A Historic Fintech Gathering in Riyadh
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: The much-anticipated Money20/20 Middle East opened today at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center, Malham. The event marks a historic milestone for both the global and regional financial technology sector.
With 450+ global and regional fintech brands and more than 1,050 international investors, it is the largest and most influential fintech event ever held in the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia’s Fintech Vision Aligned with 2030 Goals
The event was held under the patronage of H.E. Mohammed Aljadaan, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Finance and Chairman of the Financial Sector Development Program Committee.
In his opening remarks, he highlighted Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global fintech hub. The Kingdom’s capital market value surpassed SAR 2.4 trillion by Q2 2025, and digital payments grew from 18% in 2016 to 79% by 2024. The number of active fintech companies has also doubled, reaching 280 firms by mid-2025.
Building Resilient Financial Ecosystems
H.E. Ayman M. Al-Sayari, Governor of the Saudi Central Bank, underscored the importance of cross-border collaboration. He stressed that no financial system can thrive in isolation, especially in today’s interconnected world.
He pointed out that fintech is transforming every aspect of financial services—from artificial intelligence to human-centered innovation. Since 2022, the number of fintech companies in Saudi Arabia has tripled, with further growth expected.
Key Announcements on Day One
Several major announcements highlighted Saudi Arabia’s accelerating fintech landscape:
- SAMA announced the launch of Google Play enabled by MADA, enhancing digital accessibility and convenience.
- Alipay+ integration for 2026 was confirmed, boosting cross-border payment connectivity.
- Tamara, Saudi Arabia’s first fintech unicorn, secured a new asset-backed facility worth up to $2.4 billion USD.
Capital Market Innovation
The Capital Market Authority (CMA) unveiled several initiatives:
- Deployment of AI algorithms that reduced false positives in compliance checks.
- The asset management industry has doubled in size over five years, with projections to hit SAR 2 trillion by 2030.
- Launch of the Kingdom’s first omnibus system to support smaller clients.
- Introduction of major pension reforms—the most significant in Saudi history.
Saudi Arabia is also preparing an offshore licensing regime and a flexible funds framework, positioning its capital markets as globally competitive.
Tarmeez Capital Rebrand
Tarmeez Capital, a Saudi fintech platform licensed by the CMA, announced a new brand identity. The rebrand reflects its focus on innovative financing solutions, supporting corporates through sukuk issuance and offering sustainable returns for investors.
Driving Regional Fintech Growth
Annabelle Mander, Executive Vice President at Tahaluf, emphasized the event’s impact:
“From AI-driven matchmaking to strategic partnerships, Money20/20 Middle East is delivering real business outcomes. Our founding partners and sponsors are driving fintech evolution, and this event is where new opportunities are created.”
Founding Partners and Sponsors
Key founding partners include:
- AlRajhi Bank
- Riyad Bank
- STC Bank
- Saudi National Bank
- Tamara
- Visa
- Vision Bank
Other strategic sponsors include Abdul Latif Jameel, Banque Saudi Fransi, MasterCard, Neo Leap, Elm, Saudi Tadawul Group, and many more, reflecting the Kingdom’s deep alignment with global fintech leaders.
A Platform for Innovation and Collaboration
Held under the theme “Where Money Does Business”, the agenda covers AI in finance, evolving regulations, inclusive innovation, and strategic capital.
The event also features:
- Partnership pavilions
- Executive networking lounges
- AI-powered matchmaking, enabling thousands of pre-scheduled investor and sponsor meetings.
Money20/20 Middle East positions Riyadh as a fintech powerhouse, accelerating innovation across the region and shaping the global financial future.
