European banking profits are at risk from digitization according to a McKinsey report; the report, "A Brave New World for Global Banking", says European banks have $35 billion, or 31%, of profit at risk from digitization; fee-based products for traditional banks versus online banks is the main factor for profit; McKinsey says banks must enhance their business models, provide competitive digital tools and data analytic platforms; also suggests that banks partner with financial companies across the industry to reduce and share innovation costs; the McKinsey report also says banks will need to streamline their information technology structures and be more proactive in their regulatory strategies. Source
Dubai is quickly becoming a destination for fintech companies as the country has seen a surge in startups the last three years; according to Arif Amiri, CEO of Dubai International Financial Centre Authority (DIFCA), the country hosts 1,715 companies and banking assets have risen from $50 billion to $150 billion; financial services contributes 12% to gross domestic product, by 2024 that number is set to increase to 18%; Gareth Lewis, CEO and co-founder of Delio, which helps firms getting investment, told CNBC Thursday, "there's a fantastic opportunity in the Dubai region purely around the appetite for private investment." Source
