DISRUPTIVE TECH combined market capitalisation by an astounding $ 8 trillion since the launch of ChatGPT in autumn 2022 .
The AI race extends far beyond securing funding and developing hardware ; it is also about attracting top talent , fostering innovation , and creating the most conducive environments for technological breakthroughs .
According to PitchBook , Europe has already fallen behind in this race , with many start-ups in traditional sectors struggling to secure the necessary funding . As a result , investors in 2025 will need to prioritise AI to stay ahead of the curve and capitalise on its vast potential .
The data in the first table shows the 10 stocks which have seen the biggest proportional increase and decrease in holders on the eToro platform among UAE users quarter on quarter , Q2 vs Q3 .
The data in the second table shows the top 10 most held stocks positions , open positions by UAE investors on the eToro platform at the end of the Q3 2024 .
As the vast majority of stocks traded on eToro are the real asset , this data does not include positions held as CFDs . All data accurate as of after market close on Monday 30 September .
Regulatory landscape will drive outcome-based compliance
We live in a world where there is evergrowing and new regulations such as the EU Digital Operational Resilience Act , DORA , which has taken effect on the 17th of January , reshaping cybersecurity and operational resilience in financial ecosystems . DORA will impose stricter requirements and also encourage resiliency in organisations , which will hopefully address the issues of securing insurance .
The positive consequence of this growing regulatory landscape is a shift toward outcome-based compliance , as current regulations are seen to focus on ticking boxes .
This will ultimately lead to enhanced data security within sectors , and mitigated risk of major consequences from continuously scaling cyber-attacks .
In 2025 organisations must be proactive in compliance , treating regulatory requirements as a baseline and building upon them to enhance customer experience and trust .
We will also see more regulations coming out that have not yet been predicted . Companies should treat these regulations as the minimum requirement that guides the usage of technology and look to build on these requirements . Maximising cybersecurity investments is not just about protection – it is about creating a positive , trust-driven experience for customers in the long term .
Security should go beyond compliance , ensuring that every interaction leaves customers feeling safe and confident . In 2025 , the businesses that excel will be the ones that seamlessly blend robust security with exceptional user experiences .
This year will be the breakout year for Artificial Intelligence . In 2024 AI had to navigate the trough of disillusionment as early excitement met the reality of limitations . However , as organisations rethink their strategies , this phase of setbacks will unlock new opportunities .
In 2025 AI is set to shift into the plateau of productivity : with refined AI models , scaled projects , and practical , high-impact applications . This will be a considerable shift in comparison to the toe-dipping and experimentation we have seen in 2024 .
Against a backdrop of financial uncertainty and regulations adding further potential costs , organisations will be seeking cost-effective , efficient methods to remain compliant and reach their goals .
This is likely to be a main area of opportunity for the AI industry , due to its practical applications of automating tasks , aiding teams in quickly analysing vast sets of data , and helping companies make smarter decisions without hiring more people .
In 2025 refined , practical uses such as this will give organisations a major edge .
This is especially true in sectors such as healthcare , finance , and manufacturing , where AI-driven automation and analytics are poised to transform operations . p
Alasdair Anderson , VP EMEA , Protegrity
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