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Top Priorities for CIOs in 2025: Insights from Info-Tech Research Group’s Annual Report

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Info-Tech Research Group, a global leader in IT research and advisory, has recently published its CIO Priorities 2025 report. The report, based on findings from the firm’s annual research surveys, diagnostics, and executive interviews, highlights IT’s focus on foundational improvements in AI, cybersecurity, data quality, and workforce strategies over the past year, and provides insights on how CIOs can position their organisations to thrive in an era of exponential technologies.

SYDNEY, Jan. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In response to the accelerating pace of technological disruption, Info-Tech Research Group, a global leader in IT research and advisory, has unveiled its CIO Priorities 2025 report, which outlines the key strategies CIOs need to lead their organisations through the complexities of AI-driven innovation and digital transformation. The firm’s comprehensive annual report provides actionable guidance to help IT leaders balance emerging opportunities with proactive risk management to drive sustainable growth.

Info-Tech’s report emphasises that CIOs must evolve beyond traditional IT management to become strategic drivers of enterprise-wide transformation. By embracing emerging technologies and fostering organisational agility, CIOs can not only mitigate risks but also unlock new avenues for innovation and long-term business success.

‘Across the APAC region, CIOs are uniquely positioned to lead their organisations through rapid technological advancements and evolving market demands,’ says George Khreish, managing partner at Info-Tech Research Group, APAC. ‘In markets like Australia, where digital transformation is accelerating, CIOs must prioritise building agile, future-ready teams and implementing responsible AI strategies. These priorities are not only critical for the APAC region but also reflect the global need for proactive leadership in driving sustainable growth and long-term resilience.’

The CIO Priorities 2025 report is grounded in extensive research, drawing from Info-Tech’s Future of IT 2025 and IT Talent Trends 2025 surveys, as well as data from the firm’s IT diagnostics programs, including CEO-CIO Alignment, CIO Business Vision, End User Satisfaction, IT Staffing Assessment, and IT Management & Governance Diagnostics. Additionally, 25 in-depth interviews with IT leaders offered valuable insights into how organisations are setting and executing their strategic priorities for the year ahead. This comprehensive methodology ensures that the report delivers actionable, real-world strategies tailored to the evolving challenges and opportunities CIOs face today.

‘CIOs have done well to drive digital transformation by rescuing data from organisational silos and building resilient information structures that facilitate productive engagement. Now they need to continue that journey into the age of AI and incorporate emerging technology to their own advantage,’ says Brian Jackson, principal research director at Info-Tech Research Group and lead author of the report. ‘In 2025, CIOs must evolve with their organisations and help foster a virtuous cycle on a path to wisdom while defending against the threats to knowledge.’

The Key Priorities Identified for CIOs in 2025
Based on Info-Tech’s research findings, five priorities were revealed as the top areas IT should focus on for the coming year in order to compete and mitigate risk in an era of rapid technological change:

Distribute Data and AI Access Across the Organization
Ensuring high data quality is essential for AI effectiveness. CIOs must implement rigorous data governance frameworks to improve data accuracy and reliability, empowering teams to leverage AI responsibly while preventing data silos and security risks.

CIOs are advised to democratise access to data and AI capabilities to foster innovation. Establishing robust data governance and clear AI strategies will empower teams to utilise AI tools responsibly while mitigating risks like data silos and security vulnerabilities.Develop a Future-Proof Workforce
CIOs must foster a knowledge-centric culture by upskilling employees and encouraging knowledge-sharing across teams. This approach enhances workforce adaptability and drives informed decision-making in the face of disruptive technologies.

