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DHAKA, Dec 23, 2025 (BSS) – Experts and senior officials gathered at the Bangladesh Bank Training Academy (BBTA) to discuss the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the financial sector, emphasizing the urgent need for a robust regulatory framework.

The seminar, titled "Artificial Intelligence: Reshaping Financial Services and Its Regulation," was held on Monday at the A. K. N. Ahmed Auditorium in Mirpur.

The event highlighted how AI is driving far-reaching changes globally, opening new frontiers in risk management, fraud detection, customer service, and product innovation.

However, speakers noted that the increasing adoption of these technologies necessitates effective policies to ensure ethical and safe usage.

During the panel discussion, Mohammad Zakir Hasan, Executive Director (ICT) of Bangladesh Bank, revealed that the central bank has already initiated the formulation of an integrated AI policy.

To facilitate this, a seven-member professional AI team has been formed.

Hasan emphasized that the upcoming policy will prioritize data protection, consumer rights preservation, and comprehensive risk management.

Mohammad Ali, Managing Director of Pubali Bank PLC, delivered the keynote paper, outlining a clear roadmap for an effective AI strategy tailored for the financial sector.

Complementing this, Md. Rezaul Karim, Joint Director (ICT) of BBTA, presented on the practical adoption of AI within financial institutions.

Prof. Dr. B. M. Mainul Hossain, Director of the Institute of Information Technology at Dhaka University, stressed that a "meaningful and structured bond" between regulators, technology users, and researchers is essential for effective policy implementation.

Md. Mahbub Karim, Director of the Bangladesh Computer Council, pointed out that while national AI policies exist, focused discussion within the banking sector has remained limited, making the central bank's new initiative vital.

M. Rezaul Hassan, Group CEO of Reve Group, urged for more active engagement from user groups to scale AI pilot projects into larger implementations.

Presiding over the seminar, Md. Hanif Mia, Executive Director of BBTA, described AI as a powerful tool that can make the financial sector more inclusive, efficient, and stable if governed by proper oversight.

He urged banks to view AI not merely as a series of pilot projects, but as a long-term strategic capability.

He concluded by noting that successful AI integration requires a foundation of accurate data, skilled human resources, robust cybersecurity, and explainable systems.

The seminar was moderated by Md. Masud Rana, Additional Director of the Academy, and attended by senior officials from various commercial banks and IT heads.