Finance Minister Highlights New Era of Trust and Innovation

The speech by Minister of Finance Sheikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa at the Future of Fintech 2026 Forum focused on how the financial sector is experiencing rapid transformations that integrate artificial intelligence, payments, digital identities, and stablecoins. These technologies have become part of an interconnected fabric reshaping the future of finance. He pointed out that artificial intelligence holds exceptional promises that require its deployment in a safe and responsible manner, with trust being regarded as the primary currency of digital finance. He emphasized the importance of innovation and integrity in building a resilient and robust financial system. Furthermore, he stressed the necessity of clear and flexible regulations that encourage innovation, balancing the promotion of trust with sustainability. He highlighted that resilience and robustness in the financial system are built before crises occur, through strengthening infrastructure, risk management, and institutional trust. He reaffirmed that the forum plays an important role in transforming discussions into tangible partnerships and investments. The future of finance, he said, requires boldness and collaboration to develop solutions that are more adaptable and capable of withstanding challenges.