A CIO’s Guide to Core Modernization: A Progressive Path to Value

Banks across the GCC are under increasing pressure to modernize, driven by evolving regulation, customer expectations, and the shift toward digital-first financial services. Yet fully replacing legacy cores remains high-risk and disruptive. This guide outlines a progressive, phased approach to core modernization that allows CIOs to modernize securely, delivering value early, strengthening compliance, and enabling faster digital banking innovation. Covering both conventional and Islamic banking needs, this paper provides a practical roadmap for future-ready transformation across the region.
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Digital Transformation
Technology Trends
Banking
Digital Banking
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Key Takeaways

The Hidden Obstacles to Transformation
GCC banks are under pressure from regulators, digital challengers, and evolving customer expectations. Legacy core systems, built for yesterday’s banking, struggle to deliver real-time services, scale products, or support Sharia-compliant and SME offerings efficiently.

Break Free from Limitations
Progressive modernization offers a safer path forward. By adopting a modular, phased approach, banks can reduce risk, achieve rapid wins, and maintain business continuity while transforming their core systems.

Boost Efficiency and Innovation
Modern, cloud-native, API-first platforms enable banks to launch new products faster, integrate seamlessly with fintech partners, and optimize operational efficiency—turning innovation into a competitive advantage.

Serve Growing and Underserved Markets
With modern cores, banks can scale Islamic banking, SME lending, and digital onboarding quickly, meeting both regulatory requirements and the demands of digitally savvy customers.

A Proven Path to Value
By combining modular technology with expert delivery, progressive modernization allows banks to generate ROI early, reduce reliance on costly legacy systems, and lay the foundation for sustainable growth.

Discover How to Start
Download the white paper to explore the challenges, opportunities, and step-by-step path to core modernization in the GCC.

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