Upskilling and reskilling employees are essential to closing talent gaps in AI and cybersecurity. CIOs are encouraged to prioritise internal talent development through comprehensive education and training programs, enhancing workforce adaptability and engagement.Extend Identity Assurance with Zero Trust Security
With the rise of AI-driven cyberattacks, it is strongly recommended that organisations adopt zero-trust security models that emphasise continuous identity verification. Strengthening Identity and Access Management (IAM) systems and employee security training are critical steps in fortifying defences.Proactively Mitigate Emerging Technology Risks
CIOs must adopt principle-based risk management strategies to proactively identify and mitigate risks associated with rapidly evolving technologies, including AI and quantum computing. Early risk assessment will enable smoother adoption and sustained innovation.Build Exponential Product Teams to Drive AI Adoption 
CIOs should actively engage business leaders to align IT initiatives with broader organisational goals. Cross-functional product teams not only accelerate AI deployment but also position IT as a strategic partner driving measurable business outcomes.

Fostering cross-functional collaboration through product-centric teams accelerates AI deployment and ensures alignment with business objectives. This approach breaks down traditional silos, streamlines development, and maximises AI-driven value.

Info-Tech’s CIO Priorities 2025 report offers CIOs practical strategies to balance innovation with responsible governance. From implementing zero-trust security frameworks to fostering a data-driven culture, these insights empower organisations to seize new opportunities while proactively managing risks.

For exclusive and data-driven commentary from Info-Tech’s analysts and experts, including Brian Jackson, and access to the complete CIO Priorities 2025 report, please contact pr@infotech.com.

Info-Tech LIVE 2025 in Australia IT Conference
Registration is now open for Info-Tech LIVE 2025 in Australia, taking place March 18 to 19, 2025, in Brisbane, Australia. This premier event offers journalists, podcasters, and media influencers access to exclusive content, the latest IT research and trends, and the opportunity to interview industry experts, analysts, and speakers. To apply for media passes to attend the event or gain access to research and expert insights on trending topics, please contact pr@infotech.com.

About Info-Tech Research Group
Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world’s leading research and advisory firms, proudly serving over 30,000 IT and HR professionals. The company produces unbiased, highly relevant research and provides advisory services to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide them with everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organisations.

To learn more about Info-Tech’s divisions, visit McLean & Company for HR research and advisory services and SoftwareReviews for software buying insights.

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm’s Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact pr@infotech.com.

For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X.

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How President Xi Jinping Has Charted the Course for Boosting China’s Strength in Finance: Nurturing a Financial Culture with Chinese Characteristics

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BEIJING, Nov. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from en.qstheory.cn:

Boosting strength in finance requires us to enhance not only China’s hard power but also its soft power. With an outstanding financial culture, we can shape the values that orient the financial sector, create internal incentives and constraints, and provide the moral foundations for the law and supervision. In this regard, President Xi Jinping has stressed the need to operate in an honest and trustworthy way and never cross the line; to prioritize the greater good in the pursuit of interests, rather than placing self-interest above all else; to adopt a steady and prudent approach and resist the urge to recklessly seek quick gains; to uphold fundamental principles while breaking new ground and ensure finance does not become decoupled from the real economy; and to uphold the law, ensure regulatory compliance, and refrain from misconduct. These requirements not only draw on the essence of traditional Chinese culture, but also articulate the philosophy underpinning modern finance.

Honesty is the lifeblood of finance. Since its advent, finance has been intrinsically tied to trust. China’s commercial traditions have long placed a premium on honoring one’s commitments. The requirement to operate in an honest and trustworthy way and never cross the line aims to turn the pursuit of honesty into a binding code of conduct that spans all dimensions of financial activity and ensure that financial institutions and practitioners consciously honor their commitments. In this way, the spirit of the contract, market rules, and professional ethics will become conscious norms throughout the financial sector, leaving no room for fraud or breaches of trust.

Properly managing the relationship between principle and profit is the linchpin for balancing the dual nature of finance. While capital is inherently profit-seeking, it must adhere to the baseline requirement of upholding principle. Finance is both functional and profit-driven in nature. The unique wisdom of Chinese culture lies in valuing both principle and profit, while placing greater emphasis on the former. At its core, the requirement to prioritize the greater good in the pursuit of interests aims to ensure that the pursuit of profit gives way to the functional role of finance. Financial activities must remain anchored in the overriding goals of enhancing the efficiency of the real economy and improving public wellbeing. The financial sector must fulfill its social responsibilities and develop symbiotically with the economy, society, and the environment.

