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Expert insights
Gain firsthand knowledge from industry leaders on navigating challenges and seizing opportunities in the evolving financial landscape.
30thConnected Banking Summit
Innovation & Excellence Awards 2026
Evolving financial services through digital infrastructure and next level banking innovation in the GCC.
30th
Edition
21st
November
Building the foundation
Connected Banking Riyadh
Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of one of the world’s most ambitious financial transformation programmes. Anchored by Vision 2030, the Kingdom is rapidly advancing cloud-native banking infrastructure, real time payments interoperability, open banking frameworks, AI powered cybersecurity systems and digital identity modernisation.
Driven by regulatory clarity and national scale digital infrastructure investments, Saudi Arabia has moved beyond digitisation toward intelligent, interoperable and resilient financial ecosystems.
The opening of the financial sector to new players, the expansion of fintech innovation, regulatory reforms and increasing digital adoption are creating significant opportunities for banks, regulators, technology providers and investors.
The 30th Connected Banking Summit Innovation & Excellence Awards 2026 brings together senior banking leaders, regulators, fintech innovators, technology partners and policymakers to discuss the next phase of banking modernisation across the GCC.
For sponsors
30th edition of the premier banking summit
A not to be missed gathering for experts, business leaders and practitioners from the BFSI fraternity convened to discuss practical, cost-effective paths to digital banking at national scale.
What’s in store
Four rooms. One conversation.
Connected Banking is the premier event for industry professionals seeking to stay ahead of the curve. This edition focuses on the trends, strategies and technologies driving the banking industry forward with the knowledge, tools and relationships needed to navigate today’s financial landscape.
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Strategic networking
Connect with C-suite executives, innovators and thought leaders to forge relationships that shorten the distance between introduction and mandate.
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Innovative solutions
Encounter the latest technological advancements and services that could reshape your operational and strategic capabilities.
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Future trends
Stay ahead of the curve with insights into the next generation of banking technology and financial services innovation.
Key focus
Where the conversation is going
Real Time Payments & Cross Border Integration
Cybersecurity, Fraud & Digital Trust Architecture
Cloud Native Core Banking Modernisation
Digital Identity & National Trust Frameworks
Open Banking & API Ecosystem Execution
AI & Automation in Banking Operations
SME & Corporate Banking Modernisation
Embedded Finance & Merchant Ecosystems
Treasury, Liquidity & Risk Optimisation
ESG & Sustainable Finance Alignment
For updates on the agenda and speaking slots, register now.
Key market signals
Transformational framework
The Kingdom’s financial architecture is being rewritten in public regulation, rails and capital moving in the same direction.
- Open Banking implementation under SAMA supervision is accelerating API driven ecosystem collaboration across the Kingdom.
- Real-time payments infrastructure expansion through mada & SARIE is strengthening digital transaction velocity across retail and corporate segments.
- Digital banking licensing and virtual bank entry are redefining competition and customer experience standards in the GCC.
- Vision 2030 financial sector objectives are aligning regulatory, banking and fintech priorities toward sustainable economic diversification.
- Cybersecurity, fraud prevention and digital trust are becoming board level strategic priorities across GCC financial institutions.
- AI driven risk analytics and embedded finance models are reshaping service delivery across retail, SME and institutional banking.
1Successful editions
250Curated delegates
390Media features
40+Visionary speakers
480Networking hours
10Premium partners
45Exhibitors
350Companies represented
18Countries participated
500Registrations
14Sessions delivered
30thEdition of the series
The invitation
This is where the GCC’s financial conversation concentrates.
Unlock the future of banking at the Connected Banking Summit Series. Connect with visionary leaders, industry experts and innovators shaping the banking and financial landscape your gateway to technology, insight and solutions designed to propel your institution forward.
Seize unparalleled opportunities to network with key decision makers, discover industry leading innovations and gain actionable strategies to stay ahead of the competition.
Saudi Arabia is rising as a financial powerhouse be part of the movement.
Register
30th Edition
Speakers
Leaders confirmed for Connected Banking Summit Saudi Arabia 2026 from SAMA and the Kingdom’s banks to technology and cybersecurity practitioners shaping the programme.
Series speakers
Voices shaping the room
Senior leaders from ministries, banks, regulators and technology houses who have taken the Connected Banking stage across the Kingdom and the series.
In the news
The story so far
Event recap
Now available
Featured story · November 2025
Transforming the future of finance: Connected Banking Summit Saudi Arabia 2025
Read the complete event recap featuring keynote speakers, award winners, photo gallery, and insights from the premier banking summit in the Kingdom.
Read full recap
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Media partners
Partnership
Series partners & sponsors
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Visual highlights
From previous editions
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Request a place in the room
For speaking, sponsorship, attending or exhibiting, complete the form below. A member of the ICSA team will be in touch.