MEED’s CXO Leadership Think Tanks will convene an exclusive gathering of C-suite banking and financial services leaders on 18 June at the One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai. Designed as a closed-door, invite-only forum, this high-level event aims to spark strategic dialogue among key decision-makers and industry advocates.

Held under the Chatham House Rule, the Think Tanks are structured to encourage open, candid discussions around two pressing themes: cybersecurity and operational resilience, and strategic growth amid geopolitical and macro-financial uncertainty.

This inaugural edition highlights the critical role of C-level collaboration in institutional resilience, building stakeholder trust and setting the direction for financial institutions in an increasingly volatile global landscape.

Following the Think Tanks, MEED will host the Mena Banking Excellence – Corporate & Investment Awards ceremony at 6:30 PM, celebrating leadership and innovation across the financial services sector. The evening gathering will recognise outstanding achievements by institutions and individuals shaping the future of banking in the region.

Why attend?

For banks, the Think Tanks represent a high-value, no-cost opportunity to shape the regional conversation on risk, resilience and growth. Participation is by invitation only, enabling attendees to engage with peers at the highest level, contribute strategic insights and influence future directions in regulatory policy and digital transformation.

For technology providers and fintechs, the event offers a unique sponsorship opportunity to position themselves in front of senior decision-makers. Sponsors gain access to intimate roundtable discussions, brand visibility among top-tier banking leaders and curated networking that goes beyond traditional conference formats.

Who will be in the room?

Moderated by Ed James, head of content and analysis at MEED, the forum will bring together chief executives, chief risk officers, chief information security officers, chief operating officers, economists and compliance heads from leading banks and financial institutions in the Middle East and North Africa region.

Confirmed speakers span top leadership roles at major institutions, including:

• Ed James, head of content and analysis, MEED – moderator
• Senior representative, Boston Consulting Group – moderator
• Chief executive officer, ruya
• Chief executive officer, United Bank for Africa Group (DIFC branch)
• Chief executive officer, BNP Paribas
• Chief executive officer, Barclays Private Bank UAE
• Chief executive officer, Axis Bank
• Chief executive officer, National Bank of Fujairah
• Chief operating officer, United Arab Bank
• Chief operating officer, Bank of Singapore (Middle East and DIFC branch)
• Group chief technology officer, Rakbank
• Chief information security officer, Zand Bank
• Chief information security officer, National Bank of Fujairah
• Chief credit officer, ADCB
• Chief risk officer, ADCB
• Group chief risk officer, Qatar National Bank
• Chief compliance officer, Emirates Islamic
• Group chief executive officer, Network International
• Senior representative, Banque Misr
• Chief communications and marketing officer, ADCB
• Acting chief economist and head of research, Emirates NBD
• Senior vice president, innovation and acceleration, Mashreq Wholesale Digital Studio
• Assistant general manager, ICBC Dubai (DIFC)