Exploring the Intersection of Technology and Finance with Raj Karwal

At Strive Consultants, we are committed to transforming the financial landscape for businesses in and around Dubai. Our COO, Raj Karwal, has been instrumental in this journey by integrating cutting-edge technology into financial operations. With over 23 years of experience in product management, architecture, and technology development, Raj's expertise has been pivotal in streamlining processes and enhancing financial strategies through automation. To gain deeper insights into the fusion of tech and finance, Alaan had a conversation with Raj. The conversation went like this:

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What excites you the most about your role as a COO?

What really excites me about my role is seeing how we can scale and automate things. Being involved in finance while also integrating technology—seeing how we can match up or even outdo what’s happening in the West—that’s fascinating to me.

How well do you think Finance has adopted AI compared to other business functions?

Honestly, finance hasn’t jumped into AI as much as other areas might have, especially here in the UAE. We're a bit behind because we don’t have things like open banking yet. It's not just about being cautious—it's also about not having the tools and systems in place that would make AI really useful for us yet.

What advice would you give to the future leaders in Finance?

I’d say the key thing is being resourceful. Don’t worry too much about specific qualifications—focus on being able to handle various tasks. You’ve got to be adaptable because the field is blending more with tech every day. It’s about more than just finance; it’s about managing a mix of different skills.

What do you think is going to be the future of finance in the Middle East in the next five to ten years?

Looking ahead, I see a lot of changes coming, especially with things like open banking on the horizon. We're going to see a lot of new players entering the market, which will shake things up and increase competition. This should really push the quality and variety of financial services. We’re also likely to see banks starting to innovate more or even creating new brands to stay competitive.

Raj Karwal Bio

Raj Karwal is a multi-disciplinary leader with over 23 years of expertise in product management, architecture, and technology development. He currently serves as the COO at Strive, a UAE-based corporate service provider.
Specialising in web and mobile applications, UI/UX, and dev ops, Raj skillfully connects business strategies with solid technological solutions. He has a strong track record in sectors such as e-commerce, marketplaces, and social networking, leveraging advanced tech stacks like AWS, Azure, and React. At Strive, Raj leads initiatives to automate and scale financial operations, enhancing the company's service offerings for international clients entering the Middle Eastern market. His leadership extends to managing diverse software teams, and nurturing a culture of innovation and efficiency.
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How we Leverage Technology for our Comprehensive Solutions

At Strive Consultants, we didn't just update our technology for finance; we've integrated cutting-edge tech across all our operations, including accounting and bookkeeping services. By leveraging advanced automation tools and data analytics, we streamline various processes, ensuring accuracy and efficiency for our clients. Our approach involves automating routine tasks such as data entry, reconciliation, and report generation, which not only reduces the risk of errors but also frees up valuable time for our clients to focus on strategic business initiatives.

This innovative use of technology is transforming the landscape of our services. By providing real-time financial insights and eliminating manual inefficiencies, we empower businesses to make informed decisions quickly and confidently. Whether you are an entrepreneur launching a new venture in Dubai or an established company seeking to optimize your financial operations, Strive Consultants is here to support you. Contact us today to learn how our technology-driven solutions in accounting, bookkeeping, and beyond can enhance your financial management and drive your business success.