Kuwait, 21 September 2019: Gulf Bank is sponsoring the inaugural International Banking Conference “Shaping the Future” organized by the Central Bank of Kuwait and held under the patronage of His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jabir Al-Sabah. The event will take place on Monday, September 23, 2019 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Kuwait City.

Gulf Bank Chairman, Mr. Omar Kutayba Alghanim will participate in the first session of the conference, titled “Global Economy in Retrospect: Emerging Trends and Challenges.” A consortium of economy leaders will join him, including Governor of the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency Dr. Ahmed Al-Khulaifi, and the Governor of the Central Bank of Jordan, Dr. Ziad Fariz. The session will address unconventional monetary policies and the ways in which low interest rates have led to a significant rise in global debt. Topics of discussion also include the impact that factors such as geopolitical challenges, trade disputes, fluctuations in oil prices and currency exchanges, and financial technologies have had on the banking industry. The speakers will also discuss future prospects for the global economy, as well as the tools currently available to take on these future challenges.

The conference will attract a wide range of senior-level participation from among the global and financial industry stakeholders and thought leaders, including ministers and policy makers, governors of central banks, heads of regulatory and supervisory bodies, international organizations, representatives of international standard-setting bodies, international rating agencies, CEOs, other leading industry stakeholders, and representatives of financial technology companies from around the world.

The agenda will tackle the economic and social challenges facing the banking sector and the opportunities and threats posed by technological innovation, laying out a vision for how the industry can thrive and better support sustainable economic development.

In addition to this, a Fintech Exhibition will accompany the conference that will include 40 exhibitors from leading financial Institutions, telecommunications and fintech innovators from the region and internationally.

As a sponsor at the Fintech Exhibition, Gulf Bank will also be showcasing its latest investment and financial service technologies, including Wise, an advisory and portfolio management service for long-term investments. As a financial investment tool, Wise offers users an investment experience that is completely digital, with the ability to register and monitor investments online.

Digital innovation is always at the forefront of Gulf Bank’s service offering, with the Bank launching two new, innovative services this year: Selfpay and E-loan. Selfpay is an easy and convenient way to transfer payments from individuals and groups instantly. Gulf Bank also introduced E-loan, an innovative service that allows customers to seamlessly apply for consumer loans through the app or website.

Gulf Bank’s mobile and online banking services add a new level of daily convenience for Gulf Bank clients, granting them the ability to pay their phone bills and installments anytime, anywhere. Gulf Bank customers can also transfer funds locally and internationally faster and easier than ever. In an effort to further enhance its digital experience, Gulf Bank also makes it possible to purchase e-vouchers, including iTunes and Google Play gift cards, through the app.