Pakistani-origin digital banker achieves recognition in Saudi
Arabia
Pakistani-origin IT expert Ahmed Ali Larik has achieved
recognition as one of the Top 100 visionary leaders in Saudi Arabia, as honored
by the esteemed platform DT 100. His remarkable contributions to the
transformation of the digital banking landscape have earned him this
distinction, making him the sole Pakistani to receive this recognition in the
current year.
Ahmed Ali Larik has garnered attention as a visionary
professional who played a leading role in the advancement of digital banking
and fintech. He has been instrumental in driving technological developments at
EMKAN Finance, a subsidiary of Alrahji Bank, one of the world's largest Islamic
banks.
The DT 100 initiative is a significant program created to
celebrate the exceptional achievements of technology leaders in Saudi Arabia.
This prestigious platform aims to recognize individuals who have spearheaded
groundbreaking technological advancements within the region.
Ahmed Ali Larik is widely regarded as a driving force behind
Saudi Arabia's transition to an innovation-driven economy, establishing himself
as a prominent thought leader in the industry. He is frequently sought after as
a speaker at major industry conferences, where he imparts his valuable
research, insights, and expertise as a technology strategist. He has received
the title of "Technology Master" and has been included among the top
200 CIOs by the Global CIO Forum.
In addition to his accolades, Larik has shared insights into
emerging technologies and conducted comparative analyses of growth gaps between
the Pakistani and Saudi Arabian markets. He has also conducted in-depth
research on projects such as Neom, hyperloop, and overall smart cities, emphasizing
Neom's focus on building an innovative city that integrates AI, IoT, and Data
Analytics into governance, services, and decision-making.
Larik has shed light on cybersecurity threats and prevention
measures. While Pakistan is in the early stages of adopting AI and IoT, Saudi
Arabia's government has been actively pursuing a metaverse experience in NEOM
called XVRS. This initiative aims to create a mixed-reality urban living model
with digital assets, integrated crypto, and NFT monetization. To support these
ambitious goals, Neom is investing in a half-billion-dollar data center known
as 'ZeroPoint,' which will serve as the region's first next-generation
hyperscale data center and play a crucial role in powering the company's
infrastructure.
Larik has noted the significant impact of neo-banks in Saudi
Arabia's banking sector, ushering in a new era of digital financial services.
These innovative financial institutions, unburdened by traditional
brick-and-mortar branches, have redefined banking accessibility for Saudi
citizens.
As Saudi Arabia continues its journey toward a more diversified
and technology-driven economy through initiatives like Vision 2030, neo-banks
are playing a pivotal role in shaping the nation's financial landscape.
Pakistan is still in the early stages of this transformation, with Digital
Banking Regulations in place but awaiting the entry of new players into the
market.
Source: Pro Pakistani