Chief Future Officer

Where do you see the future of finance headed in the Middle East in the next 5 years?‍

I see the future of finance in the Middle East being dominated by AI and digitalization. As businesses grow, the focus will increasingly be on how we can leverage systems to handle more of the workload, rather than simply hiring more people. This will involve a significant shift towards automating as much of the finance function as possible, which I think will not only streamline operations but also make many traditional finance roles, particularly those centered around data entry, redundant. The goal is to redeploy human capital to more strategic, value-added activities.

‍Ever since AI has been introduced to the finance function, how do you think it has impacted finance professionals?

The introduction of AI into the finance function has definitely been a double-edged sword. On one hand, it's exciting because it allows us to automate mundane tasks and focus on more complex and value-adding activities. On the other hand, it has caused quite a bit of anxiety among finance professionals around the fear of job loss. In larger organizations, there's also some resistance from management who are hesitant to reduce or reallocate their teams. However, embracing AI and automation is crucial. It doesn't necessarily mean job losses but rather, enhancing our roles to make them more meaningful and impactful.

‍With AI and digital transformation being in the picture, what sort of challenges do you see the finance function facing in the Middle East?

One of the biggest challenges we face with the ongoing digitalization and integration of AI within finance is building trust in these new systems. Many finance professionals, including myself, are used to performing numerous checks and balances because we are skeptical of the data accuracy from automated processes. The key challenge will be ensuring that the outputs from AI and digital tools are reliable and trustworthy. Once we can establish that trust, I believe we'll see much broader acceptance and a smoother transition to these advanced systems.

‍Bio

James is a CIMA qualified senior finance professional with over 18 years of experience, specializing as a fractional CFO in the Middle East. His background includes significant roles in global MNC and entrepreneurial ventures, where he has excelled in driving financial performance and supporting strategic decision-making. His expertise in both established and developing markets makes him a pivotal asset to companies looking to innovate and adapt in rapidly changing economic landscapes.

What excites you the most about your role as a COO?‍

What really excites me about my role is seeing how we can scale and automate things. Being involved in finance while also integrating technology—seeing how we can match up or even outdo what’s happening in the West—that’s fascinating to me.

‍How well do you think Finance has adopted AI compared to other business functions?‍

Honestly, finance hasn’t jumped into AI as much as other areas might have, especially here in the UAE. We're a bit behind because we don’t have things like open banking yet. It's not just about being cautious—it's also about not having the tools and systems in place that would make AI really useful for us yet.

‍What advice would you give to the future leaders in Finance?‍

I’d say the key thing is being resourceful. Don’t worry too much about specific qualifications—focus on being able to handle various tasks. You’ve got to be adaptable because the field is blending more with tech every day. It’s about more than just finance; it’s about managing a mix of different skills.

‍What do you think is going to be the future of finance in the Middle East in the next five to ten years?‍

Looking ahead, I see a lot of changes coming, especially with things like open banking on the horizon. We're going to see a lot of new players entering the market, which will shake things up and increase competition. This should really push the quality and variety of financial services. We’re also likely to see banks starting to innovate more or even creating new brands to stay competitive.

Bio

Raj Karwal is a multi-disciplinary leader with over 23 years of expertise in product management, architecture, and technology development. He currently serves as the COO at Strive, a UAE-based corporate service provider.
Specialising in web and mobile applications, UI/UX, and dev ops, Raj skillfully connects business strategies with solid technological solutions. He has a strong track record in sectors such as e-commerce, marketplaces, and social networking, leveraging advanced tech stacks like AWS, Azure, and React. At Strive, Raj leads initiatives to automate and scale financial operations, enhancing the company's service offerings for international clients entering the Middle Eastern market. His leadership extends to managing diverse software teams, and nurturing a culture of innovation and efficiency.

According to you, what makes a successful CFO?

‍I believe that a successful CFO is a "business CFO." This role involves more than just crunching numbers; it requires a deep understanding of every aspect of the business.

A business CFO thoroughly explores the different nuances of a company. For example, in manufacturing, he doesn't take on the role of a production manager; in retail, he doesn't simply chase after sales orders. Instead, he examines all these functions from a financial and commercial perspective. By doing this, he can visit a manufacturing shop floor not to interfere with the production process but to better understand how it operates. 

This multidimensional approach enhances the CFO's effectiveness and ensures that the entire organisation benefits from a more comprehensive view of its operations. This, in turn, leads to smarter, more strategic decision-making across the board.

