THE Institute of Banking (IOB) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and Visa recently hosted two workshops on electronic payments in Riyadh. The workshops entitled “A Global Perspective on Electronic Payments”, held at the IOB training facilities in Riyadh for male and female employees, focused on exchange of technology, innovation, capacity building and training for Saudi professionals in the field of banking and payments, which is high on the KSA's list of national priorities. Over 46 Saudi representatives from the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA), and banks including Al-Rajhi Bank, Saudi British Bank, Alinma Bank, Saudi Hollandi Bank, Samba Financial Group, Saudi Investment Bank, Al-Bilad Bank, Bank Aljazeera and Arab National Bank attended the workshops. Jamaan Al-Wagdany, Director General of The Institute of Banking, said: “We are privileged to host the workshops on the electronic payment systems and the risk management functions related to these systems with experts from Visa. The event is in line with our mission to bring in knowledge solutions to our clients, raise awareness, and exchange global best practices through our training programs. We are confident that the workshops on electronic payments equipped all the participants with the right skills, knowledge and guidance on the subject and issues relating to its risks.” Ahmed Gaber, Visa Country Manager, KSA, said: “As a trusted partner, Visa is committed to working closely with governments around the world to understand their priorities, offer meaningful solutions and support them in developing their national economies. Through these workshops in the Kingdom, Visa is reinforcing this commitment to build the capacity of Saudi professionals in the banking and finance sectors, in line with the government's job nationalization efforts. The workshops were a great platform to showcase our thought leadership as a primary source of knowledge and innovation in the field of payment solutions.” He added: “Visa is a pioneer in electronic payments and has always strived to make them safe, reliable and convenient. Through such initiatives in Saudi Arabia, Visa continues to support and drive the electronification of payments across the country. We are happy to be working with the IOB and client banks in Saudi Arabia to support initiatives and government strategies toward that common goal.” The workshops were marked by lively discussions and the active engagement of participants, who shared insights on a range of issues. — SG
