QFEX 2026 kicks off in Doha focusing on future of fintech

Doha, Qatar witnessed the opening of QFEX 2026, a two-day summit focused on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on Qatar's financial markets, AI and digital assets. The event brought together experts to discuss the transformative effects of AI on finance, regulation, employment, and society as a whole.

Dr Khaldoun Nusair, founder of AFAQ Media Group, which organized the summit, highlighted the rapid advancements in AI technology and its implications for the future of finance. He emphasized that the debate had shifted from whether people would adopt the technology to a more complex question of who would ultimately control its direction.

Nusair pointed out that AI, once considered a tool for tasks such as data analysis and answering questions, is now evolving towards systems with greater autonomy and the ability to develop their own capabilities. This shift has made AI an economic, regulatory, and human issue, necessitating practical approaches to managing the technology.

The summit also delved into the concept of artificial general intelligence (AGI) - systems designed to perform a wide range of cognitive tasks. Nusair noted that the global debate surrounding AGI reflected the significant changes taking place in the financial sector due to AI advancements.

Furthermore, the rapid competition among major technology companies to develop more capable and autonomous AI systems raised concerns about oversight, safety, and accountability. Nusair called for enhanced cooperation between companies, governments, and regulators to address these challenges and ensure the responsible development and deployment of AI in the financial industry.