On 21 and 22 November 2025, global leaders from over 100 countries assembled in at the World Trade Center, Mumbai for the 10th Global Economic Summit. The Summit’s theme was “Accelerating Global Trade: Fostering Partnerships, Connectivity and Resilience,” and featured keynote sessions, sector-focused panel sessions, B2B meetings alongside exhibitions and other activities aimed at strengthening economic partnerships.  

The underlying theme, revisited by speakers and panellists across the 2-day event was how to boost partnerships, improve trade connectivity, increase supply chain resilience and help prepare countries for a new phase of global development. 

Hosted in Maharashtra, speakers were at pains to reinforce the state’s reputation for ease of doing business making it a strong choice for investors. 

Highlights from the Fintech and AI panel 

Ben Rapp, Group CEO of Securys was invited to sit on one of the sector-focused panels, which was chaired by Sam Sathe, Founder and CEO of Sam Space with fellow panellists Dr Axel Mazolo, BBA, President of the Geneva AI Governance Institute, Debbie Roenning, Director, World Trade Intellectual Property Organization and Bruce Keith, CEO and Co-Founder, InvestorAI.  

Under the umbrella title of “How AI and Fintech are democratizing global commerce,” the panel session covered a wide array of topics ranging from using AI for investment to ways to protect brands globally.  From the comments and observations made by the panellists, it was noticeable that,while AI is in vogue right now, it is not something that has dropped out of nowhere. AI has been slowly pervading nearly every aspect of digital life for the past 20 years; It is only now that it is gaining real traction.  ….The panel discussion was wide-ranging, with  However, the message that was driven home was that if AI is the engine that is going to propel the next industrial revolution, then data is the oil that will feed this engine. 

Given the pivotal role data is going to play in the future and reflecting on the wide-ranging discussions during the panel sessions, Ben Rapp highlights the following five considerations for Indian business leaders as they prepare their organisations for 2026 and beyond. 

5 key considerations 

1.   The clock is ticking  

Companies have 18 months and counting to comply with the requirements of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA). Planning and initial implementation should be beginning in earnest across all organisations and especially those that handle large volumes of personal data.

2.   Don’t wait for AI regulation 

For those organisations in India already using AI, there is no need to wait for specific AI regulation. The DPDPA covers requirements for AI and automated decision-making. Take time to understand these requirements. 

3.   Keep data flowing 

Understand that the fundamentals unpinning data protection legislation are to enable the flow of data and not to restrict it. This is no different for the DPDPA than it is for other data privacy legislation. For example, Recitals 2 and 3 of the GDPR make it explicit that data protection rules exist to encourage economic progress through the free flow of data. 

4.   Be aware of the strategic shift 

Acknowledge the strategic shift that is underway. India has traditionally pursued a growth strategy heavily dependent on physical exports of skilled workers. Recent global developments, such as the restrictions on H1-B visas in the USA and limits on skilled worker entry in other countries, are challenging this approach. A strategic pivot is now required. Businesses need to understand that their new focus will be on importing data in order to export knowledge services. To facilitate this shift in focus, organisations need to align with the requirements of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA), ensure compliance, and implement the necessary safeguards to enable lawful data imports. 

5.   Data protection protects 

Understand that data protection legislation is also about protecting the most vulnerable in society which is to be applauded in India as much as elsewhere. AI also stands for All Inclusive and All India; we must make sure that this promise is delivered. 

Is your organisation ready for the DPDPA and the AI-driven future of commerce? Start your compliance journey today. Speak to our experts at Securys to ensure your business is prepared for 2026 and beyond. 

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