MEFX – the Middle East International Banking, Financial Technology and Services Exhibition and Conference - brings the region's leading financial technology solutions to the forefront.

The inaugural event will be held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from April 15 to 17, 2008, as an extension of Dubai World Trade Centre’s (DWTC) world renowned Gitex Technology Week.

With the financial and banking sector in the Middle East rapidly expanding, the need for world-class technology solutions in the region has never been stronger. DWTC aims for the first time to bring the world’s leading suppliers to the banking and finance industry to Dubai to showcase their innovative range of financial technology services and products, said an official spokesman.

Banks currently represent the largest single vertical in total IT investment, with total spending on IT by Middle East banks estimated at US$1.4 billion. With Internet and mobile banking so prevalent in modern banking methods, security is a major focus.

This is reflected by IT security spend in the GCC, which grew by 38 per cent to reach $153.2 million in 2006.

With this in mind, technology giants are using MEFX as a platform to showcase their products and solutions to a targeted audience comprising of the regions top banking and finance professionals.

“Technological developments play a crucial role in the banking and financial industry,” said director general, DWTC, Helal Al Marri. “Innovative measures such as anti-fraud solutions and mobile banking are revolutionising the industry and complimenting traditional branch banking methods.”

MEFX will feature technology suppliers to the banking sector showcasing the latest developments in the industry including mobile banking, straight through processing (STP), anti-phishing, check 21 software solutions, core banking, channel renewal, CRM solutions, automatic teller machines and multi channel integration.

As an all encompassing banking and finance trade event, exhibitors will also include banks and financial institutions, consultants, data providers, ratings agencies, recruitment agencies, training companies and other suppliers to the industry. – TradeArabia News Service