As this year’s ACT Middle East Annual Summit ends, there is plenty for us to reflect on and harness for when we get back to the office. As we all look ahead to meeting new challenges in 2018, below are some of the lessons and highlights from the event on how treasurers and finance leaders can adapt, innovate and excel in our ever-changing environment.
The conference opened with two thoughtful and thought-provoking keynotes from Dr Sabah al-Binali and Mishal Kanoo. Their challenge to attendees was for treasurers to be a stronger part of the strategy in addressing today’s challenging financial and economic environment. Their insight and experience provided a strong opening to the discussion treasurers continued over the two days of the summit.
Tracks sessions on bank relationships, trade finance, changing regulation and funding provided the audience with a technical update and the lessons learned on adapting to change.
As the treasury role evolves in the Middle East, there is always the question as to how treasurers can innovate with the latest technologies and new ways of working. This was a central theme of the summit – with tracks on payment innovation, cross-currency payments, SWIFT gpi and analytics paving the way for the audience to engage with experts and real-life case studies which demonstrated where treasurers can take these tools back to the office and apply them.
In addition to a summit packed full of innovative content, the busy exhibition again demonstrated that the region is a hotbed of ideas and suppliers looking to positively impact the treasury profession.
In a new format for 2017, CFOs from Easa Saleh Al Gurg, Fetchr and Mubadala Investment Company joined the ACT’s Chief Executive, Caroline Stockmann, to discuss how treasurers can truly excel in their roles and add extra value to the business. Ultimately, they said it’s about communication and ensuring you know your business, inside out. The journey to CFO is long, but now more than ever within the treasurer’s reach.
Further, we were delighted to continue to see students in the region actively pursuing ACT qualifications and successfully passing their exams. Those who have done so are joining a thriving network of students with the ultimate goal of not only building their career in treasury but improving their professional network and showing commitment to ongoing professional development. A special mention to:
…and, as we look to 2018…
the event is only as successful as the commitment of our speakers, attendees and event partners.
Do you have a case study, trend or technology that treasurers in the Middle East need to know about? Comment below to share with the community and if you have any questions, suggestions or ideas please get in touch with me on LinkedIn or Twitter @jhbb
