Presight, UAE Central Bank Launch AI-Powered Financial Joint Venture

The UAE Central Bank (CBUAE) and Presight, a leading Abu Dhabi-based AI and big data analytics company, have launched a groundbreaking joint venture to revolutionize the UAE’s financial infrastructure through AI-enabled solutions. Announced on July 23, 2025, this strategic partnership is set to transform critical systems like the Jaywan domestic card scheme, Aani instant payments platform, Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), National Card Switch, Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) system, and Open Finance (Nebras). For the UAE and Middle East business communities, this collaboration signals a bold step toward financial innovation and economic resilience. This article explores the significance of this joint venture, its impact on the UAE’s financial ecosystem, and opportunities for regional investors and tech enthusiasts.

A Milestone in UAE’s Financial Transformation

The Presight-CBUAE joint venture marks a pivotal moment in the UAE’s Financial Infrastructure Transformation (FIT) programme, aimed at enhancing the nation’s position as a global financial hub. By leveraging Presight’s AI expertise and the CBUAE’s regulatory leadership, the partnership will deliver sovereign, AI-powered platforms to support the development, maintenance, and technical support of critical financial market infrastructure. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s vision to integrate artificial intelligence across its financial ecosystem, ensuring resilience, security, and efficiency.

The signing ceremony, held in Abu Dhabi, was witnessed by His Excellency Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the CBUAE, His Excellency Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Vice Chairman of Presight, and His Excellency Saif Humaid Al Dhaheri, Assistant Governor for Banking Operations and Support Services at CBUAE. The agreement was formalized by His Excellency Ebrahim Obaid Al Zaabi, Assistant Governor for Monetary Policy and Financial Stability at CBUAE, and Thomas Pramotedham, CEO of Presight. This high-profile collaboration underscores the UAE’s commitment to pioneering financial technology on a global scale.

Transforming UAE’s Financial Systems with AI

The joint venture will play a central role in enhancing key components of the UAE’s financial infrastructure, including:

• Jaywan Domestic Card Scheme: A debit card system designed to provide UAE banking customers with seamless, secure transactions, reducing reliance on international card networks.
• Aani Instant Payments Platform: A revolutionary system enabling individuals and businesses to transfer funds instantly, boosting financial efficiency.
• Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC): A cutting-edge initiative to develop a digital dirham, positioning the UAE as a leader in digital currency innovation.
• National Card Switch: A system to streamline card transactions across the UAE, enhancing payment processing efficiency.
• Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS): A platform for secure, high-value interbank transfers, critical for financial stability.
• Open Finance (Nebras): A framework to promote financial inclusion and data sharing, empowering consumers and businesses.

By integrating AI-driven solutions, the joint venture aims to accelerate innovation, enhance cybersecurity, and ensure the seamless evolution of these systems. Thomas Pramotedham, CEO of Presight, emphasized, “This partnership represents a decisive leap forward in applying advanced AI to the heart of the UAE’s financial infrastructure, creating a sovereign finance technology powerhouse that redefines how financial markets operate—faster, smarter, and more securely.”

Strategic Importance for the UAE and Middle East

The Presight-CBUAE partnership is a cornerstone of the UAE’s Financial Infrastructure Transformation programme, launched to build a robust financial ecosystem. The UAE has prioritized digital transformation in recent years, with initiatives like Jaywan and Aani gaining traction among banking customers and businesses. The CBDC project further positions the UAE as a global leader in financial innovation, competing with nations like China and Singapore in the digital currency space.

For the Middle East, this joint venture sets a precedent for AI adoption in financial services, offering a model for countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain to emulate. The UAE’s strategic location and business-friendly environment make it an ideal hub for such initiatives, attracting regional investors and tech companies eager to participate in the financial technology revolution.

Presight’s Role in Driving Innovation

Presight, a leader in AI and big data analytics, brings over a decade of expertise to the joint venture. With a focus on digital transformation, Presight has a proven track record in sectors like public services, finance, and security. Led by Thomas Pramotedham, the company is part of the G42 ecosystem, a key player in the UAE’s AI strategy. Its involvement ensures that the joint venture will leverage cutting-edge AI technologies to enhance the UAE’s financial infrastructure.

