Dubai, 21 October 2021

In a collaboration aimed at bolstering conversations around a new era in the banking sector in the MENA region, the world’s first digital bank to provide retail and corporate solutions, Zand, will partner with UAE’s most influential leadership platform, the Asian Business Leadership Forum (ABLF).

Since its inception in 2007, the ABLF, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance and Co-existence, and in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Economy, has engaged with global leaders, strategists, investors, and entrepreneurs to foster intra-Asia collaborations through innovative formats. From talk shows, award shows, to virtual and in-person conclaves, and publications.

For the past 12 months, the ABLF has been hosting the ABLF Talks Virtual Conclaves at its cutting-edge virtual venue, the ABLF City, bringing together over 100 top global leaders in discussions around leadership challenges, financial inclusion, innovation, and disruption. These powerful dialogues will now move to a hybrid format at the Dubai Cares Pavilion - Expo 2020 Dubai, attracting an elite in-person audience and over 30,000 virtual attendees.

As it heralds a new period of dynamic, human-centric banking solutions, products, and processes, Zand joins ABLF to lead the conversation on the transformation of the financial services industry.

Subject to final regulatory approvals from the Central Bank of UAE, Zand is set to be a digital accelerator of change, empowering the local community, and advancing the country’s digital capabilities.

Zand’s Co-founder & CEO, Olivier Crespin, said, “We’re emerging from an unprecedented situation that requires us to be bold, to challenge the status quo and find innovative ways to solve real problems. People are looking for products and services to simplify their lives and businesses. They demand and deserve relevant, intuitive, and easy solutions – real game-changers.’’

"It is for this reason that we are designing a simple and transparent banking experience fit for the digital age, to meet the evolving financial needs of individuals and corporates alike. Building a vibrant ecosystem of partners and communities is how we ensure that our customers benefit from much-needed transparency, control and access," added Olivier Crespin.

Speaking on the collaboration, Malini Menon, President of the ABLF Executive Council, said, “The participation of Zand at the ABLF is a step in the right direction towards increasing financial inclusivity in the region. It also marks the beginning of futuristic, simplified, innovative and inclusive banking solutions for all. This dynamic partnership is poised to infuse the ongoing Asian leadership dialogues at the ABLF Talks with great new perspectives and fresh optimism.”

Olivier Crespin also highlighted the need to build a community and an ecosystem where individuals and corporates can thrive. “Our business model stems from our aspiration to leverage a robust network of local and international partners to benefit our customers. Our partnership with ABLF is based on our shared belief that a sustainable ecosystem can only be realised through innovation and collaboration,” he added.

The first ABLF Talks Hybrid at the Expo 2020 Dubai will be held on October 25, 2021.