Reports 2026
Our 2026 research programme examines the emerging AI dividend in banking - where early AI investments are generating measurable returns - alongside deep analysis of Gulf banking transformation, agentic AI in practice, and the structural shifts reshaping competition across global markets.
Published Reports
Global Banking Outlook 2026: The AI Dividend and the New Cost Equation
Published 12 January 2026 - 90 pages
Quantifies where AI investment is generating measurable returns and how the cost equation is fundamentally shifting across global banking.
Published 12 January 2026 - 90 pages
Quantifies where AI investment is generating measurable returns and how the cost equation is fundamentally shifting across global banking.
Gulf Banks 2026: Digital Maturity and AI Readiness
Published 10 February 2026 - 76 pages
Country-by-country assessment of digital maturity and AI readiness across the GCC banking sector, with a strategic roadmap for technology leaders.
Published 10 February 2026 - 76 pages
Country-by-country assessment of digital maturity and AI readiness across the GCC banking sector, with a strategic roadmap for technology leaders.
Agentic AI in Practice: First-Year Lessons from Production Deployments
Published 17 March 2026 - 72 pages
Documents what the first year of autonomous AI deployments in banking has revealed about performance, governance, and ROI reality.
Published 17 March 2026 - 72 pages
Documents what the first year of autonomous AI deployments in banking has revealed about performance, governance, and ROI reality.
Forthcoming 2026
Islamic Finance and AI: Opportunities and Sharia Compliance Challenges
Q2 2026 - approximately 65 pages
Examines how AI applications intersect with Sharia compliance requirements, from automated fatwa screening to AI-driven sukuk structuring and ethical investment screening.
Q2 2026 - approximately 65 pages
Examines how AI applications intersect with Sharia compliance requirements, from automated fatwa screening to AI-driven sukuk structuring and ethical investment screening.
Saudi Vision 2030: Banking Transformation Progress Report
Q2 2026 - approximately 70 pages
Assesses the progress of Saudi Arabia's banking sector transformation, including digital bank licensing, open banking implementation, and the role of PIF-backed fintech ventures.
Q2 2026 - approximately 70 pages
Assesses the progress of Saudi Arabia's banking sector transformation, including digital bank licensing, open banking implementation, and the role of PIF-backed fintech ventures.
UAE Open Finance: From Regulation to Ecosystem
Q3 2026 - approximately 62 pages
Analyses the UAE's open finance journey from CBUAE's regulatory framework through to ecosystem development, API adoption, and competitive implications for incumbent banks.
Q3 2026 - approximately 62 pages
Analyses the UAE's open finance journey from CBUAE's regulatory framework through to ecosystem development, API adoption, and competitive implications for incumbent banks.
The Gulf Payments Revolution: Real-Time Infrastructure and Digital Wallets
Q3 2026 - approximately 68 pages
Maps the rapid evolution of payments infrastructure across the GCC, from IPP and AFAQ to domestic wallet proliferation and cross-border instant payment corridors.
Q3 2026 - approximately 68 pages
Maps the rapid evolution of payments infrastructure across the GCC, from IPP and AFAQ to domestic wallet proliferation and cross-border instant payment corridors.
AI Cost-Benefit Reality: Measuring Returns After Two Years of Deployment
Q4 2026 - approximately 74 pages
Provides the first comprehensive assessment of AI ROI across banking, with audited case studies covering cost reduction, revenue generation, and productivity improvement.
Q4 2026 - approximately 74 pages
Provides the first comprehensive assessment of AI ROI across banking, with audited case studies covering cost reduction, revenue generation, and productivity improvement.
Post-Core Banking: Early Implementations and Lessons
Q4 2026 - approximately 70 pages
Examines the first wave of banks operating on composable, API-first architectures rather than traditional core banking platforms, with practical lessons for institutions planning similar transitions.
Q4 2026 - approximately 70 pages
Examines the first wave of banks operating on composable, API-first architectures rather than traditional core banking platforms, with practical lessons for institutions planning similar transitions.