Presight’s stock performance on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) reflects its growing influence, with shares at Dh3.66 in July 2025, up 75% year-to-date. This surge underscores investor confidence in Presight’s ability to deliver innovative solutions and drive economic growth in the UAE and beyond.

Impact on UAE’s Financial Ecosystem

The joint venture will enhance the UAE’s financial ecosystem by:

• Boosting Resilience: AI-powered platforms will strengthen cybersecurity and protect against financial fraud.
• Driving Efficiency: Systems like Aani and Jaywan will streamline payments and transactions, benefiting consumers and businesses.
• Promoting Innovation: The CBDC and Open Finance (Nebras) initiatives will position the UAE as a leader in fintech innovation.
• Enhancing Financial Inclusion: Open Finance will empower UAE residents with greater access to financial services.

His Excellency Ebrahim Obaid Al Zaabi noted, “This collaboration ensures the UAE’s financial market infrastructure remains resilient, secure, and future-ready, strengthening national economic stability and enhancing our position as a global financial hub.”

Opportunities for UAE and Middle East Businesses

For UAE businesses, the Presight-CBUAE joint venture opens doors to collaborate on AI-driven financial projects. Companies in fintech, banking, and technology can partner with Presight to develop solutions for Jaywan, Aani, and the CBDC. The UAE’s role as a regional business hub makes it an ideal base for Middle Eastern firms to engage in these initiatives, leveraging the UAE’s infrastructure and regulatory framework.

Regional investors in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait can explore opportunities to invest in UAE-based fintech projects, capitalizing on the Middle East’s growing digital economy. The joint venture also aligns with the UAE’s broader Vision 2021 and Centennial 2071 goals, which prioritize innovation and economic diversification.

Challenges and Considerations

While the joint venture is a significant step forward, challenges remain:

• Implementation Complexity: Integrating AI into financial systems requires robust infrastructure and technical expertise.
• Cybersecurity Risks: AI-powered platforms must be safeguarded against cyber threats to ensure consumer trust.
• Regulatory Alignment: The CBUAE and Presight must navigate regulatory frameworks to ensure compliance and efficiency.
• Market Adoption: Encouraging UAE residents and businesses to adopt Jaywan and Aani will require effective marketing and education.

UAE businesses can address these challenges by partnering with Presight and leveraging the CBUAE’s regulatory expertise to ensure seamless implementation.

How UAE Businesses Can Engage

To capitalize on the Presight-CBUAE joint venture, UAE companies should:

1. Collaborate with Presight: Partner on AI-driven projects to support Jaywan, Aani, and the CBDC.
2. Invest in Fintech: Explore opportunities in digital payments and financial inclusion initiatives.
3. Leverage UAE’s Ecosystem: Use the UAE’s position as a financial hub to connect with regional stakeholders.
4. Stay Informed: Monitor updates on the Financial Infrastructure Transformation programme for new opportunities.

Regional and Global Context

The Presight-CBUAE joint venture builds on the UAE’s leadership in financial technology. Recent initiatives, such as the UAE’s removal from the EU’s high-risk list for money laundering in 2025, have bolstered its reputation as a secure financial hub. The UAE’s collaboration with Presight aligns with global trends, where countries like Singapore and China are advancing digital currencies and AI-driven finance.

For the Middle East, this partnership sets a benchmark for fintech innovation, encouraging countries like Saudi Arabia and Bahrain to invest in AI-driven financial solutions. The UAE’s strategic position and business-friendly environment make it a magnet for global investors seeking to tap into the region’s digital economy.

Looking Ahead: A Fintech Revolution

The Presight-CBUAE joint venture is a game-changer for the UAE’s financial ecosystem, driving innovation, resilience, and efficiency. By powering systems like Jaywan, Aani, and the CBDC with AI, the UAE is poised to lead the global fintech revolution. For UAE businesses and Middle East investors, this partnership offers a chance to shape the future of financial services in the region. As the UAE continues its digital transformation journey, the Presight-CBUAE collaboration will play a pivotal role in achieving economic stability and global leadership.