Launch of Qatar’s National FinTech Strategy 2023 In March 2023, the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) launched the “Qatar National FinTech Strategy 2023,” aiming to transform Qatar into a digitally advanced nation and a financial technology hub. The strategy focuses on enhancing innovation in the financial sector, attracting foreign direct investments, and building future skills…
Malaysia-based payment network PayNet has launched a fintech hub to focus on industry growth and startup development. The PayNet Fintech Hub (the Hub) aims to accelerate fintech growth in Malaysia by offering fintechs direct access to capital, essential industry connections, financial incentives, and opportunities to learn from and collaborate with global companies. Officials from PayNet…
Qatar’s fintech sector has seen remarkable growth over the past five years, driven by the government’s Qatar National Vision 2030, which prioritizes digitalization and a cashless economy, Mohammed Al-Delaimi, CEO and Co-Founder of PayLater, Qatar’s first fully licensed Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) platform has said. “The QCB’s fintech strategy, including a five-year roadmap for…
Forbes Middle East has revealed its annual Fintech 50 list, recognizing the region’s leading trailblazers in the digital financial services sector as they navigate shifting consumer expectations in an increasingly digital landscape. The ranked companies have collectively processed over $240 billion in transactions and secured more than $3.8 billion in total funding. The ranking was…
The MENA Fintech Association (MFTA), a not-for-profit organisation based in Dubai and registered with the Abu Dhabi International Financial Centre (ADGM), today announced partnership with the International Smart Card (ISC), aka Qi, Iraq’s foremost provider of digital payments, fintech solutions, and digital identity services, as its newest corporate member. The alliance is set to catalyse…
Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) is open to acquisition opportunities in its home base and the markets it operates beyond the Arab world’s second-largest economy as it looks to increase its market share, its group chief executive has said. The Dubai-headquartered lender is interested in acquiring a variety of assets that are complementary to the business…
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, has recently met Crypto.com president and chief operating officer Eric Anziani at Gudaibiya Palace. HRH Prince Salman emphasised the kingdom’s commitment to advancing the financial services and digital technology sectors, both of which are priorities that contribute to supporting the kingdom’s…
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…
