Nucleus Synapse 2025, Middle East Edition – Charting the Future: Human-AI Alliance in Banking

A Grand Opening with Culture and Insight

The event began with a captivating Tanoura performance, a swirling spectacle of color and tradition that symbolized the fusion of legacy and modernity—a fitting metaphor for the transformation underway in banking.

Setting the tone for the day, Mr. Vishnu R. Dusad, Managing Director & Co-founder of Nucleus Software, delivered a stirring welcome that resonated with optimism and intent:
“At Nucleus, we are committed to building solutions that are not just future-ready, but future-defining. The Middle East is leading this transformation—bold, visionary, and driven by clear ambition. We are proud to contribute to this journey.”

This was followed by a keynote address from the Chief Guest, Mr. Jamal Saleh, Director General of the UAE Banks Federation. Mr. Saleh shared a compelling vision of the UAE’s evolving financial landscape, emphasizing the strategic and ethical adoption of AI technologies. He underlined the Federation’s role in fostering innovation, building resilient digital infrastructure, and shaping a progressive regulatory environment to support future-ready banking.

Business Leadership Panel: Seizing the AI Moment

Moderated by Anshul Khare, Director – Products & Business Solutions, Nucleus Software, the business panel focused on “Opportunities for Growth in the Human-AI Alliance.” With the rapid emergence of intelligent automation, the panelists explored how banks can tap into AI not just for efficiency, but for deeper customer engagement and sustainable growth.

Panelists included:

• Shoaib Rizvi, SVP, Group Head of Digital Products, Emirates NBD – who highlighted Emirates NBD’s vision for AI-driven hyper-personalization in digital banking.
• Sudarshan Seshadri, Head of Retail Banking, National Bank of Umm Al Qaiwain – who shared his views on how AI is reshaping customer experience in retail banking.
• Ahmed Esmat Mourad, COO, Astratech – who spoke about the integration of fintech and AI to build scalable, human-centric platforms.
• Suvo Sarkar, Senior Ex-Banker & Host, Money Majlis – who brought a unique lens of regional transformation and the customer trust imperative in AI adoption.

The discussion underscored the need to balance innovation with governance, and the competitive edge that awaits those ready to act boldly and early.

Technology Panel: First-Mover Advantage in AI Development

The technology panel, moderated by Mohamed Roshdy, CIO, Reem Finance, tackled the core theme of “Leveraging Early-Mover Advantage in AI.” The panel featured dynamic perspectives on infrastructure readiness, data strategy, and ethical deployment.

Panelists included:

• Nitin Bhargava, COO, Al Masraf Bank – who emphasized operational excellence and trust as AI pillars in banking.
• Fozi Sultan, CTO, Deem Finance – who discussed the design and deployment of AI at scale with security and flexibility at its core.
• Shino Thomas, Head of Technology Operations, mBank – who shared insights into agile tech operations and readiness for AI integration across digital platforms.

Together, the panel outlined a clear path for tech-first institutions to lead responsibly in the AI race, while being mindful of customer impact and ecosystem alignment.

Fireside Chat: Navigating the Human-AI Interface

One of the most compelling moments of the day was the Fireside Chat between Ashwani Arora, Global Head – Customer Success, Nucleus Software, and Chris Taylor, CEO, Deem Finance. The conversation explored the philosophical and practical implications of AI in finance—from personalized services and decisioning engines to the leadership mindset required to drive intelligent transformation. Chris offered reflections on the cultural shift within organizations embracing AI and the critical role of cross-functional collaboration.

Closing on a High Note: Music, Gratitude & Celebration

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the event transitioned into an elegant evening affair. Guests were welcomed with soft, soothing melodies from a live harpist in the foyer, setting the tone for a relaxing evening of cocktails and dinner.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Parag Bhise, CEO and Executive Director of Nucleus Software, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all the participants: “We are grateful to each voice and vision that made Nucleus Synapse 2025 an inspiring milestone. Together, we are building a future where human brilliance and artificial intelligence move forward hand-in-hand—with purpose, precision, and passion.”

The evening ended on a rhythmic note with a graceful wing dance performance, symbolizing freedom, imagination, and the limitless possibilities of the future.

Looking Ahead: The Road Beyond Dubai

Nucleus Synapse 2025 – Middle East Edition was more than just a gathering; it was the articulation of a shared vision for the future of banking—powered by the alliance of human ingenuity and AI intelligence. The event catalyzed conversations that will echo across boardrooms and innovation labs alike. As we look ahead, one thing is certain: the institutions that embrace this symbiosis today will be the ones shaping financial excellence tomorrow.