The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) and AI firm Presight have launched a joint venture that could reshape the country’s financial systems. This new setup is designed to support the UAE’s Financial Infrastructure Transformation (FIT) Programme, with AI baked into every layer of the tech stack.
Here’s what the partnership means and what’s coming next.
The Goal: Smarter, Faster, More Secure Finance
CBUAE’s FIT programme aims to modernise the country’s financial systems. This joint venture bolsters the plan with AI capabilities. The idea is to build tech platforms that are both locally controlled and smart enough to handle the demands of a fast-moving digital economy.
What the JV will cover:
- Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) systems
- Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS)
- Domestic card scheme (Jaywan)
- National card switch platform
- Instant payments platform (Aani)
- Open finance framework (Nebras)
These aren’t just buzzwords — they’re the digital rails that modern economies run on.
The joint venture isn’t just support staff. It’ll build, maintain and run the technology behind these platforms. All sovereign. All powered by AI.
Why Presight?
Presight, backed by Abu Dhabi’s G42, is recognised for combining big data with AI to address challenges in the public and private sectors. Their angle is to make decisions easier and faster using real-time insights.
Presight’s strengths include:
- AI-powered decision-making tools
- All-source data integration
- Strong presence in both public and private sectors
- UAE-based and listed on ADX
By incorporating Presight, CBUAE is ensuring that this isn’t just another government tech project. It’s one with commercial-scale AI backing and local control.
What’s In It for the UAE?
This partnership supports the UAE’s plan to establish itself as a global financial hub. But it’s also a move to keep more of its critical infrastructure in-country, secure, and tailored to local needs.
Key benefits:
- Reduced reliance on foreign tech providers
- Better response to cyber threats
- Faster and cheaper financial services
- Boost to UAE’s fintech sector
Additionally, AI in payments and finance is no longer a luxury. It’s the only way to keep up with demand while staying secure.
What’s the Bigger Picture?
This is one of the clearest signs yet that the UAE wants to lead in fintech. It also demonstrates how the region is leveraging AI for national infrastructure — not just for chatbots or analytics dashboards, but for managing entire economies.
It also aligns with:
- UAE’s AI 2031 strategy
- Broader digital government goals
- G42’s push to dominate in applied AI
By building this as a local, AI-first finance tech platform, the UAE is making a clear bet: the future of finance is smart, sovereign, and software-defined.
Summary
CBUAE and Presight’s new joint venture isn’t just about upgrading some back-end systems. It’s about rebuilding the country’s financial infrastructure with AI at its core. From instant payments to open banking, this deal lays down the tech foundation for the UAE’s financial future — secure, fast, and home-grown.
FAQs
What is the FIT Programme?
The Financial Infrastructure Transformation (FIT) Programme is the UAE Central Bank’s initiative to modernise the financial system using digital and AI-based technologies.
What will the joint venture between CBUAE and Presight do?
It will design, build, and operate AI-powered platforms like instant payments, card systems, digital currency infrastructure, and more — all based in the UAE.
Why does this matter to consumers or businesses?
It means faster payments, better fintech services, and stronger security — all of which should lead to smoother banking experiences in the UAE.
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