Across the Middle East, financial inclusion has seen remarkable growth, driven by soaring mobile penetration rates exceeding 95% in countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE. In Egypt, financial inclusion has more than doubled since 2016, with mobile penetration surpassing 100%. Despite these advancements, a significant portion of the underbanked population still struggles with financial literacy, digital navigation, and cultural barriers, limiting their ability to fully engage with formal banking systems. This gap has prompted financial institutions to explore innovative solutions, with Agentic AI emerging as a transformative tool. Unlike traditional AI models, Agentic AI operates independently within defined boundaries, processing diverse inputs, recognizing behavioral patterns, and making context-driven decisions. Early deployments by global institutions like BlackRock, JPMorgan, and BNY Mellon have demonstrated its potential to streamline operations and enhance reliability. In the UAE, Agentic AI is already being used for autonomous decision-making in personal lending and SME financing, addressing long-standing inclusion challenges. By focusing on engagement rather than mere access, Agentic AI can preemptively assist users, guide those with low financial literacy, adapt to irregular income patterns, and communicate in local languages, making financial services more accessible and user-friendly. As financial institutions shift their focus from expanding reach to enhancing service adaptability, Agentic AI is poised to redefine the future of financial inclusion.
