Latest news with #MENAT
Fintech News ME
12 hours ago
- Business
- Fintech News ME
BridgeWise Launches SignalWise to Deliver AI-Powered Investment Alerts
BridgeWise, an AI-driven investment intelligence platform, has introduced SignalWise, a new personalised alerts and insights system aimed at digital trading platforms and financial advisors. The tool is designed to support more informed decision-making by providing timely, relevant market intelligence tailored to individual investor behaviors and portfolios. Unlike traditional alert systems, SignalWise combines real-time event detection with AI-powered predictive analysis. It offers a layer of contextual insight, drawing on historical data and statistical analyses to help users interpret market activity across asset classes such as equities, ETFs, mutual funds, forex, crypto indices, and commodities. The system delivers insights in multiple languages and aligns notifications with user interests and activity levels. Ayush Khatri, Regional Head for the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey (MENAT) at BridgeWise, commented, 'In today's climate of geopolitical uncertainty, guesswork has no place in investing. Confident investment decisions require clear data-driven intelligence that builds trust. SignalWise delivers an AI-empowered investment experience that transforms real-time market data into intelligent, contextual alerts, equipping investors to navigate volatility with precision and act decisively across multiple asset classes.' With its regional headquarters in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), BridgeWise has strengthened its presence in the MENA region, supported by a strategic investment from Emirates NBD. The company is now introducing technologies such as SignalWise and its AI-based investment chat and analytics platform to the UAE's growing financial services sector. SignalWise allows trading platforms and advisors to engage more effectively with investors by delivering customized notifications via email, SMS, push messages, or in-platform tools. This approach has reportedly led to increased user engagement, including an average click-through rate of around 15% on alerts, a revenue increase of approximately US$3 per notification, and higher client deposit activity attributed to the alert system. BridgeWise intends to expand SignalWise's functionality in the coming months, including integrating the tool with Bridget, its AI-powered investment chat assistant, which offers regulatory-compliant investment recommendations.
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
Emirates NBD celebrates World Environment Day 2025 with "One Community, One Planet, Zero Plastic" themed events
Dubai, UAE: Emirates NBD, a leading banking group in the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye (MENAT) region, celebrated World Environment Day, observed annually on 5 June, with "One Community, One Planet, Zero Plastic", themed events, aligned with the UAE's Year of Community and the United Nations' theme of 'Ending Plastic Pollution'. The events, which ran over the course of a week, aimed to raise awareness, promote sustainable practices and highlight community engagement in environmental stewardship. The week commenced with a thought-provoking webinar led by Maryam Al Mansoori, founder of Rebound, titled 'Recycling in Action: Unmasking the Complexity of Materials for a Circular Economy.' In the session, Maryam explored the complexity of various materials, highlighting ways to enhance awareness and improve efficient recycling practices. Emirates NBD also prioritised impactful sustainability education through a series of staff activations and ESG-themed booths across the Group's three locations. Employees engaged in comprehensive learning experiences, gaining valuable insights into environmental responsibility and sustainable practices in collaboration with partners such as Goumbook, Green Arabia, Switch Foods, SNF, Merint, Enable, and Thrift for Good. Activities included American Sign Language (ASL) sessions and mini Climate Fresk workshops both facilitated by internal staff, along with other workshops designed to deepening understanding of critical sustainability challenges. To encourage participation and reinforce key learnings, staff also enjoyed the opportunity to 'spin the wheel' for prizes and engage in eco-challenges, such as adopting a mangrove tree. Vijay Bains, Chief Sustainability Officer and Group Head of ESG at Emirates NBD said:"The theme 'One Community, One Planet, Zero Plastic' captures the bank's ongoing commitment to integrating sustainable practices into every aspect of our operations and empowering our employees, customers and the wider community to take meaningful action towards a more sustainable future. At Emirates NBD, we believe that sustainability is not just a responsibility, but an opportunity to shape a better, a more inclusive future for all.' In line with the Year of Community, partner booths showcased the vibrant contributions of local businesses and community organisations. Employees explored