New Era FinTech Podcast

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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mustafa-zafarullah-b220b536/] , 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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mustafa-zafarullah-b220b536/].

In this episode, I had the pleasure of reconnecting with the brilliant Mr. Ali Hassan Moosa [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-hassan-moosa-085a94b6/], 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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-hassan-moosa-085a94b6/].

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 [https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7345737702174019584/] as a positive example of this. You can read more on Rohit Dhawan's [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodhawan/] post here [https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7345737702174019584/]. (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