The Blockchain Show Riyadh is set to bring together industry leaders and experts to discuss the future of digital banking, with a panel discussion led by Alona Shevtsova, CEO of Sends.
The panel, titled "AI, Risk & Blockchain: Building the Next Generation of Digital Banking," will examine the opportunities and challenges facing financial institutions as emerging technologies become increasingly integrated into global financial infrastructure.
The discussion will focus on four key themes: the foundations of secure and resilient digital banking; the role of blockchain in financial infrastructure and digital trust; responsible AI governance and innovation; and the future of digital finance across the Middle East and global markets.
As moderator, Alona Shevtsova will guide the conversation around one of the most pressing questions facing the financial sector today: how financial institutions can continue to innovate while maintaining trust, security, transparency, and regulatory compliance in an increasingly digital environment.
Commenting ahead of the event, Alona Shevtsova stated, "The future of banking will be defined by the ability to balance innovation with trust. AI, blockchain and digital infrastructure are creating new opportunities for financial institutions, but long-term success will depend on building secure, transparent and resilient systems that inspire confidence among customers, businesses and regulators alike."
The panel is expected to explore the growing role of blockchain technology in institutional finance, the evolution of digital assets and decentralised financial systems, and the opportunities emerging from the convergence of AI, digital identity, and automated decision-making.
Particular attention will be given to developments across the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia's growing position as a regional hub for digital innovation, financial technology, and blockchain adoption.
The Blockchain Show Riyadh brings together industry leaders, innovators, regulators, and technology experts to discuss the trends and technologies shaping the future of digital finance and blockchain adoption worldwide.
Alona Shevtsova, CEO of Sends, has been recognized for her expertise in the field, with a recent shortlisting for the 2026 Great British Entrepreneur Awards in the Established Business of the Year category.
Alona's team is also preparing for the Fintech Connect conference in London later this year, where Sends will be a leading sponsor.
In 2025, Alona's team began working on a project to integrate payment functionality directly into the Sends Messenger app, with the goal of redefining how users interact with digital payments in everyday conversations.
More recently, Sends introduced customisable digital cards for personal accounts available in Apple Wallet and Google Wallet, giving customers more flexibility and control over their experience.
The launch of Samsung Pay as a supported payment method has also expanded Sends' reach, giving merchants access to millions of Samsung users.
With over 15 years of experience in payments and financial and technology, Alona drives Sends' growth into a scalable, secure, and globally accessible financial platform.
