Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping the financial services landscape across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). As banks and insurers in the region accelerate their digital transformation journeys, AI is emerging as a powerful catalyst for innovation, risk management, and customer experience. At Publicis Sapient, we are proud to partner with leading financial institutions in MENA, leveraging our SPEED model—Strategy, Product, Experience, Engineering, and Data & AI—to deliver measurable impact and future-ready solutions.
MENA’s financial sector is at a pivotal moment. Economic diversification, government-led innovation agendas, and a young, tech-savvy population are driving unprecedented demand for digital-first financial services. Regulatory bodies in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and beyond are actively encouraging digital innovation, creating fertile ground for AI adoption. Yet, the region’s diversity—spanning established financial hubs and emerging markets—means that transformation must be both locally relevant and globally competitive.
While the opportunities are immense, MENA financial institutions face unique challenges:
Publicis Sapient’s SPEED framework is the engine behind our success in MENA:
Our leadership team, including Co-Heads of Financial Services for MENA, Oliver Reppel and Rohit Mathew, brings decades of experience in banking, payments, and regulatory consulting. Strategic partnerships with global technology leaders—such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, and leading fintechs—enable us to deliver end-to-end solutions tailored to the region’s needs. Our recognition as a market leader in generative AI and industry cloud transformation underscores our commitment to excellence.
AGTB’s launch in the UAE is a landmark for digital banking in MENA. As a greenfield bank, AGTB leveraged a cloud-native core, advanced analytics, and API-driven integration to:
In a recent initiative, Publicis Sapient partnered with a leading MENA bank to modernize its infrastructure and enhance the software development lifecycle using generative AI. The result: up to 40% efficiency gains while meeting stringent risk and compliance requirements.
UAE retail banks are leveraging customer data and machine learning to develop personalized promotions, services, and digital journeys. AI-powered KYC and onboarding processes are reducing friction, improving compliance, and accelerating customer acquisition. Cloud adoption, guided by Publicis Sapient’s engineering transformation mindset, is enabling banks to meet both business and regulatory demands.
Insurers in MENA are harnessing AI to:
No single provider can address the full spectrum of customer needs. Publicis Sapient orchestrates a curated ecosystem of fintechs, cloud providers, and technology partners. Our open, modular platforms enable rapid integration of new partners, launch of innovative products, and scaling across markets.
While technology is a powerful enabler, our approach is fundamentally human-centered. We connect emerging technologies with a deep understanding of local markets and customer needs, ensuring that digital solutions are intuitive, accessible, and build long-term trust and loyalty. Our work supports financial inclusion, sustainable integration, and the creation of new sources of growth and prosperity across MENA.
AI-driven digital transformation is redefining what’s possible in MENA’s financial sector. With proven SPEED capabilities, deep regional expertise, and a track record of client success, Publicis Sapient is your trusted partner for building the future of banking and insurance—faster, smarter, and tailored to your market. Connect with us to start your transformation journey and unlock new growth in the region.