Beirut, October 12, 2026 — Bank of Beirut hosted 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.” The event brought together representatives from the public and private sectors to explore how banking technology, digital solutions, and artificial intelligence can contribute to business development, streamline financial and administrative procedures, and enhance operational efficiency across institutions and municipalities.

The conference provided a platform for dialogue on the role of digital banking solutions in simplifying transactions and advancing electronic payment and collection mechanisms.

During the session dedicated to freight forwarding and customs clearance, Sami Ballout, President of the Freight Forwarders Syndicate in Lebanon, highlighted challenges associated with multiple payment channels, international transfers, and cash-based transactions. David Jaber, President of the Customs Clearing Agents Syndicate, emphasized the importance of accelerating fee payments, simplifying procedures, and facilitating receipt reconciliation among the relevant stakeholders.

Michael Abdel Nour, CEO of BOB Finance, presented payment and collection solutions designed to accelerate transaction processing, strengthen operational security, and reduce reliance on cash.

Fred Khoury, Head of Business Banking Intelligence at Bank of Beirut, outlined the Bank’s digital banking solutions tailored to corporate clients, particularly cash management, payment, and collection services, highlighting their role in streamlining procedures and improving financial efficiency.

Marking a significant step in Bank of Beirut’s evolution from conventional digital banking services toward AI-powered corporate banking solutions, Hilda Maalouf Melki, Head of Artificial Intelligence and Innovation at Bank of Beirut Group, introduced an intelligent AI agent developed by the Bank to support businesses operating in the freight forwarding and customs clearance sectors.

The AI agent provides round-the-clock access to information on banking transactions and services, delivering timely responses to customer inquiries, reducing processing time, and simplifying procedures. This initiative demonstrates how artificial intelligence can be transformed into a practical tool supporting everyday business operations.

The session dedicated to e-government focused on modernizing municipal services and advancing electronic payment and collection systems. Faten Abou Hassan, Director General of Local Administrations and Councils, addressed the administrative and legal frameworks governing electronic collections, as well as the allocation of responsibilities among the relevant authorities.

Elias Baaino, President of the Federation of Keserwan Municipalities, highlighted the role of municipal federations in coordinating efforts, sharing expertise, and supporting municipalities with limited resources. Meanwhile, Elie Saber, Mayor of Zouk Mosbeh, outlined the practical requirements for implementing digital solutions, including infrastructure, training, internal organization, and service quality assessment.

From the banking perspective, Fred Khoury presented solutions for integrating municipal fee payments with electronic payment platforms and automated collection reconciliation. Fares Anton, Head of Card Services at Bank of Beirut, discussed the digital payment channels available to citizens, emphasizing accessibility, ease of use, and transaction security.

The conference reflects Bank of Beirut’s ongoing commitment to aligning banking innovation with the evolving needs of economic and service sectors while strengthening public-private collaboration. By leveraging financial technology and artificial intelligence, the Bank continues to advance practical solutions that enhance operational efficiency, simplify transactions, and support Lebanon’s transition toward a more integrated digital economy and e-government ecosystem.