The financial services sector is experiencing a profound transformation, driven by the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), evolving regulatory landscapes, and shifting customer expectations. Nowhere is this change more dynamic than in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and Asia-Pacific (APAC) regions. Publicis Sapient stands at the forefront of this evolution, partnering with leading financial institutions to unlock new growth, operational excellence, and customer-centric innovation through AI-driven digital business transformation.
Publicis Sapient’s commitment to these regions is underscored by strategic leadership appointments and a growing presence on the ground. In MENA, Oliver Reppel and Rohit Mathew serve as Co-Heads of Financial Services, bringing decades of experience in banking, payments, and regulatory consulting. Their leadership is pivotal as the region’s financial sector embraces generative AI, digitalization, and regulatory support for innovation. "Together, we will build upon the company’s strong financial services foundation in MENA and drive forward strategic, value-focused initiatives that will help accelerate client growth and success," says Reppel.
In Australia, Gavin Seewooruttun leads as VP, Data and AI, reflecting Publicis Sapient’s investment in APAC’s digital future. Seewooruttun’s background in building large-scale AI teams and shaping data strategies for major financial institutions positions Publicis Sapient as a trusted advisor for organizations seeking to harness AI for sustainable growth. "Australia is poised to be a leader in the digital age, and I am eager to help our clients unlock new opportunities and achieve sustainable growth through innovative AI-driven strategies," he notes.
The MENA region is witnessing rapid digitalization, fueled by economic diversification, government-led innovation agendas, and a surge in partnerships between financial institutions and technology providers. Publicis Sapient’s SPEED model—Strategy, Product, Experience, Engineering, and Data & AI—enables clients to:
With deep regional expertise, Publicis Sapient helps clients navigate complex regulatory environments and capitalize on opportunities for growth, from digital onboarding to AI-powered customer experiences.
In APAC, the pace of digital transformation is matched by the scale and diversity of its markets. Publicis Sapient’s approach is rooted in:
Seewooruttun’s leadership in Australia exemplifies this focus, helping clients across banking, insurance, and asset management sectors to integrate and scale AI-driven solutions that meet both regulatory requirements and customer expectations.
Publicis Sapient’s SPEED framework is the engine behind its success in MENA and APAC:
A recent initiative in the region saw Publicis Sapient partner with a major bank to modernize its infrastructure and enhance the software development lifecycle using generative AI, boosting efficiency by up to 40% while meeting stringent risk and compliance requirements.
Publicis Sapient’s leadership in AI-driven transformation is recognized by industry analysts and reinforced by strategic partnerships with global technology leaders. Achievements such as AWS Financial Services Competency and recognition as a market leader in generative enterprise services and industry cloud transformation highlight the firm’s ability to deliver end-to-end solutions that drive real business value.
While technology is a powerful enabler, Publicis Sapient’s approach is fundamentally human-centered. By connecting emerging technologies with a deep understanding of local markets and customer needs, the firm ensures that digital solutions are intuitive, accessible, and build long-term trust and loyalty.
As financial institutions across MENA and APAC navigate the complexities of digital and AI transformation, Publicis Sapient stands as a trusted partner—combining global expertise, local leadership, and proven SPEED capabilities. Whether modernizing core banking, scaling AI-driven innovation, or reimagining customer experiences, Publicis Sapient empowers clients to lead the next wave of financial innovation.
Discover how your organization can thrive in the digital age with Publicis Sapient’s AI-driven transformation solutions tailored for MENA and APAC.