Contact Financial CEO Predicts Shift from Digital Transformation to AI-Driven Transformation in Emerging Markets

John Saad, CEO of Contact Financial Holding, predicted that the coming years will witness a clear transition from digital transformation and fintech adoption to a more advanced stage: AI Transformation. He noted that while the market has primarily focused on digital transformation in recent years, the next phase will be driven by artificial intelligence applications.

Speaking at the Annual Financial Markets Summit: FinTech – The Road to Investment Inclusion, Saad highlighted that companies have already experienced a learning curve during the digital transformation era. Success depended on adopting a Digital First approach and building a fully integrated digital ecosystem. Companies that mastered this approach were better positioned to achieve sustainable growth.

Saad emphasized that the AI era introduces a new learning curve. The challenge is not to apply AI in limited tasks, but to integrate it as a core component of the entire operational ecosystem. He explained that AI has the potential to create true market disruption, reshape business models, transform service delivery, and enhance decision-making. Using AI only in isolated “pockets” is insufficient to unlock its full potential.

He also forecasted a rapid acceleration in AI adoption globally due to monthly breakthroughs in AI technologies, which are driving markets toward new paths and opportunities. Saad affirmed that Egypt is in the right place at the right time to leverage these global transformations, with AI development representing a major opportunity for emerging markets to adopt advanced solutions and achieve qualitative leaps across sectors.

Concluding his remarks, Saad stressed that the next stage will be pivotal, and companies that adopt strategic thinking and build AI-integrated systems early will be best positioned to lead the market and secure sustainable competitive advantages.