Dubai’s MEBIS 2026: CEO joins payments panel
The Middle East Banking Innovation Summit (MEBIS) 2026 in Dubai included Alona Shevtsova, CEO of Sends, on a panel about how payments are changing with real-time processing, digital wallets and cross-border infrastructure. The event brought together banking, fintech and technology leaders to discuss trends shaping the region’s payments landscape.
What changed for regional payments
The panel highlighted shifts toward instant payments and wallet-based solutions as central to modern banking. Real-time settlement and cross-border payment flows were discussed as key drivers for faster, more convenient transactions within and beyond the Gulf region.
Who is affected
Banks, fintech firms and payment service providers in the region are the primary groups affected, as they adapt to real-time settlement and wallet-supported payments. Consumers may see faster transfers and new digital wallet options, while merchants could gain quicker payment confirmations.
Practical next steps
Industry players may assess real-time payment capabilities, cross-border routing, and wallet integration strategies. For businesses, this could mean updating payment rails, ensuring regulatory compliance for cross-border transfers, and evaluating vendor partnerships that support real-time settlement and wallet-driven payments.
Limits and questions
Details on implementation timelines, regional regulatory alignments, and concrete products were not deeply outlined in the summary. Stakeholders should watch for official briefing notes from MEBIS or participating firms for specifics on timelines, costs, and regulator guidance.
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