The Banking Executive Magazine - January 2026 Issue

the BANKING EXECUTIVE 46 ISSUE 205 JANUARY 2026 FinTech and AI Chornicle EY launched Studio+ in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena), a glob- ally integrated offering designed to help organisations reimagine experi- ences and unlock growth in an AI- driven economy. The launch took place at EY Mena’s regional headquarters in King Abdul- lah Financial District (KAFD), Riyadh, bringing together senior leaders from across industries. EY Studio+ brings together over 200 regional specialists in design, mar- keting, sales, and customer experi- ence, with direct access to a global network of more than 7,000 profes- sionals. By 2030, the Mena Studio+ team is set to grow by 500%, aligning with the region’s ambitious growth trajec- tory. On the launch, Abdulaziz Al- Sowailim, EY Mena Chairman and CEO, said: "As the region strengthens its global influence, governments and organizations are moving at un- precedented speed to meet eco- nomic priorities and transform how they serve citizens, customers and communities." "From digital government services to modernised banking journeys and energy sector platforms, organiza- tions are under pressure to deliver impact at speed. EY Studio+ marks a pivotal change in enabling this progress, bringing together the best of EY's global capabilities with deep regional understanding to help shape the future with confidence," he stated. EY Studio+ empowers organisations to unlock value by creating transfor- mative experiences that inspire peo- ple and shape markets—delivering end-to-end transformation. By inte- grating design, technology, and com- mercial insight, EY Studio+ partners with clients to realize their growth ambitions, he added. At the launch event in KAFD, EY signed a memorandum of under- standing with STC. This agreement reflects EY’s continued commitment to fostering strategic collaboration across the Kingdom and to driving impactful, ecosystem-led innovation. Omar Odeh, EY Mena Consulting Leader, said: "Experience has be- come the defining source of compet- itive advantage, whether for a bank, an energy provider or a government entity. EY Studio+ supports clients end-to-end – from defining the expe- rience they want to deliver, to mak- ing it real through technology, data and execution. This is not about strategy alone but delivering real im- pact." Serkan Memisoglu, EY Mena Studio+ Leader, said: “Our teams help organ- isations turn bold experience ambi- tions into measurable outcomes by combining human-centered design, AI-powered technology, and com- mercial insight," he stated. "This in- tegrated approach represents a fundamental shift in how experi- ences are conceived, delivered, and scaled—moving people, businesses, and markets forward," he added EY LAUNCHES STUDIO+ IN MENA TO BOOST AI-POWERED CUSTOMER-FIRST TRANSFORMATION