At Carnegie Mellon Qatar’s Dean’s Lecture Series, H.E. Sheikh Abdulla Bin Saoud Al-Thani highlights role of universities in developing banking sector

DOHA, QATAR - October 15, 2019:  During a lecture at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q), His Excellency Sheikh Abdulla Bin Saoud Al-Thani discussed Qatar’s strategy to promote the growth of financial technology (fintech) in the local banking sector. Al-Thani is the governor of Qatar Central Bank (QCB) and an expert in Qatar’s financial industry.

Al-Thani noted the forces that are reshaping the traditional model of banking, including globalization, technology, and the shifting preferences of customers. 

“Financial technology is driving rapid changes in the needs and expectations of key market players. In this changing environment, innovation and technology are the key success factors for banks going forward,” remarked Al-Thani. 

Michael Trick, dean of Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, said: 'Fintech is an area that brings together several fields of study—business administration, computer science, and information systems, to name a few. These are fields in which many of our faculty, students and alumni work and study. We appreciate hearing Sheikh Abdulla's insights into how this growth area is shaping the banking industry.'

QCB has a transformation strategy to meet changes in the coming decade, Al-Thani noted: “To shape these changes, banks need the support of other stakeholders. We look to education institutions such as Carnegie Mellon to develop thinking students with digital wisdom to respond to emerging needs. We need young professionals who push the boundaries of knowledge, share their findings, and who have a sense of social responsibility.” 

The Dean’s Lecture Series at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar hosts leaders in business, government and academia to share their knowledge and insights with the Carnegie Mellon community, and to broaden students’ understanding of important issues.