of learning when it comes to AI. Learning for board members, executives, team leaders and employees.

Only when you've got a basic grasp on what the current range of technology can do, are you in the best position to decide how to move forward.

Too many financial service organisations I see have pulled the trigger out of hope -- and ended up spending a lot of money for very little tangible outcomes.

Playing, testing, learning, these are seriously important in today's environment.

Have a listen and see what you make of it.

And if you need any help with learning and executive education, drop me a note: I'm ewan@ned.partners.

Takeaways

• AI strategies in banks often rely on simple solutions like Microsoft Co-Pilot.
• Many executives are unaware of the actual AI capabilities in their organisations.
• Proof of concepts (POCs) are essential but can easily lead to failures.
• Learning about AI should be a priority for executives and teams.
• Understanding the basics of AI can help demystify the technology.
• Generative AI is not (yet!) a superhuman solution but a set of procedures.
• Automation can significantly reduce the time spent on laborious tasks.
• Structured learning combined with practical application is key to success.
• Curiosity about technology can lead to innovative solutions.
• Organisations should not be embarrassed to focus on learning about AI.

Chapters

• 00:00 The AI Landscape in Financial Services
• 02:45 Understanding AI Implementation Challenges
• 05:32 The Importance of Learning in AI
• 08:16 Navigating Proof of Concepts
• 11:02 Structured Learning and Curiosity in AI
• 13:34 Practical Applications and Future of AI

Here's a quick episode focusing on a quick experience I had this morning with Google's Gemini AI -- suffice to say, I don't think it met my expectations!

In this episode, I meet Sal Ghaznavi, an executive with 18 years of cross-sectoral work experience, spanning across the UAE, Ireland, Bermuda, and Pakistan, with experience working within FinTech and tech startups.

Sal has held key finance and commercial leadership positions at Careem (Uber) - the Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan’s first and largest unicorn, operating in the ride-hailing, food and grocery delivery, and digital payments space.

Sal shares valuable insights into the business environment and opportunities in the Middle East, particularly in the UAE. He highlights the region's high smartphone and internet penetration rates, the approachable regulators, and the government's focus on making the UAE a leader in various industries. Sal also discusses the safety and security of living in the UAE, the cost of living, and the growth potential for businesses.

He advises individuals interested in working in the UAE to network, conduct thorough research, and understand the cultural dynamics of the region.

For FinTech companies looking to expand into the UAE, Sal emphasises the importance of having 'boots on the ground', building relationships, and understanding the regulatory landscape.

You can find out more and connect with Sal via his LinkedIn profile.

Takeaways

• The UAE offers tremendous growth opportunities for businesses, with a welcoming and approachable regulatory environment.

• The region has high smartphone and internet penetration rates, making it conducive for internet-based companies.

• Living in the UAE is safe and secure, with a diverse and multicultural environment.

• For individuals interested in working in the UAE, it is important to network, do thorough research, and understand the cultural dynamics of the region.

• Fintech companies looking to expand into the UAE should have boots on the ground, build relationships, and understand the regulatory landscape.

Chapters

• 00:00 Remote Recording and Audio Quality
• 01:49 Sal's Background and Experience in the Middle East and Europe
• 04:46 Tech Startups and Super Apps in the Middle East
• 09:42 Living in the UAE: Safety, Diversity, and Growth Opportunities
• 14:18 The Cost of Living in Dubai
• 18:25 Finding Job Opportunities in the UAE
• 20:46 Advice for Moving to the UAE
• 24:28 Expanding Fintech into the GCC Market
• 28:48 Approaching the GCC Market as a Supplier or Vendor
• 31:53 Sal Ghaznavi's Move to London and Opportunities in the Fintech Industry
• 32:35 Contacting Sal Ghaznavi on LinkedIn

Keywords

UAE, Careem, Uber, Middle East, Europe, business expansion, fintech, opportunities, safety, security, cost of living, growth potential, networking, relationships, regulatory landscape