Our final cover of the year hosts Ali El Hamidi , Deputy Head of the Capital Market Funding Department at Crédit Agricole CIB , who shares his insights into the bank ’ s collaboration with Pasqal – a leading Quantum Computing company specialising in neutral atom-based technology . Together , they are exploring the transformative potential of Quantum Computing to tackle complex financial challenges , optimise operations and secure Crédit Agricole CIB ’ s position as a pioneer in financial innovation . Read the full interview on page 48 .

Spending on security products and services in the Middle East and Africa ( MEA ) is already expected to grow by over 10 % year on year in 2024 reaching US $ 6.2 billion , according to IDC projections .

Hesham Fayed , Managing Director for Middle East and Africa at DXC Technology , discusses how public and private organisations in the Middle East can take stock of their cybersecurity goals , measure their progress and be prepared for what lies ahead on page 17 .

As we enter the new year , we ’ re seeking insights from three experts on a crucial topic : What key innovations and trends in FinTech are expected to shape the financial industry in 2025 ? As the landscape of finance evolves , innovative technologies offer new opportunities for all businesses in the sector . We invite professionals to share their thoughts on the key lessons from 2024 , and their technological forecasts and predictions on page 25 .

The Chancellor ’ s Mansion House pledge to trial a ‘ digital gilt ’ within two years sets the stage for UK financial services to lead on new digital asset classes . In this article , Christopher Hinitt , PA Consulting ’ s Digital Banking and Operations Lead , discusses how distributed ledger technology ( DLT ) – the basis for digital gilt – could reinvigorate the sector and drive economic growth . Put simply , this may be one of the most significant transformations in the 400-year history of modern financial services . But Hinitt believes that to make it a success , we need the right safeguards in place , with data analytics being key to achieving this . Read more on page 32 .

For main contractors , having access to effective tender management is vital to securing subcontractor packages swiftly and with considerable ease , as it enables them to oversee all the work and documentation related to the

subcontractors they use . Robbie Blackhurst , Founder and Director of Compliance Chain , tells us more on page 39 .

We also have a range of ‘ Intelligent ’ pages , which feature the latest strides in the cloud , security , mobile , software , Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence space .

I hope you enjoy this issue and if you would like to contribute to any future editions then please do not hesitate to contact me .

Ellen Flannery , Editor

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