Saudi fintech startup Hakbah has earned global recognition by being named one of the World’s Top Fintechs in 2025 by CNBC. This milestone highlights the company’s innovative approach to modernizing traditional group savings through artificial intelligence (AI), driving financial inclusion, and strengthening national savings habits.
Digitizing Tradition with Technology
Hakbah is transforming the Jameya savings system, a time-honored group savings method in Saudi culture, into a fast, safe, and digital experience. The Hakbah app makes it easy for individuals and families to participate in these collective savings groups, which are especially helpful in meeting short-term financial goals.
Permitted by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) and operating under the Regulatory Sandbox, Hakbah has amassed over 1.3 million registered users. Notably, more than 70% of users are youth—underscoring the platform’s effectiveness in helping younger generations build better savings habits.
Real-Life Impact on Users
Hakbah users report that the app has helped them save for life-changing goals that were previously out of reach. These include:
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Critical medical treatments, Fertility procedures, Weddings
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Educational expenses, Family travel, Small business investments
By digitizing the Jameya system, Hakbah preserves its cultural roots while enabling practical, secure savings for today’s economic landscape.
Leadership Perspective
Naif AbuSaida, Founder of Hakbah, emphasized the company’s mission:
“Digitizing the social savings tradition with AI makes it more relevant for today’s needs while keeping its core cultural values. Hakbah helps users build meaningful savings habits and strengthens financial stability at the community level.”
He also praised CNBC’s recognition as a validation of Saudi Arabia’s financial innovation and SAMA’s regulatory foresight.
“This acknowledgment affirms the Saudi strategy to develop a financial ecosystem that promotes inclusive savings—aligned with Vision 2030.”
Strategic Partnerships for Financial Inclusion
In alignment with the national vision, Hakbah has forged strong partnerships with major institutions such as:
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Riyad Bank, Fransi Bank, Alrajhi Bank, ANB, flynas
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Tawuniya (which provides life insurance coverage for Hakbah’s users during their Jameya saving terms)
These collaborations reinforce Hakbah’s commitment to enabling a sustainable savings culture that empowers individuals and strengthens national economic resilience.
