Highlights from the region’s biggest Fintech event, Money20/20 Middle East
Sponsored: This year’s gathering in Riyadh welcomed global leaders in fintech, banking, investment, and digital innovation, drawing more than 38,500 attendees
Money20/20 Middle East, hosted in Riyadh, marked a historic moment for the region’s financial landscape, welcoming global leaders from fintech, banking, investment, and digital innovation.
With over 38,500 attendees, the event, which was held from Monday September 15 to Wednesday September 17 at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Centre in Malham, became the largest fintech gathering ever held in the Middle East and the second largest worldwide, setting a significant benchmark for future financial events globally.
The event facilitated an impressive 2,288 pre-scheduled meetings between investors and startups, helping to generate strong momentum for deal flow, partnerships, and value creation that will extend well beyond the headline figures.
Here are some highlights from this year’s Money20/20 Middle East in Riyadh.
Over the course of three days, Tamara announced a landmark $2.4 billion asset-backed facility supported by Goldman Sachs and Citigroup, while STV and Tadawul’s Wamid unveiled plans for the Kingdom’s first private asset trading platform.
Visa introduced a pioneering acceptance capability in Saudi Arabia, aimed at speeding up digital commerce and improving how merchants accept and handle payments. International technology giants including Google and Alipay made their debut in the Saudi market, with Google Pay and Google Wallet launching through Al Rajhi Bank and Riyad Bank. These milestones collectively demonstrate both global confidence and local ambition.
Money20/20 Middle East brought together the world’s most influential voices in finance, technology, and regulation to shape the next era of global fintech. Day one highlighted Saudi Arabia’s growing capital markets, AI-driven innovation, and significant reforms, with opening remarks from H.E. Mohammed Aljadaan, Minister of Finance, Chairman of the Financial Sector Development Programme Committee, H.E. Ayman M. Al-Sayari, Governor of the Saudi Central Bank, and H.E. Mohammed A. Elkuwaiz, Chairman of the Capital Market Authority.
Day two focused on regulatory developments, inclusive innovation, and strategic capital, featuring leaders such as Hon. Caroline D. Pham, Acting Chairman of the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Mario Nobile of Italy’s Digital Agency, and Colin Payne of the UK Financial Conduct Authority.
The final day addressed stablecoin resilience, AI-driven infrastructure, and digital trust, with headline speakers including Dr Mohammed Rahim from Standard Chartered Bank, Nameer Khan from the MENA Fintech Association, Tony Ashraf from BlackRock, and Sandra Ro from the Global Blockchain Business Council.
Throughout all three days, sessions highlighted how digital transformation, regulatory foresight, and cross-border partnerships are transforming financial services and establishing Saudi Arabia as a leading player in global fintech.
The Kingdom’s fintech market now anchors more than 280 active firms and a capital market valued at $640 billion, positioning Riyadh as the primary gateway for global investors into the Middle East.
These milestones align closely with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 diversification strategy, reinforcing the Kingdom’s commitment to developing a globally competitive financial sector that attracts capital, talent, and innovation.
A new global benchmark for fintech investment and opportunity
Centred on the theme “Where Money Does Business,” Money20/20 Middle East has showcased dedicated partnership pavilions, executive networking lounges, and curated meeting programmes to maximise ROI for sponsors and exhibitors.
Founding partners of the event include Al Rajhi Bank, Riyad Bank, STC Bank, Saudi National Bank, Tamara, Visa, and Vision Bank, each demonstrating a strong commitment to advancing fintech innovation across the region.
Strategic sponsors and partners supporting the event’s innovation ecosystem include Abdul Latif Jameel, Barq, Banque Saudi Fransi (BSF), BIM Ventures, Elm, Ejada, Enjaz, MasterCard, Neo Leap, Saudi Tadawul Group (STG), SCCC by STC, SIMAH, Tamam, and Tiqmo.
With billions now allocated to new platforms, digital infrastructure, and high-value partnerships, the impact of Money20/20 Middle East is expected to generate jobs, boost foreign direct investment, and solidify Saudi Arabia’s position as a global fintech leader.
Images: Supplied
