The AI ​​& Digital Bridge 2026 forum will discuss the use of artificial intelligence by banks in areas ranging from customer service to risk management. Experts from the banking, fintech and payment industry will participate in the session "Future of the banking system: AI, platforms and new financial infrastructure", reports Tech-news. In Kazakhstan, the majority of banking services have already moved to a digital format. The next stage is to introduce artificial intelligence into the internal processes of this infrastructure. In addition to automating customer service, AI can also be used to assess credit risk, detect fraud, analyze data, and optimize operational processes. However, along with the speed of technology implementation, the quality of data, the reliability of models, and the security of financial information of clients are also relevant. These topics will be discussed at a panel discussion at the AI ​​& Digital Bridge 2026 forum, which will be held in Astana from October 1-3. From a bank to a technology platform The session will be attended by representatives of traditional banks and international fintech companies. Freedom Holding Corp. Aidos Zhumagulov, Chief Banking Officer of the company and member of the Board of Directors of Freedom Bank Kazakhstan, has more than 20 years of experience in the financial sector. He is responsible for digitization of banks, strategic transformation and technological development. In the discussion, his experience allows us to illustrate the process of transformation of a traditional bank into a digital platform. Alpaca co-founder and CEO Yoshi Yokokawa presents another model of financial infrastructure. Alpaca develops an API-infrastructure for trading stocks and digital assets. Through the API, other companies can integrate ready-made technological features into their services. Yokokawa previously worked in capital markets at Lehman Brothers and Nomura and participated in projects related to deep learning technologies. With the introduction of AI, the role of data will increase. Deputy Chairman of the Board of Halyk Bank Mikhail Khasin raises the issue of updating the technological architecture of a large financial organization. He has more than 25 years of experience in IT. Prior to Halyk Bank, he worked in international financial organizations and was Global Markets CIO at BNP Paribas. As AI becomes more prevalent in the banking system, the quality of data management and algorithms will become more important. Rubina Lozovaya, vice president of data management, AI and retail risk management of Bank CenterCredit, works in this direction. His area of ​​responsibility includes Data & Analytics, AI, Customer Analytics, Credit Risk and Data & AI Governance. The bank uses artificial intelligence in the areas of customer service, anti-fraud, sales and process automation. Onur Dogan, Mastercard's senior vice president of service business development in Eastern Europe, will also participate in the panel. His professional experience is related to strategic consulting and digital transformation. How will the financial infrastructure of Kazakhstan change? Speakers will cover various aspects of AI transformation in banking: bank digitization, fintech platforms, technology architecture, data management and risk control. The discussion will be moderated by Renat Bekturov, head of the IAF. He previously headed the Astana International Exchange and participated in the development of the capital market and investment infrastructure of Kazakhstan. Therefore, the discussion will focus not only on how banks are using AI tools, but also on how the financial infrastructure will change in the face of new technologies. Digital financial services are already widespread in Kazakhstan. The key challenge for banks now is not to move services online, but to make AI part of customer experience, risk management, product development and internal processes. When will AI & Digital Bridge 2026 take place? The AI ​​& Digital Bridge 2026 forum will be held on October 1-3 at the EXPO International Exhibition Center in Astana. On October 1, a special program for government agencies, international delegations and representatives of the technology industry will be organized. Participation in this day is by invitation. The open program of the forum will be held on October 2-3. It can be attended by ticketed guests. Forum headliners include Balaji Srinivasan, founder of Network School, Erzat Dulat, co-founder and CTO of Higgsfield AI, and Jamie Beaton, co-founder and CEO of Crimson Education. The event is organized by the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana Hub and Astana City Administration. Forum partners and sponsors include Freedom Bank, Kaspi Bank, "Samruk-Kazyna", "Kazakhtelecom", Halyk Bank, Beeline Kazakhstan, Yandex Kazakhstan, Freedom Telecom Operations and other companies.