plastic-free product alternatives, sampled organic food offerings, and admired inspiring art installations created by students of determination. To further engage employees and raise awareness on critical ESG topics, a fast-paced Kahoot Quiz covered climate change, sustainable finance and global environmental challenges. Participation in multiple activities, aimed at fostering community engagement and learning, made employees eligible for a raffle draw, reinforcing the collective commitment to a sustainable future. About Emirates NBD: Emirates NBD (DFM: Emirates NBD) is a leading banking group in the MENAT (Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye) region with a presence in 13 countries, serving over 9 million active customers. As at 31st March 2025, total assets were AED 1 trillion, (equivalent to approx. USD 272 billion). The Group has operations in the UAE, Egypt, India, Türkiye, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Austria, Germany, Russia and Bahrain and representative offices in China and Indonesia with a total of 839 branches and 4,539 ATMs / SDMs. Emirates NBD is the leading financial services brand in the UAE with a Brand value of USD 4.54 billion. Emirates NBD Group serves its customers (individuals, businesses, governments, and institutions) and helps them realise their financial objectives through a range of banking products and services including retail banking, corporate and institutional banking, Islamic banking, investment banking, private banking, asset management, global markets and treasury, and brokerage operations. The Group is a key participant in the global digital banking industry with 97% of all financial transactions and requests conducted outside of its branches. The Group also operates Liv, the lifestyle digital bank by Emirates NBD, with close to half a million users, it continues to be the fastest-growing bank in the region. Emirates NBD contributes to the construction of a sustainable future as an active participant and supporter of the UAE's main development and sustainability initiatives, including financial wellness and the inclusion of people of determination. Emirates NBD is committed to supporting the UAE's Year of Sustainability as Principal Banking Partner of COP28 and an early supporter to the Dubai Can sustainability initiative, a city-wide initiative aimed to reduce use of single-use plastic bottled water. Ibrahim Sowaidan Senior Vice President Head - Group Corporate Affairs Emirates NBD e-mail: ibrahims@ Burson Dubai, UAE Email: emiratesnbd@
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
Emirates NBD and DIB announce a USD175mln Murabaha Deal
The five-year deal will help the retailer finance its strategic initiatives towards expanding nationwide footprint DUBAI: Emirates NBD, a leading banking group in the Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye (MENAT) region, have executed a new USD175 million Murabaha financing deal to fund expansion plans for Yeni Magazacilik Anonim Sirketi (A101), one of Türkiye's leading discount retailer. Emirates NBD acted as the Initial Mandated Lead Arranger and Bookrunner, with DIB structuring and executing the five-year facility. Proceeds of the deal will be used by A101 to open new bricks-and-mortar retail operations alongside warehousing and logistics hubs in various cities across Türkiye. Two of the UAE's leading financial institutions, the USD175 million was shared between banks, with A101 borrowing USD100 million from Emirates NBD and USD75 million from DIB. This facility not only supports A101's growth story but also highlights both banks' ongoing commitment to providing corporate clients in Türkiye with bespoke financing options to help drive their long-term sustainable and resilient growth agenda. A101 is one of Turkey's largest discount retail chains, reaching millions of customers each day through a widespread network of more than 13,200 stores nationwide with the support of a wide and trusted 100% local supplier base. With more than 70,000 employees and a growing e-commerce platform, A101 continues to deliver environmentally conscious retail experience across both physical and digital channels with high-quality product offering at competitive prices, its commitment to making everyday shopping accessible and affordable for everyone. Pri McNair, Group Co-Head of Corporate Coverage at Emirates NBD, said: 'Türkiye's one of the leading discount retailers, A101 is poised to benefit from accelerated growth, financed by the new USD175 million facility made available through Emirates NBD, and our partners at DIB. This new five-year facility will fuel A101's vision of delivering even greater value to consumers. Emirates NBD's important role in this deal, which was facilitated by our Corporate Coverage unit, highlights our commitment to supporting businesses in key markets like Türkiye, within our network, through funding facilities that spur ongoing expansion plans and empower local economies.' Osman Yılmaz, Group CFO of Aydın Group said: 'We are pleased to announce our strategic collaboration