GDS International's First Financial Services Technology 30 Event Attracts the Finest Minds From Across the Sector

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, August 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --



GDS International is delighted to announce that its inaugural Financial Services Technology 30 event (FST30) will be taking place on the 20^th to the 22^th of November 2012, at the Townhouse Hotel in Cape Town, South Africa. Uniting thirty of the region's most well respected thought leaders, the Financial Services 30 is well positioned to set the standard for future events in Africa.

Targeting the prevalence of technology in the financial services sector, this closed-door event will unveil next generation solutions to a range of common pain points faced by decision makers today. Some of the key areas scheduled for discussion at the upcoming event include: data storage, business intelligence, mobility, mobile money and the ubiquitous question of storage - to name but a few.

There will be a carefully selected delegation to induce the most progressive of conversations with some of the biggest names in the sector scheduled for attendance - including Malcolm Laing, Group CIO for Investec; Len De Villiers, Group CIO for Bayport; Thagaran Govender, CIO for Mercantile Bank; Eddy Ogbogu, Group Head Technology for EcoBank; and Leye Babatunde, CIO for Stanbic IBTC Bank. In addition, there will be a dynamic mix of vendors at the event, including Eartholeum and TeamQuest.

The event is structured to provide the perfect environment for key decision makers to liaise and collaborate with their peers, discuss organisational strategies for the future and establish meaningful working relationships with a dynamic selection of delegates, vendors and sponsors. Offering an alternative to the industry's standard format, the Financial Services Technology Africa 30 will provide true innovation and value for money.

Richard Stirk, GDS International's Business Development Director, says: "The Financial Services 30 Africa is set to be the most exclusive gathering of senior IT decisions makers that Africa's financial services industry has ever seen. We are delighted to welcome leading executives such as Malcolm Laing, Group CIO for Investec; Len De Villiers, Group CIO for Bayport; and Thagaran Govender, CIO for Mercantile Bank, to the event."

He continues: "What makes The 30 so special is that it is end-user driven content at its finest. The delegation will choose three roundtable topics based on their top technology challenges and will meet four times over the course of two days to discover how best to overcome them, providing each attendee with an invaluable roadmap for when they return to the office. By utilising the knowledgebase of thirty thought-leaders, we feel that 'The 30' will help create some truly revolutionary ideas and practical business processes.

"The Financial Services 30 event will see a select number of solution providers take part in these discussions and contribute to the conversation. This access provides solution providers with invaluable insight that can help shape their value proposition immeasurably. The 30 is a new style format for GDS International, and we are confident that the extended networking will afford both delegates and solution providers alike with the time needed to listen, engage and build relationships that continue long after they return to the office."

For more information, please visit http://www.fst30africa.com/

About GDS International

GDS International is one of the most innovative events and media companies worldwide - and a globally renowned producer of business-to-business summits, conferences, online information and advisory group gatherings. Founded in 1993, GDS International specialises in meeting the B2B marketing needs of our clients. Having a strong presence in mature industrial sectors but a finger on the pulse of emerging markets - as well as up-and-coming B2B business verticals - means we are perfectly placed to capitalise on the exciting developments brought about by the advent of a globalised economy. Our value proposition is simple: we deliver tangible business results from world-class events.

http://www.gdsinternational.com

Contact: Kimberley Hogarth
kimberley.hogarth@gdsinternational.com
+44-1179-261-420