What does working with family groups entail, and could you elaborate on that?‍

I'll be specific to the UAE context. Here, family groups could include a combination of family members like parents, siblings and children. Families operate in their ways; sometimes, their decisions can be eccentric and change unexpectedly.

I describe family groups as exciting, challenging, rewarding, and innovative. They are primarily focused on results rather than elaborate presentations or optics. Now, as simple as it sounds, it is not that simple.

In family groups, each member may have contributed to the business, and as a CFO, I must respect that. I'm a technocrat at the end of the day. They are the owners. They have every right to decide where they want to take the business, which presents a challenge for every CFO. The key is to find the right solutions while listening to their perspectives. The most important challenge is to how do you influence them. How do you convince them?  How do you get the job done? And that needs a lot of skill set.

‍How do you deal effectively with board ownership and decisive wins?

Here's what I will suggest to all who want to deal with the board and make their point successful. First, you must recognise that they are the family owners. They are the owners because they deserve this, and you have to respect what they have earned so far.

One challenge we face as CFOs is believing that our professional perspective is the only one that matters, leading to a mindset of "my way or the highway." However, my focus is on finding solutions. At the end of the day, it's not just about you or me; it's about the journey and achieving the best results. There is simply no room for ego. You have to adjust your communication style to that of a listener. 

For instance, I have never worked in sales before but have dealt with sales teams on multiple occasions and learned the importance of adapting my communication style. Instead of talking to people in my way, I needed to speak in a way they understood—essentially, to speak their language. If I didn’t do that, my message wouldn’t get through, and my point would not even go across. For that to happen, one of the things you have to do is keep your ego out of the window. If one can imbibe these things, half the battle is won. 

‍What is your view as a CFO on the recent trends of technology, digital transformation, and AI in finance?‍

Since COVID, digital transformation in finance has become more important, but I’m a bit cautious about it compared to the current excitement. 

I focus on cash flow and profitability rather than jumping into full digital changes. I've been part of three ERP implementations—two worked well, and one didn’t. These experiences showed me that transformations need careful planning and significant investment. It’s not just about new software but a complete strategy involving everyone. You need clear goals, strong support from leadership, and teamwork. Ultimately, success in digital transformation hinges on aligning new technology with core business goals.

Bio‍

Anand Soni is a seasoned CFO with three decades of experience in finance, primarily in family-owned businesses across the UAE and the Middle East. As a certified CPA and CA, he has managed finance functions in diverse industries, including real estate, construction, logistics, services, retail, manufacturing, and contracting, with a strong focus on cash flow management and profitability. He is known for his collaborative approach and excellent stakeholder management.

He is the Group CFO of Gulf Land Property Developers and is based in Dubai. Outside his CFO role, Anand shares his knowledge and experience through writing and speaking at industry events. He enjoys mentoring finance professionals and addressing the challenges CFOs face in family businesses in the UAE and the Middle East.

What upcoming technologies are likely to be more prevalent in the finance industry?

‍Advancements in technology, especially AI, will heavily influence the future of finance. AI will be significant in providing personalised financial advice and optimising wealth management processes. Additionally, the integration of open banking and digital-first solutions will make financial services more efficient, transparent, and client-centric. While there will be regulatory and data protection challenges, the overall goal is to create a more innovative and client-focused financial ecosystem. ‍

‍What is one big area where you find AI to be particularly beneficial? 

One major benefit of using AI is its ability to provide highly personalised financial advice by analysing vast amounts of client data.

At Vault, we're developing an AI module integrated with OpenAI's technology to provide personalised financial recommendations. By leveraging extensive client data, such as assets, income, and expenses, our AI will act as a co-pilot alongside our wealth advisors. This AI will help tailor specific advice and suggestions that closely align with individual needs and goals, making financial planning more accurate and effective.

However, it's crucial to ensure regulatory compliance and data protection. While there are challenges, particularly in gaining client trust and regulatory approval, I see AI playing a significant role in the future of financial services.

‍Talking about automation, can you share an example of automation being used at Vault?‍

At Vault, we’ve automated compliance by leveraging our engineering team's capabilities.

We've developed systems that can onboard clients and provide risk ratings within seconds, which used to take hours. This is achieved through API integrations that streamline various compliance checks and ensure that our processes are both efficient and compliant with regulatory standards. This automation significantly reduces the time and resources needed for compliance, allowing us to focus more on serving our clients effectively.

‍Bio

Sami Abdul Hadi is a leader in fintech and wealth management. He began his career at Standard Chartered Bank in Hong Kong, and later worked at Deloitte and HSBC in the UAE, where he gained valuable experience in the financial industry.