Prudence can be thought of as an “immune system” preventing the spread of risk. As finance carries risk in its very DNA and has the effect of amplifying leverage, the reckless pursuit of quick gains must be avoided at all costs in the financial sector. So-called innovation and growth pursued without sufficient prudence will ultimately backfire. A steady and prudent approach must therefore become an innate part of the self-discipline and conscious practice guiding the sector. Institutions must cultivate the correct perspectives on operations, performance, and risk management. They need to strike the right balance between stability and progress, between short-term and long-term development, and between development and security, all aimed at steady and sustainable high-quality development.

*This is an excerpt from an article titled “How President Xi Jinping Has Charted the Course for Boosting China’s Strength in Finance” by Qiushi Editorial Department published in Qiushi Journal, English edition, No. 2, 2026. Full text: https://en.qstheory.cn/2026-05/25/c_1184007.htm 

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Mashreq launches generative AI capabilities to strengthen fraud risk management with Clari5

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BENGALURU, India, Nov. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Mashreq, a leading financial institution in the MENA region, has launched new generative AI capabilities within its fraud platform in collaboration with Clari5 – A Perfios Company. The move brings tangible benefits across three priority areas: enhancing fraud detection effectiveness, improving analyst productivity, and supporting stronger investigative decision-making.

Announced at Mashreq’s Innovation Hub in Dubai in the presence of senior leadership from both organizations, the launch demonstrates how generative AI can be applied within a banking environment to complement the expertise and judgement of fraud professionals.

Ahmed Abdelaal, Group Chief Executive Officer at Mashreq, said: “In an increasingly digital financial landscape, fraud is becoming more sophisticated, and the way banks respond must adapt accordingly. At Mashreq, we are committed to implementing AI responsibly in areas where it can have a meaningful impact, strengthening the resilience of our operations and the trust our customers place in us.”

Nitin Chugh, MD and Group CEO, Perfios, said: “Our collaboration with Mashreq demonstrates how generative AI can help banks tackle the growing complexity of financial crime by bringing together disparate information, accelerating investigations and enabling better-informed decisions. The goal is to augment investigators’ expertise, not automate judgement, while ensuring AI operates with the rigour and accountability that financial crime management demands.”

Rivi Varghese, Co-Founder and CEO, Clari5, said: “Banks don’t need AI that acts on its own. They need AI they can govern by their own rules. Clari5 has shown how AI can operate on-premises inside a bank’s own environment, grounded in the bank’s context, and remain auditable, explainable and under human control. We are proud to have gone live with Mashreq and set an example of how enterprise-grade AI should operate in managing financial crime.”

Rania Nerhal, Group Chief Client Experience & Conduct Officer at Mashreq, said: “The value of generative AI lies in its ability to help us interpret relevant information and respond to emerging risks with greater speed, consistency, efficiency, and precision. This launch is part of our continued investment in deploying the latest technology to evolve our fraud risk management framework.”

Developed through the ongoing collaboration between Mashreq and Clari5, the new capabilities further strengthen the bank’s fraud detection platform. They are designed to deliver two key benefits:

Seamless customer experience: Supporting faster, more consistent, and more effective fraud detection.Greater consumer trust: Reinforcing confidence in the bank’s ability to protect customers and respond to emerging risks.

About Mashreq:

Mashreq is a leading financial institution headquartered in Dubai, serving individuals, entrepreneurs, corporates, and institutions across the UAE and key regional and international markets. With a heritage spanning nearly six decades, Mashreq combines digital-first innovation with deep relationship banking across retail banking, corporate and investment banking, global markets, transaction banking, Islamic banking, wealth management, and treasury. The bank delivers secure, advanced, and customer-centric experiences while actively driving the transition toward a sustainable economy. Through a robust Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework, Mashreq is committed to facilitating sustainable finance, fostering responsible operations, and delivering positive societal impact.

