Bank of Beirut Brings Together Public and Private Sector Leaders to Discuss the Future of Business and Digital Services

Beirut, October 12, 2026 — Bank of Beirut organized a conference at the Phoenicia Hotel in Beirut entitled “From Commerce to Digital Government: The Future of Business and Services in the Age of Digital Transformation.” Bringing together representatives from the public and private sectors, the conference explored how banking technology, digital solutions, and artificial intelligence can drive business development, facilitate financial and administrative transactions, and improve operational efficiency across institutions and municipalities.

The event served as a platform for public-private dialogue on the role of digital banking solutions in simplifying transactions and modernizing electronic payment and collection systems.

During the session focusing on freight forwarding and customs clearance, Sami Ballout, President of the Freight Forwarders Syndicate in Lebanon, addressed the challenges posed by multiple payment channels, international transfers, and cash-based transactions. David Jaber, President of the Customs Clearing Agents Syndicate, stressed the importance of accelerating fee settlements, simplifying procedures, and improving receipt reconciliation among the relevant stakeholders.

Michael Abdel Nour, CEO of BOB Finance, showcased payment and collection solutions that contribute to faster transaction processing, enhanced operational security, and reduced dependence on cash.

Fred Khoury, Head of Business Banking Intelligence at Bank of Beirut, presented the Bank’s digital banking solutions for corporate clients, with particular emphasis on cash management, payments, and collections. He highlighted their contribution to simplifying procedures and enhancing the efficiency of financial operations.

Reflecting Bank of Beirut’s strategic evolution from traditional digital banking toward the integration of artificial intelligence into corporate banking, Hilda Maalouf Melki, Head of Artificial Intelligence and Innovation at Bank of Beirut Group, presented an AI-powered agent developed by the Bank to streamline operations for companies active in freight forwarding and customs clearance.

The intelligent agent offers 24/7 access to information on banking transactions and services, responds to customer inquiries, and helps reduce processing time while simplifying administrative procedures. The initiative demonstrates the practical application of artificial intelligence in supporting day-to-day business activities.

Through this conference, Bank of Beirut reaffirmed its commitment to advancing digital transformation and strengthening partnerships between the public and private sectors. By connecting banking innovation with the operational needs of businesses and service industries, the Bank continues to leverage financial technology and artificial intelligence to deliver practical solutions, improve service efficiency, and contribute to the development of an integrated digital services and e-government ecosystem in Lebanon.