#Bahrain #Manama #Fintech Forward #AI expert #Mo Gawdat

Mo Gawdat to Headline Bahrain Fintech Forward 2026

Mo Gawdat, a renowned visionary and expert in artificial intelligence (AI), is set to take the stage at the upcoming Bahrain Fintech Forward 2026. Known for his impressive career as the former Chief Business Officer at Google X, Gawdat will share invaluable insights into the evolving relationship between AI, human judgment, and responsible decision-making. This event is highly anticipated as the world turns its gaze toward AI's influence across various sectors.

Scheduled for October 7-8, 2026, at the Exhibition World Bahrain, the Fintech Forward 2026 will feature the theme, “Finance in the Age of Smart Infrastructures.” Gawdat's involvement comes at a critical juncture, where businesses, regulators, and the general public alike are grappling with issues of trust, accountability, and the necessity for human oversight in an increasingly automated environment.

Over his extensive career spanning 27 years, Gawdat has held positions in major corporations such as IBM, NCR, Microsoft, and Google. His role at Google X put him at the forefront of groundbreaking projects including autonomous vehicles and innovative solutions through Project Loon and Makani. As the founder of the “One Billion Happy” movement and host of the podcast “Slo Mo,” he's also credited with several bestselling books, including Solve for Happy and Scary Smart.

During the event, Gawdat will participate in a panel discussion titled “When Intelligence is Everywhere: What Decision-Making Power Should Humans Retain?” This session is particularly pertinent as it will delve into the implications of AI integration within the financial services sector. As intelligent systems increasingly influence decisions related to investments, risk management, and customer interactions, the discussion will center around ethical considerations and the areas where human decision-making remains crucial despite advancements in machine capabilities.

Reflecting on his participation, Gawdat remarked, “AI is no longer a distant technology; it is now part of the infrastructure that underpins our choices, our institutions, and our financial systems. The real challenge is not just the power these systems will gain, but our ability to maintain a clear vision of the decisions that require human judgment and values.” He expressed enthusiasm for addressing these pressing topics at the Fintech Forward 2026 amid influential figures shaping the financial services landscape in the region.

Bahrain continues to solidify its position as a financial hub, with the financial services sector contributing a notable 17.6% to the country’s GDP in 2025. With over a century of expertise, Bahrain's aim is to bolster its fintech ecosystem, attracting innovative financial institutions and nurturing a future-ready talent pool.

Organized by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) and supported by various local financial and regulatory entities, the Fintech Forward 2026 aims to address the evolution of financial services in the context of AI and technology. As Gawdat prepares to contribute at this significant event, it promises to be an engaging exploration of the future of advice, control, and responsibility in finance. For those interested in attending or learning more about FF26, additional details can be found on the event's official website.