Muscat – Organised by The Arabian Stories (TAS), the summit is scheduled to take place on May 27 at the IntercityHotel Muscat, promising to be a pivotal event under the compelling theme, “Sustainability and the Future of Banking”.

BTS 2025 is poised to bring together influential voices from the banking, fintech, and broader technology industries to explore how innovation is fundamentally reshaping financial services. Key topics slated for discussion include the transformative powers of automation, blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, and navigating the complex landscape of regulatory challenges. A significant focus will also be placed on critical issues such as digital security and the resilience of financial infrastructure.

Attendees can look forward to high-level panel discussions that will provide in-depth insights and foster strategic dialogue. A dedicated BTS Exhibition will run concurrently, showcasing cutting-edge technologies and collaborative solutions specifically designed to strengthen Oman’s burgeoning digital financial ecosystem.

The summit has garnered significant industry backing, including an endorsement from Credit Oman. Further support comes from Bank Nizwa and Oman Arab Bank, both serving as Gold Partners, along with Changan as the Automotive Partner, Wadiaa as the Fintech Partner, and Advanced Cybersecurity Academy as the Knowledge Partner.

The agenda for BTS 2025 features a series of insightful sessions:

• Session 1: Future of Technology will kick off with insights from Viktor Larionov, Senior Managing Partner at Introduct Group. Introduct Group, a global technology solutions provider, is set to showcase its expertise in digital transformation, innovation, and customized software development, bringing these critical topics to the forefront of discussions. Larionov’s extensive experience across various technology and financial roles positions him as a leading voice in digital transformation across industries.
• Session 2: Sustainability & Future of Banking will take center stage. Moderated by Paul George, this session will feature a distinguished panel including Hamza Al Lawati, Co-Founder & CEO of Wadiaa; Ammar Askari, Head of Customer Experience & Sustainability at Bank Dhofar; Salman Kabani, Head of Enterprise Risk and Strategy at Bank Nizwa; and a representative from Oman Arab Bank. This session is poised to delve into the pivotal role of technology in empowering financial services, addressing crucial aspects of scalability, sustainability, and innovation within banking, insurance, and investments.
• Session 3: Understanding complexity in cyberspace promises a deep dive into the critical domain of cybersecurity. Moderated by Jaifar Al Mamari, Head of Cybersecurity at Vodafone Oman, the panel will comprise Wail Al Kalbani, Engineer —Technical Standards at the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority; Dr. Nasser Al Azwani, Head of Information Technology at Alizz Islamic Bank; Faisal Al Toubi, Lecturer at Advanced Cybersecurity Academy; and Saeed Al Muselhi, Department Head – Corporate Information Security at Ooredoo Oman. Experts are expected to discuss the current state of cybersecurity in financial services and provide valuable insights into what to anticipate for 2025 and beyond, emphasizing the increasingly strategic role of cybersecurity teams in mitigating business risks and impacts.

A highly anticipated moment of the summit will be the keynote address delivered by Dr. Mohammed Fakhri Suwaileh, Senior Manager of Endowment Investment at Bank Nizwa. With nearly three decades of experience, Dr. Suwaileh is a stalwart of Islamic finance, seamlessly blending rigorous legal scholarship with hands-on banking acumen. He is currently at the forefront of reshaping waqf portfolios to thrive in a digital future, while also advising governments and boards on sustainable, Sharia-aligned growth strategies.

Dr. Suwaileh, who holds a PhD in Private Law with a focus on banking operations, previously headed Sharia Audit at Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, where he established robust governance frameworks and delivered over 28 advanced training programs. His earlier tenure at Jordan Islamic Bank saw him lead investment and finance operations, designing contract structures that became regional benchmarks. Certified as an Islamic banker, compliance officer, Sharia adviser-auditor, and Islamic finance arbitrator, Dr. Suwaileh is also an active thought leader, contributing to prominent forums and councils across the region. His unique fusion of jurisprudence, operational insight, and training flair positions him as a leading voice in Islamic banking and waqf management.

The summit is expected to draw a diverse and influential audience, including CEOs, COOs, CTOs, CIOs, and Managing Directors from leading corporate, fintech, and banking companies, alongside students from Sultan Qaboos University, Modern College of Business and Sciences, and the College of Banking and Financial Studies. All eyes are on BTS 2025 to provide crucial insights and foster collaborations that will shape the future of banking and technology in Oman and beyond.