MUSCAT : Powered by BankDhofar, the session featured Gina Peterson-Skyrme, Country Manager for UAE & Oman at Mastercard; Amit Kapoor, Head of Private Banking at BankDhofar; and Pradeep Reddy, Head of Business Consulting Group, Middle East at Infosys Finacle. The discussion was moderated by Said Al Busaidi, Head of Marketing & Corporate Communications at BankDhofar.

Oman’s banking landscape is rapidly evolving in line with Vision 2040, driven by technology and shifting consumer expectations. The panelists examined how banks are moving beyond traditional models to embrace smarter, more inclusive financial services.

Gina Peterson-Skyrme highlighted the growing importance of agentic commerce, saying, “It is an interesting trend that helps the economy be ready for the future.” She described tokenisation as a significant part of Mastercard’s business, one that profoundly impacts consumer experience. She also emphasised the need to rethink marketing and prepare technology infrastructure to support new transaction models.

Pradeep Reddy stressed that digital transformation should focus on redefining customer experience rather than just upgrading systems. “Scaling customer centricity is the focus today,” he said, pointing out that data has become the foundational pyramid. “Leveraging AI allows us to shift from reactive to proactive engagement,” he added.

Reddy also discussed the evolution of digital engagement frameworks, observing that today’s customer interactions extend seamlessly across multiple platforms and touchpoints.

Amit Kapoor addressed the unique demands of private banking in Oman and the GCC, noting the need to balance personalised service with technological innovation. “A trillion dollars of wealth will soon transfer from older to younger generations, who have different spending habits. Our goal is to serve as the local window to global opportunities, helping clients preserve their legacy while enjoying life,” he said.

Moderator Said Al Busaidi guided the conversation, highlighting the critical role of digital transformation and collaboration in advancing Oman’s financial sector.

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