The global banking arena is changing with the introduction of disruptive innovations and non traditional players entering the banking domain. The retail banking sector is heading in the direction of embracing technological advancements to stay ahead in the race. 2015 is deemed as the year that will revolutionize banking and we have already seen developments that stand as a testimony to that statement. For example, launch of the likes of Apple Pay and Facebook Messenger Payments.

The bigger questions that lie ahead of us - Are banks in the Middle East market prepared for this change? How swiftly are they ready to adopt disruptive innovations? How long before they are at par with their counterparts in the US & Europe?

Dubai is set to address these key issues and more at the region's largest and longest running retail banking event.Treading upon the success of the 2015 edition of the 10th Middle East Retail Banking Banking Forum & Expo which was attended in the presence of over 400 participants, 45 regional speakers & 32 sponsors & exhibitor, Fleming Gulf Exhibitions announce their 11th Middle East Retail Banking Forum on the 5-6 April 2016,at Ritz Carlton DIFC, Dubai. “80% of clients have confirmed in principal to partner at the 2016 edition, a testament to the success of the last edition of 10th Middle East Retail Banking Forum & Expo 2015, Dubai” said Alex Heuff, Exhibition Director from Fleming Gulf Exhibitions, organisers of the event.

The 11th Middle East Retail Banking Forum and Expo, the region's premier platform for networking, new technologies and solutions will see the introduction of two new sectors that are Mobile Banking and Digital ID & Security. "The Middle East is witnessing a rapid increase in the penetration and sales of smart phones and customers' acceptability towards the adoption of mobile banking" said Heuff, , while explaining the scope of the two new introduced sectors in the Middle East Retail Banking series. He further stated, "With the rapid adoption of cards, cashless payments and e-commerce, consumers are becoming more aware and concerned about fraud prevention, making the digital ID and security sector an important sector for the 2016 Middle East Retail Banking Forum and Expo."