Ahmed Ali Larik, an IT expert from Pakistan, has been named as one of the distinguished DT 100’s Top 100 Saudi visionary leaders for his exceptional contributions to the transformation of the digital banking sector. He is the sole Pakistani to achieve this prestigious recognition this year.
Mr. Larik has become well-known as a forward-thinking professional who played a crucial role in advancing digital banking and fintech. He was instrumental in driving technological progress at EMKAN Finance, a subsidiary of Alrahji Bank, one of the world’s largest Islamic Banks.
The DT 100 program celebrates the remarkable achievements of technology leaders in Saudi Arabia. It aims to honor individuals who have led pioneering technological advancements in the region.
Ahmed Ali Larik is recognized as a driving force behind Saudi Arabia’s move towards an innovation-driven economy. He has established himself as a thought leader in the industry and is sought after as a speaker at major industry conferences. Additionally, he has been honored with the title of “Technology Master” and has been included among the top 200 CIOs recognized by the Global CIO Forum.
Building on his achievements, Mr. Larik has provided valuable insights into emerging technologies and has conducted comparative analyses of growth disparities between the markets of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. His research covers topics such as Neom, hyperloop technology, and overall smart city projects. Of particular interest to him is Neom, a special economic zone in Saudi Arabia dedicated to building an innovative city with a strong focus on integrating AI, IoT, and Data Analytics into governance, services, and decision-making processes.
Furthermore, Ahmed Ali Larik has highlighted cybersecurity threats and preventive measures. While Pakistan is in the early stages of AI and IoT adoption, the Saudi Government has been actively working on a metaverse experience in Neom known as XVRS. This initiative aims to create a mixed-reality urban living model featuring digital assets, built-in crypto capabilities, and NFT monetization. Conversely, Pakistan, while expressing interest in the metaverse, has yet to fully adopt NFTs and blockchain for real-time transactions and digital property acquisitions. To support its ambitious goals, Neom is heavily investing in a half-billion-dollar data center called ‘ZeroPoint,’ which is set to be the region’s first next-generation hyperscale data center, playing a pivotal role in powering the company’s infrastructure.
Mr. Larik has also emphasized the significant impact of neo-banks on Saudi Arabia’s banking sector, bringing in a new era of digital financial services. These innovative financial institutions, free from traditional brick-and-mortar branches, have redefined banking accessibility for Saudi citizens.
As Saudi Arabia progresses towards a more diversified and technology-driven economy through initiatives like Vision 2030, neo-banks play a critical role in shaping the nation’s financial landscape. A similar transformation is in its early stages in Pakistan with the establishment of Digital Banking Regulations. However, the market has yet to witness new players entering the arena, making Mr. Larik’s insights and expertise more valuable in guiding Pakistan’s digital banking future. This dynamic landscape underscores the importance of visionary leaders like Ahmed Ali Larik in guiding nations towards a tech-savvy future.
Ahmed Ali Larik’s impact extends beyond his professional achievements. He embodies the spirit of cross-border collaboration and knowledge sharing. His efforts in bridging the technological gap between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are commendable. By offering valuable insights into emerging technologies and growth disparities, he not only contributes to the advancement of the Saudi tech landscape but also inspires growth in Pakistan’s tech sector. This bi-national perspective fosters an innovation exchange that can benefit both nations, paving the way for mutually beneficial partnerships in the ever-evolving tech world.
In addition to his technological expertise, Mr. Larik’s focus on cybersecurity and the safeguarding of digital assets is of paramount importance in today’s interconnected world. His proactive approach in addressing potential threats and proposing preventive measures demonstrates his commitment to the responsible development of digital infrastructure. As technology advances rapidly, thought leaders like Ahmed Ali Larik play a crucial role in ensuring the security and integrity of digital ecosystems, not only in Saudi Arabia and Pakistan but on a global scale. His work serves as a guiding light for others in the industry, encouraging innovation while maintaining a vigilant eye on safeguarding the digital frontier.
Image Source: Ahmed Ali Larik @ LinkedIn
