Nucleus Synapse 2025 Ignites The Human-ai Alliance As The Middle East Leads The Charge In Ai-powered Banking
The Middle East isnt just adopting digital transformation-its engineering the future of banking with bold leadership, smart regulation, and rapid AI investment. It is in this spirit of transformation that Nucleus Software convened Synapse 2025 - Middle East , held at the iconic Taj Exotic Resorts, The Palm, Dubai , uniting visionary banking leaders, technologists, and innovators to shape the Human-AI Alliance. More than just a gathering, Synapse 2025 was a catalyst for dialogue, strategy, and co-creation-anchored in the belief that the fusion of human insight and AI is the foundation of next-generation finance.
Mr. Vishnu R. Dusad, Managing Director Co-founder of Nucleus Software, opened the event with an inspiring address that beautifully captured the spirit of the gathering-a celebration of enduring partnerships, innovation, and shared aspirations. With heartfelt reflections on Nucleus Softwares journey and a forward-looking vision rooted in technological purpose and human-centric progress, his words set a thoughtful and energizing tone for the day, reminding everyone of the power of collaboration in shaping the future of banking. At Nucleus, we are committed to building solutions that are not just future-ready but future-defining, he shared. The Middle East is leading this transformation-bold, visionary, and driven by clear ambition. We are honoured to contribute to this journey.
A compelling keynote was delivered by Mr. Jamal Saleh , Director General of the UAE Banks Federation UBF, whose address illuminated the UAEs transformative journey in digital finance. Highlighting the expansion of UBF from 46 to 62 member banks-now representing nearly the entire balance sheet of the UAE banking sector-Mr. Saleh reaffirmed the Federations leadership in driving regulatory innovation and AI adoption. Citing over 40 nationwide banking transformation initiatives inspired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoums mobile-first government vision, Mr. Saleh underscored that AI is no longer a buzzword-it is becoming the bloodstream of modern banking. He emphasized the essential role of cybersecurity, trusted regulations, and human oversight in this evolution, and projected with confidence that the UAE would exceed its goal of doubling the digital economys GDP contribution by 2030-with partners like Nucleus Software playing a crucial role.
The days dialogue was further enriched by two dynamic panel discussions. In the business-focused session, thought leaders Shoaib Rizvi SVP, Group Head of Digital Products, Emirates NBD, Sudarshan Seshadri Head of Retail Banking, National Bank of Umm Al Qaiwain , Ahmed Mourad COO, Astratech, and Suvo Sarkar Banking Industry Leader Host of Money Majlis explored how human insight, powered by AI, is transforming the very fabric of banking. Customer centricity is no longer optional-its programmable, said Rizvi, while Seshadri noted that AI is our co-pilot, not our competitor. Moderated by Anshul Khare , Director, Products Business Solutions at Nucleus Software, the panel emphasized that trust, agility, and hyper-personalization are central to next-generation growth.
In the technology dialogue, leaders Nitin Bhargava COO, Al Masraf Bank, Fozi Sultan Head of IT Projects, Deem Finance, and Shino Thomas Head of Technology Operations, mBank, offered deep insights into how AI-native infrastructure is being engineered today to enable scale and speed. From real-time intelligence to modular, cloud-first platforms, the panel, steered by Mohamed Roshdy CIO, Reem Finance, affirmed that the early-mover advantage in AI development lies in bold execution and a clear architectural vision.