FSS Leads AI-Powered Payments Revolution at Simply Payments 2025 in Dubai, Aligning with UAE's Digital Transformation Goals

At a pivotal time for the UAE’s financial services industry, Financial Software and Systems (FSS), a leading global payments technology firm, convened the Dubai edition of its Simply Payments 2025 series. The event, themed “Reimagining Payments in the AI Era,” brought together experts from fintech, government payments, and artificial intelligence to discuss the transformative impact of AI on the financial landscape. The Simply Payments 2025 series aligns with the UAE’s ambitious goals, particularly the Central Bank of the UAE’s (CBUAE) Financial Infrastructure Transformation (FIT) Program and the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031. These initiatives aim to roll out instant payments and establish the UAE as a global leader in AI, respectively. FSS, with its extensive experience in powering mission-critical payments across over 26 countries, is stepping up its focus on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, recognizing Dubai as a strategic hub for fintech partnerships. During the welcome address, Sandeep David Crasta, Head of Sales – Retail Payments, MENA at FSS, highlighted the company’s long-standing support for payments modernization. "For over 15 years, we have been instrumental in the payment modernization journeys of governments and private sector institutions. The UAE’s status as a hub of innovation aligns perfectly with our vision of an AI-driven, inclusive digital economy, and we are proud to be part of this journey," he stated. Imad Ahmed Abdalwahab, MD – Government Payment Solutions at Magnati, delivered a keynote on the economic and operational efficiencies AI brings to financial services. He emphasized that AI’s benefits are no longer hypothetical; they are tangible and immediate, particularly in the UAE. AI is revolutionizing payment processing, enhancing security, and improving user experiences. Abdalwahab praised FSS as a "critical partner" in deploying robust backend systems for government-related payments, where trust and efficiency are crucial. V Balasubramanian, CEO of FSS, addressed the dual nature of AI’s role in finance. "AI is more than just algorithms; it’s about building ethical systems that augment human decision-making. The UAE’s regulatory framework, focusing on ability, governance, and consumer protection, sets global standards. We at FSS are committed to aligning with these principles," he said. Balasubramanian further underscored the importance of combining human insight with machine learning to create unique and valuable outcomes in a rapidly evolving market. A panel discussion featuring renowned experts from the fintech and banking sectors, including Haishan Wu, Mohamed Chakib Ouabi, Devendra Kumar, and Malaz Mubaid, delved deeper into the strategic implications of AI in banking. The consensus was that AI investments are becoming essential for banks, driven by the pressure to modernize and compete in a digital-first environment. The panellists discussed how AI can streamline operations, enhance customer engagement, and foster innovation. FSS’s platform, including the FSS BLAZE, has been enthusiastically embraced by banks and telecom companies in the UAE since its launch last year. BLAZE facilitates the rapid deployment of payment solutions and supports low-code application development, making it highly compatible with the region’s push for digital transformation. The platform’s agility and scalability enable financial institutions to offer seamless, real-time transactions, thereby enhancing the overall payment experience. The UAE’s proactive approach to adopting and integrating AI in its financial infrastructure is seen as a significant step towards achieving economic sustainability and technological leadership. Industry insiders commend FSS for its forward-thinking initiatives and robust platform capabilities, which are crucial in driving the region’s digital transformation. As the financial sector continues to evolve, FSS’s commitment to ethical AI and its deep expertise in payment technologies position it as a key player in the UAE’s journey towards an intelligent financial future. FSS, founded over 15 years ago, specializes in a wide range of payment solutions, including card issuance, merchant acquiring, real-time payments, and advanced security features. Its innovative platforms, like FSS BLAZE™ and FSS BLAZE™ Studio, are designed to support rapid deployment and low-code development, helping financial institutions stay ahead in the digital race. With a growing presence in the MENA region, FSS is well poised to continue its transformative work, contributing to the region’s digital economy and maintaining its global reputation for excellence in payments technology.