Alfa-Bank Takes Centre Stage at FINNOVEX Middle East Chapter 39, Delivering an AI Leadership Keynote and Receiving the AI Leadership Award

Alfa-Bank, the event’s Diamond Sponsor, held a prominent position in the programme. Dmitry Ruzanov, Head of the Model Development Department, FRM, delivered a keynote titled “Governing AI at Scale: The Strategic Blueprint of the Largest Private Bank in Russia”. His keynote address placed the governance of artificial intelligence at the heart of the conversation, reflecting the growing importance of responsible oversight as banks deploy AI across increasingly complex operations.

Alfa-Bank’s participation was further recognised at the FINNOVEX Awards, where it received the AI Leadership Award. The recognition was a highlight of the chapter’s awards programme, celebrating leadership in a field that is reshaping how financial institutions operate and serve their customers.

The discussion continued in the panel “When AI Becomes a Systemic Risk: Is the Always On Bank Ready?”, moderated by Ramkumar Balasubramaniam, CFO MEA at Barclays. The session explored the questions financial institutions face as AI becomes more deeply embedded in banking and the resilience of always-on services becomes increasingly important.

Sardine, a Gold Sponsor of FINNOVEX Middle East, also contributed to the programme. Maryam Saeed, Global Head of Growth, delivered a keynote titled “Fighting the Good Fight: Mankind vs. Machine”, bringing the role of technology and the challenges facing the financial ecosystem into focus.

Across the programme, participants exchanged perspectives on the opportunities and responsibilities that come with financial innovation. The chapter brought industry voices together to consider how institutions can move forward with technology while maintaining the trust and resilience on which financial services depend.