with Emirates NBD and DIB. This transaction marks an important milestone in strengthening A101's capital structure and supporting our long-term growth agenda in Türkiye. As we continue to evolve our business model, we are focused on scaling a more efficient, technology-enabled retail platform — including multi-format stores, stronger digital channels, and investments in logistics and energy efficiency. These initiatives are designed to enhance our competitiveness, improve customer reach, and drive operational excellence. We see this partnership as a significant step in deepening our engagement with leading financial institutions in the GCC region. ENBD and DIB are important strategic partners for A101, and we believe this collaboration will unlock new opportunities to support our continued leadership in the retail sector.' Hitesh Asaporta, CEO of Emirates Capital, said: 'Emirates Capital played a major role in this transaction with A101, acting as the Initial Mandated Lead Arranger and Bookrunner. It stands as another sign of rising confidence in, and support for, corporate clients in Türkiye. In orchestrating this facility to A101, Emirates NBD has highlighted a growing appetite for investment in Türkiye across diverse sectors. The USD175 million deal provides A101 with the capital to expand, open more stores, and establish logistics hubs from new warehouses. It reinforces a commitment to supporting our market-leading clients in Türkiye as well as confidence in the nation's ongoing growth.' Commenting on this deal, Ali Ahmad, Chief of Investment Banking at DIB, said: 'This facility reflects our ability to structure efficient and scalable Islamic financing solutions for leading corporates across key sectors. A101's continued expansion presents a compelling investment case, underpinned by its strong operational model and growing consumer base. We are pleased to support their ambitions with a facility that aligns with our strategy of backing resilient, market-shaping businesses particularly in markets like Türkiye where we have deep and trusted relationships.' About Emirates NBD Emirates NBD (DFM: Emirates NBD) is a leading banking group in the MENAT (Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye) region with a presence in 13 countries, serving over 9 million active customers. As at 31st March 2025, total assets were AED 1 trillion, (equivalent to approx. USD 272 billion). The Group has operations in the UAE, Egypt, India, Türkiye, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Austria, Germany, Russia and Bahrain and representative offices in China and Indonesia with a total of 839 branches and 4,539 ATMs / SDMs. Emirates NBD is the leading financial services brand in the UAE with a Brand value of USD 4.54 billion. Emirates NBD Group serves its customers (individuals, businesses, governments, and institutions) and helps them realise their financial objectives through a range of banking products and services including retail banking, corporate and institutional banking, Islamic banking, investment banking, private banking, asset management, global markets and treasury, and brokerage operations. The Group is a key participant in the global digital banking industry with 97% of all financial transactions and requests conducted outside of its branches. The Group also operates Liv, the lifestyle digital bank by Emirates NBD, with close to half a million users, it continues to be the fastest-growing bank in the region. Emirates NBD contributes to the construction of a sustainable future as an active participant and supporter of the UAE's main development and sustainability initiatives, including financial wellness and the inclusion of people of determination. Emirates NBD is committed to supporting the UAE's Year of Sustainability as Principal Banking Partner of COP28 and an early supporter to the Dubai Can sustainability initiative, a city-wide initiative aimed to reduce use of single-use plastic bottled water. About DIB: Established in 1975, DIB is the largest Islamic bank in the UAE by assets and a public joint stock company listed on the Dubai Financial Market. Spearheading the evolution of the global Islamic finance industry, DIB is also the world's first full service Islamic bank and amongst the largest Islamic banks in the world. With Group assets now exceeding USD94 billion and market capitalisation of more than USD 14bln, the group operates with a workforce of more than 10,000 employees and around 500 branches in its vast global network across the Middle East, Asia and Africa. Serving over 5 million customers across the Group, DIB offers an increasing range of innovative Shariah-compliant products and services to retail, corporate and institutional clients. In addition to being the first and largest Islamic bank in the UAE, DIB has a significant international presence as a torchbearer in promoting Shariah-compliant financial services across a number of markets worldwide. The bank has established DIB Pakistan Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary which is the first Islamic bank in