Banks’ CIO Forum engages key partners ahead of Confluence 2025

Banks’ CIO Forum Committee 2024/2025
Seated from left: Confluence Committee Chairman Tharaka Mudugamuwa, BCIOF President Ajith Salgado and BCIOF Committee Member Gerald Wanigaratne 
Standing from left: BCIOF Committee Members Thaminda Vandebona and Lakshitha Jayaweera, BCIOF Treasurer Indika Fernando and BCIOF Secretary Hareen Stembo
Absent: BCIOF Committee Members Nisala Kodippili and Prabath Samindra Wickramaratne

The Banks’ Chief Information Officers Forum (BCIOF), the largest premier C-level forum within Sri Lanka’s banking and financial sector, successfully hosted a ‘Partner Meet Up’ on August 27, 2024, at Grand Sapphire, Courtyard by Marriott Colombo, in preparation for the highly anticipated CIO Confluence 2025.

Recognising the banking and financial sector’s position at the forefront of digital transformation, the BCIOF initiated this strategic gathering to engage potential collaborators and the industry leaders, creating a vibrant platform for the upcoming CIO Confluence 2025, scheduled for March 4, 2025, at Shangri-La Colombo.

The Partner Meet Up is a crucial step towards CIO Confluence 2025’s success, bringing together prospective affiliates early, to network and explore opportunities for what promises to be the largest elite IT conference in the banking sector. BCIOF President Ajith Salgado stated, “The Partner Meet Up is a crucial step towards making CIO Confluence 2025 a landmark event in Sri Lanka’s banking and IT landscape. Our forum’s strength lies in collaboration. We believe this year’s event will elevate the standards of IT leadership in banking. By engaging potential stakeholders early, we aim to create a more strategic and impactful experience. We are excited to offer them a unique opportunity to be part of this transformative journey in the upcoming conference.”

Notably, CIO Confluence 2024 attracted over 500 participants, including the industry leaders, policymakers and technical experts, comprising multiple sessions and panel discussions featuring eminent local and foreign participants and facilitators. The insightful sessions were followed by a gala night with entertainment, creating a memorable experience and networking opportunities for attendees.

The CIO Confluence, an annual event organised by the BCIOF, has established itself as an important gathering for chief information officers and key stakeholders in the banking industry. The confluence serves as a forum for knowledge sharing, discussing emerging industry trends, challenges and networking with critical allies such as the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Banks Association (SLBA), Lanka Pay and SLCERT. To-date the annual forum has played a vital role in transforming the banking industry through technology and innovation.