Bahrain FinTech Bay (BFB), a leading hub for financial technology innovation, proudly announced the inception of the MENA Innovation Academy. This initiative is dedicated to cultivating talent, fostering fintech expertise, nurturing an innovation mindset, and enhancing career readiness within financial organizations across the MENA region. MENA Innovation Academy will be established in partnership with the…
In line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy, and in adherence to the Third Financial Sector Strategy, the Qatar Central Bank launched today, Wednesday, October 9, 2024, its strategy for the period 2024-2030 aimed at achieving the Third National Development Strategy objectives. This strategy serves as an essential roadmap, integrating…
Fintech Surge will highlight critical trends shaping the future of finance, such as digital banking, fintech investment, and the growing collaboration between banks and fintechs. Taking place at Dubai Harbour from October 13 to 16 2024, the fourth edition is set to attract over 100 exhibitors, more than 1,200 investors, and 120-plus speakers from over…
Riyadh based, Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB), has partnered with PayerMax for enhanced business payment solutions. The parties will work to “redefine the digital payments landscape” and “streamline the onboarding experience for local merchants” while facilitating “seamless global transactions”. Founded in 2020 and based in Singapore, PayerMax operates a suite of omnichannel payment solutions that support…
Sav, co-founded by Mithil Ajmera, came to life through a personal journey of recognising many individuals’ financial struggles. Ajmera and his team noticed how managing money, while essential to everyday life, can be overwhelming, especially in regions like the GCC, where financial literacy is still developing. “We saw a gap across various sectors,” recalls Ajmera,…
Leading Qatar-based FinTech startup, TESS payments, has made history by attracting a strategic Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from Fingular, a global financial services group based in Singapore. This landmark investment, the first of its kind in Qatar’s FinTech ecosystem, positions TESS Payments as a trailblazer in driving digital financial innovation across the region. Fingular’s investment…
The gargantuan rise of the fintech industry continues to spearhead transformation within the electronic payments sector, with a profusion of mobile wallets and payment systems offering staggered, interest-free settlements hitting the market. The shift towards non-cash payments is accelerating regionwide. By 2027, most payments in Saudi Arabia are expected to be electronic, with real-time payments…
UmrahCash, a Riyadh-based fintech startup, has secured a $500,000 investment from Venture Fund, Adaverse. This development marks a significant step towards modernising the centuries-old Umrah tradition and addressing the financial challenges faced by pilgrims, particularly those from developing nations. Founded in Jeddah, UmrahCash aims to address these challenges by leveraging technology to bring positive change…
British FinTech key player, Revolution is reportedly looking to expand its business into Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-member countries. The has submitted applications to become an electronic-money institution and offer remittances in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and is seeking ways to expand in Saudi Arabia, as reported by Bloomberg. The company also plans to hire a…
Although Middle Eastern countries have been considered cash-forward economies, with the majority of residents using local fiat currencies to complete transactions and conduct trade, and although in some countries, cash is still considered to be the dominant form of payment, other advanced economic centers are changing their direction. As the advancement of digital payments and…