With an extensive international footprint spanning the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Egypt, Pakistan, Türkiye, India, the UK, the US, and Hong Kong, Mashreq seamlessly connects regional businesses with global markets while maintaining deep local expertise.

Guided by its core purpose to help customers Rise Every Day, Mashreq partners with clients to navigate change, unlock sustainable growth opportunities, and achieve long-term success.

For more information, please visit: www.mashreq.com

About Clari5:

Clari5 – A Perfios Company, is the leading provider of real-time financial crime management platforms for banks, insurance companies, telcos and other financial institutions worldwide. Powered by AI-native capabilities, Clari5 helps detect, prevent, report and investigate financial crime in real time. Trusted by 80+ banks across 30+ countries for over two decades, Clari5 unifies fraud and AML on a single platform. It processes 12+ billion transactions every month and protects more than 1 billion accounts. Clari5 is part of the Perfios group, India’s largest B2B SaaS TechFin, serving over 1,000 financial institutions across 18 countries. To know more, visit www.clari5.com.

 

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RedotPay Deepens Hong Kong Investment as OASES Strategic Enterprise Partner

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RedotPay is investing in global talent in Hong Kong to scale the city’s stablecoin payments industry and entrepreneurial ecosystem

HONG KONG, Nov. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — RedotPay, a global stablecoin-based payments fintech company, has expanded its hiring and infrastructure presence in Hong Kong. The company is part of the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES) program and has received OASES support since being included in its strategic enterprise cohort in April 2026.

RedotPay, which serves over nine million users across more than 100 countries, has worked alongside OASES to strengthen Hong Kong’s stablecoin payments industry and entrepreneurial landscape, directing significant investment toward local infrastructure and talent.

RedotPay has added more than 125 employees in Hong Kong since 2025, recently expanding its office in Central and establishing a research and development (R&D) center in Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park with the support of OASES.

RedotPay is one of the OASES strategic enterprises exhibiting at Hong Kong FinTech Week, where it is engaging with public and private sector stakeholders and showcasing its future investment plans in Hong Kong.

Established by the Hong Kong SAR Government in 2022, OASES supports the growth of high-potential companies like RedotPay to cement the city’s position as a leader in financial technology and digital assets. To date, OASES has attracted 142 strategic enterprises, which are expected to invest HK$84 billion and create around 27,000 jobs in the coming years.

“Hong Kong has become one of the world’s foremost centers of financial innovation, and we are committed to working with OASES to strengthen its position as a leading hub for the stablecoin payments industry,” said Michael Gao, co-founder and CEO of RedotPay. “Going forward, we plan to invest further in talent and infrastructure here in Hong Kong to better serve our users around the world.”

“We are pleased that RedotPay has joined the OASES cohort, with Hong Kong serving as its headquarters and R&D center. We look forward to continuing our support for RedotPay’s development and to working with partners across the ecosystem,” said Bryan Peng, Executive Director of OASES. “Its investment in local R&D and talent strengthens the digital asset ecosystem here and shows how Hong Kong can serve as a launchpad for companies with global ambitions. We look forward to continuing to support the company’s growth.”

About RedotPay

RedotPay is a global stablecoin-based payment fintech that integrates blockchain solutions with traditional banking and finance infrastructures. Its intuitive platform empowers millions around the world to spend and send digital assets, ensuring faster, more accessible, and inclusive financial services. RedotPay advances financial inclusion for the unbanked and supports crypto enthusiasts, driving global adoption of secure and flexible stablecoin-powered financial solutions to bring crypto to real life. For more information, visit www.redotpay.com.

About OASES

The Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES) is a dedicated HKSAR Government agency—operating directly under the Financial Secretary—established to attract high-potential and representative strategic enterprises from around the globe to set up or expand operations in Hong Kong.

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