Pakistan to offer Priority & Platinum Banking, The launch of Panin Dubai Syariah Bank in Indonesia early marked DIB's first foray in the Far East, with a stake of nearly 25% stake in the Indonesian bank. Additionally, DIB PJSC was given the licence by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) to operate its subsidiary, DIB Kenya Ltd. DIB has been designated as D-SIB (Domestic Systemically Important Bank) in UAE. The acquisition of Noor Bank has solidified its position as a leading bank in the global Islamic finance industry. Recently, DIB has successfully acquired minority stake of 25% of T.O.M. Group which provides digital banking services in Türkiye. The bank's ultimate goal is to make Islamic finance the norm, rather than an alternative to conventional banking worldwide. DIB has won a range of accolades that are testament to these efforts across diversified areas, including retail, corporate and investment banking, as well as CSR and consultancy services. DIB has been named the 'Best Islamic Bank' in various prestigious ceremonies marking the bank's leadership position in the Islamic finance sector. As a progressive Islamic financial institution, DIB embraces the opportunities and challenges associated with integrating sustainability into its business by delivering sustainable products and services and by advancing the green and social composition. 2025 marked DIB Golden Jubilee, with a Bold New Vision for the Future to be prepared to meet the challenges ahead and continue building a legacy of success for the years to come. For more information, please visit us at
Arab News
4 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Driving digital growth in MENAT: A reflection on the Stanford GSB case study, ‘Aleph: A Collaborative Advantage'
Stanford Graduate School of Business selects companies that redefine industries, scale sustainably, and set new benchmarks for success. Aleph was the subject of a recent study titled 'Aleph: A Collaborative Advantage,' which provided an in-depth exploration of how trust, innovation, and strategic execution built a company that is bridging the global digital divide. Digital advertising has often been defined by volume and scale, where the focus is on platform size and audience reach, however the Stanford GSB case study, 'Aleph: A Collaborative Advantage,' invites us to reconsider this approach, especially in emerging markets like the MENAT by considering the value of prioritizing the opportunities we unlock for businesses, creators, and communities across the world, which is at the core of Aleph's mission, and particularly relevant to the MENAT's dynamic landscape. This region, with its unique blend of tradition and rapid modernization, stands at the forefront of not only digital transformation but digital revolution. Aleph's approach, as detailed in the Stanford study, is not just about providing access; it's about building a sustainable ecosystem that fosters growth and innovation. In MENAT, we see firsthand the transformative power of digital inclusion, where businesses are not just adopting new technologies, but are reshaping their identities and creating new opportunities. Aleph has been present in the MENAT for more than 20 years (previously Connect Ads), pioneering the digital advertising industry in the region with a geofootprint covering 15 markets through eight strategically located offices spanning the region, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Arabian Gulf, and being part of this as Aleph's MD in MENAT, and I can speak on behalf of our entire MENAT teams of more than 180+ digital advertising experts, makes us proud — proud to be part of this great legacy, proud to play a role in empowering, advancing and developing our region and its great people. We see Stanford GSB case study, 'Aleph: A Collaborative Advantage' as a testament to the value we bring. To put it simply, it is a confirmation that we are definitely doing something meaningful here. Our journey continues and is defined by several key principles: decisive decision-making, unwavering persistence, a strong belief in our mission, and a clear vision for the future of digital growth in emerging markets. These principles are not just abstract concepts; they are the driving force behind our expansion, our partnerships, and our commitment to our clients across the MENAT. As the Stanford case study illustrates, our focus on education, financial solutions, and localized support is crucial for navigating the complexities of this diverse region. Here are some key takeaways and highlights from the Stanford GSB case study, which are particularly relevant to our region: The MENAT region holds immense potential, and we are committed to unlocking it by providing businesses with the tools, knowledge, and connections they need to thrive in the global digital landscape. This case study is proof that our approach is not only effective, but also transformative. It inspires us to continue pushing boundaries, to keep innovating, and to work tirelessly to ensure that the digital future is accessible to all.
