LAHORE: The potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in finance, particularly in emerging economies, was a focal point at the ‘AI x Fintech: The New Rules of Intelligent Finance’ session during Mobile World Congress 2026, organized by the GSMA. Aamir Ibrahim, CEO of JazzWorld, emphasized that the critical measure of AI’s success lies in its ability to enhance financial inclusion on a large scale.
Ibrahim highlighted that in markets like Pakistan, it is not merely the sophistication of AI models that matters, but whether these technologies can reach the over 100 million adults who lack access to formal banking services. He argued that AI’s transformative capacity could convert digital and behavioral patterns—such as payment histories and usage trends—into viable financial identities. This, he believes, could unlock access to credit and enable real-time risk assessment, thereby integrating previously marginalized populations into the mainstream economy.
However, Ibrahim issued a cautionary note regarding poorly designed AI systems, warning that they could exacerbate existing inequalities. “AI can include, but it can also exclude,” he stated, underscoring the importance of transparency and explainability in complex markets characterized by informal economies and gender disparities. According to him, “Finance ultimately runs on trust, not technology.”
The session, moderated by Sophia Bantanidis, Future of Finance Analyst at Citi Global Insights, included insights from industry leaders such as Jose Fernandez, CEO of Bankuish; Paula Blazquez Solano, Partner at 4Founders Capital; and Beatriz Gimenez, Country Manager at PayPal Iberia.
Ibrahim drew parallels between fintech innovation and the associated cybersecurity risks, suggesting that while breaches may occur, the institutional response is crucial for maintaining credibility. In environments where fraud exploits low digital literacy, he argued that consumer education and responsible guidance are as significant as the precision of algorithms.
Speaking on the interaction between innovation and regulation, Ibrahim noted that innovation often outpaces regulatory frameworks. Central banks frequently focus on mitigating risks, but he asserted that a balanced approach is necessary. He proposed structured engagement between regulators and innovators, which would include regulatory sandboxes, open dialogue, and shared accountability. This collaboration, he believes, could enable innovation to flourish while ensuring consumer protection.
As telecom and fintech service providers converge, large-scale ecosystems are poised to utilize data responsibly for improved credit scoring and real-time fraud prevention. However, Ibrahim warned that merely having scale is not enough; the quality of implementation is paramount.
He encapsulated the future of intelligent finance in three pivotal pillars: technology, transparency, and trust. “Technology enables capability; transparency builds credibility; trust ensures longevity,” he explained. For consumers, he emphasized that the underlying technology is less significant than their perception of security, fairness, and being well-informed.
This dialogue underscores a broader trend where AI is viewed as a double-edged sword, capable of either promoting financial inclusivity or deepening societal divides, particularly in developing markets. As the fintech landscape evolves, the challenge remains to harness the benefits of AI while safeguarding against its potential pitfalls.
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