Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 35 | Page 10

NEWS National Commercial Bank of Saudi Arabia Joins RippleNet KSA launches Digital Giving initiative to spread technical awareness S audi Arabia plans to launch the world’s largest digital initiative, Digital Giving, to spread digital knowledge among Arab communities around the world. The initiative, which will be launched under the auspices of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), aims at enriching Arab technical content through a number of innovative means and creative tools. This will be achieved with the participation of a group of experts, specialists and technical amateurs from around the world. The project demonstrates the kingdom’s pioneering role in leading Digital Transformation in Arab societies. MCIT has announced the completion of all preparations for the launch of this initiative to enhance digital capabilities by contributing to educating the Arab community on digital content and technical knowledge, supporting the non-profit sector in developing technical skills and accelerating Digital Transformation in the operations of institutions and activities. T he National Commercial Bank (NCB) has joined Blockchain provider RippleNet, following Ripple’s recent pilot with the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority. NCB will connect to other financial institutions around the world through RippleNet. Ripple’s Blockchain technology provides their customers with faster and more transparent international payment services. The bank will first connect to financial institutions in North America and Asia, starting in Singapore. Launching these two critical payment corridors offers immediate value to NCB’s customers, offering services in regions that they have not had access to before. 10 INTELLIGENTCIO Since its foundation in 1953, NCB has been a financial leader in the country and region, serving both people residing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and across the world. It currently has 400 branches across the country and is the second largest bank in the Middle East by total assets. NCB’s decision to join RippleNet is an innovative step forward in Blockchain adoption in both the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and across the Middle East. The initiative involves organising distance training courses, direct training courses and seminars to spread digital awareness and enrich the Arab technical content on the Internet using many advanced media and technology tools. Professionals, those interested in technology and members of the non-profit sector can participate in the Digital Giving initiative by visiting a dedicated website. For SMEs and corporations that depend on NCB, more efficient and transparent remittances will provide stability and help them grow their business faster. NCB will be in production on RippleNet by the end of Q4 2018. www.intelligentcio.com