Sami co-founded Vault to create a transparent, digital-first wealth management platform. Drawing on his enthusiasm for technology, he successfully built a tech-focused team that drove Vault’s growth in the affluent market segment.

At Vault, Sami leads investment strategies, marketing, and sales, using AI to improve financial advisement. He also plans to launch Vault Academy to educate future wealth managers.

Where do you see the future of finance headed in the Middle East in the next 5 years?‍

I believe the finance sector in the Middle East, particularly in the UAE, is moving towards smarter, more intelligent solutions. The UAE will continue to solidify its role as a major financial hub, with an emphasis on simplifying banking and financing processes. This advancement towards easier access to funds, powered by technological innovation, is a trend I see persisting.

‍Ever since AI has been introduced to the finance function, how do you think it has impacted finance professionals?

AI, in my view, is an essential tool that has reshaped the finance sector, but it's critical to remember it doesn't replace the human element. While AI offers potential for efficiency and innovation, the sector's shift towards stringent KYC and anti-money laundering measures has highlighted a gap in customer service. It's a reminder that technology should augment, not overshadow, the personal touch in financial services.

‍With AI and digital transformation being in the picture, what sort of challenges do you see  the finance function facing in the Middle East?

The introduction of AI and digital transformation brings forth challenges, particularly in maintaining a balance between technology and human interaction. The current struggle lies in ensuring that, despite the efficiencies gained through AI, the finance sector does not lose sight of the importance of understanding and connecting with customers on a personal level. The frustrations around the impersonal nature of digital banking and the inefficiencies of the KYC process underscore the need for a more nuanced approach where technology serves to enhance, not replace, human relationships in finance.

‍Bio

Mark Trotter is the Founder & the Managing Director at Unified Aviation, a key player in Dubai's Urban Air Mobility sector. With more than 20 years of experience in aviation and finance across the Middle East, his career has spanned significant roles, contributing to strategic planning and business development in the aerospace industry. At Unified Aviation, his leadership & strategic insights have been vital in driving growth and innovation within the organization.

How do you manage the financial challenges of a fast-growing business such as Holo, particularly those related to cash flow, budgeting, and expense management?

‍It's been a remarkable year with our business growing each month. While this excites everyone in the company, it presents unique challenges for the finance function. The rapid growth means traditional annual or even quarterly budgets aren't practical for us at this stage.

Our primary challenge is maintaining financial flexibility. We need to constantly review and reassess our spending, identifying areas that are working well and where we need to increase investment. The speed of decision-making and execution is crucial for us in this environment. It also means we have to be highly adaptable and continuously evaluate our financial strategies to keep pace with our growth rate. 

How do you see AI and digital transformation impacting the future of the finance industry?

I'm not overly bullish on AI in its current state, viewing it more as infrastructure with potential for the future. It can sometimes be overused as a buzzword in pitch decks. However, I see value in specific, targeted AI applications rather than broad-spectrum AI like ChatGPT.

AI is still in its infancy, and globally, we're figuring out its best uses. There's fear about job displacement, but AI will improve day-to-day work, allowing people to focus on more valuable tasks. I've seen this in auditing, where AI hasn't replaced jobs but has made work more enjoyable and allowed auditors to provide more value to clients.

I'm selective about which AI tools we use, but I'm always open to solutions that can save my team time. We use some AI-powered tools for tasks like OCR and spend management, which have proven effective.

Talking about tools, are there any tools you’ve currently implemented in the finance function that you are particularly happy with?

In our finance function, we've implemented several tools that I'm particularly pleased with. One standout is our utilisation of an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) tool for expense recognition, which has greatly improved our spending efficiency. Additionally, our internal development of an AI tool for automating portions of our mortgage application process has also significantly helped, allowing us to process applications more quickly and accurately. 

Are there any podcasts and resources you learn from to stay updated?

There's a lot of good stuff out there. Personally, 'Zero to One' is a favourite for insights into startup journeys, while 'Couch Economics with Arjun’ offers a regional perspective on Middle East economics.‍

Bio

James Evans is an experienced financial leader with a background in consulting at PwC and strategic roles in high-growth startups such as Tarabut and Holo. He eccles at making finance plans that work well for different types of businesses. His primary focus is maximising gross margins and optimising working capital for businesses. 

As a CFO, James prioritises collaboration over the traditional gatekeeper role. He likes using new tools to make boring jobs easier, so his team can do more important work. When hiring people, he looks for those with a good attitude and the ability to learn, especially in new companies that change quickly. He's excited about the future of fintech in the Middle East. 

James holds a bachelor's and master’s degree in finance and an ACCA qualification.