Middle East’s financial landscape is poised for both continuity and transformation in 2025. While traditional banking metrics signal stability, FinTech is reshaping how financial services are delivered, reflecting a sector where innovation and resilience coexist. Fitch Ratings’ latest Middle East Banks Outlook 2025 paints a ‘neutral’ picture for the region’s banking sector. Credit growth is…
The growth of Artificial Intelligence in the Fintech market is fueled by the increasing need for intelligent financial solutions that enhance customer experience, reduce risks, and improve decision-making in real time. The SNS Insider report indicates that the AI in the fintech market was valued at USD 12.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to…
The third edition of the MENA Fintech Festival concluded yesterday, following a three day affair that saw fintech leaders and key players coming together to remark on the financial landscape across the region. The opening ceremony of the three-day event witnessed the participation of the Assistant Governor for Financial Instruments and Payment Systems at Qatar…
More and more companies in the financial services sector are adopting cutting-edge technology, and customers now have an increased expectation of what their financial providers should be able to do. If a company cannot complete tasks promptly or lacks essential capabilities, customers are likely to seek a new provider. The wealth management sector is a…
Singapore and Rwanda are partnering to host the Inclusive Fintech Forum (IFF) 2025 in Kigali from 24-26 February. The event, organized by Singapore’s Global Finance & Technology Network, Rwanda’s Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC), and the National Bank of Rwanda, aims to leverage technology for economic inclusion. Launched at the Singapore Fintech Festival 2024, IFF…
Visa is injecting fresh funding into four startups that graduated from the first batch of its Visa Africa Fintech Accelerator program. The investments highlight Visa’s dedication to driving digital innovation within Africa, according to a Wednesday (Nov. 6) news release emailed to PYMNTS. In doing so, the payments giant aims to foster the development of…
The financial industry is undergoing a seismic transformation, with artificial intelligence and fintech reshaping everything from regulatory compliance and customer experience to counter-fraud measures. Across the globe, banks are adopting generative AI and machine learning to drive innovation, reduce costs, and enhance security. Saudi Arabia is emerging as a key player, with local tech companies…
Islamic finance has attracted considerable attention over the last two decades as a substitute to traditional finance. It essentially refers to banking and financial activities that are conducted in accordance with Sharia, or Islamic law. Approximately 25% of the global population is Muslim – the community with the fastest rate of growth. With a median…
The FDI boom is a product of Saudi Arabia’s ‘Vision 2030’ plan, first announced in 2016. Driven by a desire to diversify away from hydrocarbons, Saudi Arabia is looking to transform its economy by nurturing new industries, attracting investment and positioning itself as an early adopter of advanced technologies. One area that Saudi Arabia is…
Fintech has advanced at an unprecedented pace, reshaping the global financial landscape. Innovations such as digital payments, blockchain, AI, machine learning, and decentralized finance are transforming financial services, making them more efficient, accessible, and user-friendly. However, these advancements present significant regulatory challenges that must be addressed to ensure a stable and secure financial ecosystem. It has…