Broadcast Pro
12-06-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
E& enterprise and Microsoft to drive AI adoption across industries
With a focus on GenAI, development and implementation of scalable solutions to meet market-specific demands across UAE, KSA, Egypt, Turkey and Qatar. E& enterprise, the digital transformation arm of global technology group E&, has further built on its strategic partnership with Microsoft. By joining forces, both entities are prioritising the development and deployment of next-generation AI and data-driven solutions to bolster AI adoption across industries in target markets across the MENAT region, including UAE, KSA, Egypt, Turkey and Qatar. Commenting on the deal, Amit Gupta, Vice President, Data & AI, e& enterprise, said: 'Our partnership with Microsoft represents a bold step toward redefining the role of AI in shaping the future of business and society. This collaboration combines e& enterprise and Microsofts technological expertise and deep market insights to deliver transformative solutions that resonate with the unique dynamics of the MENAT region. Together, we aim to promote digital readiness and bridge the digital divide by providing essential sectors with next generation AI and data-driven tools, powering them to drive improved customer interactions, optimise operations, and drive broader innovation.' Ahmed Hamzawy, Chief Partner Officer, Microsoft UAE at MS, added: 'Our partnership with e& enterprise will give a significant boost to driving AI adoption across businesses. By leveraging our combined technological expertise, and the safe and secure properties of Microsofts cloud and AI services, we are empowering organisations to better detect fraud, improve risk management and deliver personalised services through AI-driven insights to their customers.' The partnership focuses on providing scalable AI solutions tailored to the unique needs of various industries, including public sector, telco, education, BFSI and retail. By equipping businesses with the tools needed for digital transformation, e& enterprise and Microsoft aim to empower organisations to adapt, innovate, and thrive in an increasingly data-driven world. With industry-specific AI solutions, the partnership is designed to address a wide range of use cases across sectors. Additionally, the collaboration takes a region-specific approach to implementing and scaling these solutions across key, diverse, and digitally demanding markets, including the UAE, KSA, Egypt, Türkiye, and Qatar. This ensures that local market needs are met while tackling broader industry challenges, ultimately enhancing efficiency, customer engagement, and decision-making. As part of its focus on developing GenAI solutions, the partnership will leverage various product offerings under Microsofts Azure Cloud platform. Tools such as Azure Machine Learning, an end-to-end machine learning platform; Azure Databricks, a unified, open analytics platform; and Azure AI Search, Microsofts search and retrieval system, will support data processing, model training, and deployment. Azure Synapse Analytics is another analytics tool that will support data integration and analytics, enabling large-scale data processing for organisations across sectors. Additionally, with the integration of Microsofts Azure OpenAI service, organisations will be able to leverage a suite of GenAI solutions for automating customer service, content creation, and predictive analytics. Azure Power BI is a self-service analytics solution that enables businesses to visualise data, share insights, and embed them into their apps or websites. This tool will support businesses in making informed decisions. Meanwhile, Azure Data Lake Storage and Snowflake will facilitate the storage and management of large datasets, as well as real-time analytics, across the target markets of this partnership: UAE, KSA, Qatar and Egypt. These solutions from Microsoft combined with e& enterprises comprehensive suite of hybrid cloud solutions aim to drive seamless digital transformation, as part of this strategic alliance. E& enterprises Cloud Strategy and Advisory services will help organisations design tailored adoption strategies, while Migration and Adoption will ensure smooth transitions with minimal disruption. By providing organisations with Managed Cloud Services, and Cloud Security, e& enterprise will empower organisations to drive long-term efficiency and safeguard data, ensuring compliance and resilience. To promote responsible and ethical AI adoption, the partnership will implement Microsofts Responsible AI principles and framework and e&s Responsible AI Framework across all its development and deployment stages. This aligns with both entities shared commitment to prioritising data privacy, transparency, and compliance with corporate and national policies.
