Samer Kandalaft interviewed in CXO Insight – Empowering Digital Transformation in Banking

Samer Kandalaft, Executive VP of QuanTech, part of the MDS System Integration Group, recently featured in a detailed Q&A in the major Gulf online publication, CXO Insight Middle East. Samer talked at length about how MDS SI Group plays a key role in the development of fintech and the banking sector in the region.

In the interview, the first question for Samer was about the core of the MDS SI offer. According to Samer, the Group has worked with international players to create their Digital Transformation Platform, which has the potential to revolutionise operations within the banking sector, giving financial institutions the opportunity to move on from legacy applications.

At the heart of the Platform solution is an initial Digital Maturity Assessment, which allows the bank to systematically create a Digital Maturity Matrix that helps the institutions to identify and programme their transformation journey. According to Samer, in response to the Digital Maturity Index, the Quantech team creates a bespoke Technical Architecture and Technical Roadmap which become a guide for the bank to modernise their infrastructure and embrace digital transformation. “When implementing a digital transformation strategy in the banking sector, it is crucial to have a well-defined plan for integration with existing systems and infrastructure” said Samer.

Legacy systems can’t be eradicated overnight, and business continuity is crucial for institutions like banks who need to earn and retain the complete trust of all customers and partners. Samer explained that the MDS SI platform acts as a central core to business systems – but it works alongside legacy architecture, thus allowing a planned and orderly migration across to the new core solutions, minimizing the chances of disruption to data, customers or business.

Banking today works across many channels – online, mobile and in-branch transactions of all kinds need to be seamless, consistent and 100% reliable experiences, and in the interview, Samer talked about the Group’s cross-platform offer: “Our portfolio includes a range of digital client touchpoints, including a seamless and convenient banking experience.” Samer detailed the omni-channel digital approach, which includes microservices and responsive design to suit mobile customers and also self-automated branches.

“What truly sets us apart is the tight integration of our portfolio across all touchpoints” said Samer. “We prioritize maintaining a consistent interface and user experience across mobile, kiosk, ATM and Internet channels. Additionally, we seamlessly integrate unified business rules and digital processes across these touchpoints.”

There’s more detail about how MDS SI and QuanTech is driving Digital Transformation in the banking sector in the full Q&A interview in CXO Insight, pages 20-21