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…
PaySky and Yalla Super App have been nominated for multiple prestigious awards at the MENA Fintech Association 2024 Awards, with winners to be announced during the Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2024 (ADFW). PaySky has been shortlisted in four categories: Fintech of the Year, Best Payments Solution, Best Innovative Payment Technology, and Best Merchant Solution, while…
Leading global digital real estate investment and fintech platform in the Middle East and North Africa region, Stake, has announced their official launch in the Kingdom. As the first platform regulated by the Capital Market Authority to afford individuals outside of the Kingdom the opportunity to invest into Saudi real estate, Stake is set to…
British payments firm, Sokin, has announced its acquisition of Norwegian fintech, settle Group AS, for an undisclosed sum. The move positions Sokin to bolster its technological capabilities and enhance its offering, including its flagship product, Sokin Pay. This strategic acquisition directly plays into Sokin’s growth trajectory, aligning with its vision to transform international payments. Sokin…
The UK and Qatar are set to enter major agreements as the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani wraps up his official state visit to the UK. The deal will put the spotlight on cooperation and development of the UK’s fintech and green finance sectors. Qatar’s delegation will be hosted at Downing Street by…
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…
Francophone-focused fintech startup HUB2, which has built a seamless, secure platform designed to unify national and cross-border financial services across diverse payment methods, has raised a EUR8 million (US$8.4 million) Series A round of funding to help it scale across the region. Founded in 2019 by Ashley Gaüzère, who was joined as co-CEO by Jean-Rémi…
Kenja Consulting, a boutique investment consultancy, has revealed plans for a new event series designed to enhance fintech collaboration between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the United Kingdom (UK). This initiative aims to build bridges between these two prominent financial centres, fostering investment opportunities and strategic partnerships. Named Fintech Futures: UAE-UK Connection, the series…
Malta-based startup, Basta Pay, has announced its intentions to introduce its financial platform by 1 March 2025, with the company aiming to solidify its position in the fintech industry. With the launch date approaching, Basta Pay is working on entering strategic collaborations to develop an advanced global fintech ecosystem. The company intends to deliver optimized…
WadzPay Worldwide has secured a capital commitment of SGD 50 million ($36.7 million) from Global Emerging Markets (GEM) Global Yield. The commitment is comprised of a shared subscription facility (SSF), which stipulates that WadzPay can call on GEM to purchase ordinary shares in the company up to the agreed value. However, the New York-based alternative…
