Money20/20 Middle East 2025: A Grand Finale
The inaugural Money20/20 Middle East wrapped up on September 17, 2025, firmly establishing Riyadh as a key player in the global fintech arena. The three-day event attracted over 38,500 attendees, making it the largest fintech gathering ever held in the region. Organizers reported participation from over 450 global brands and more than 1,050 investors, with international brand involvement increasing by 207% compared to the previous year's 24Fintech event.
Throughout the conference, several major industry announcements were made, including Tamara's landmark $2.4 billion asset-backed financing facility, Visa's unveiling of a first-of-its-kind acceptance capability in Saudi Arabia, and the market debuts of Google Pay, Google Wallet, and Alipay+, demonstrating significant global confidence in the Kingdom's market.
The event facilitated over 2,288 pre-scheduled meetings between investors and startups, highlighting its theme, "Where Money Does Business." Annabelle Mander, Executive Vice President at Tahaluf, stated: "Money20/20 Middle East has redefined what a fintech event can achieve. Hosting more than 38,500 attendees, including global leaders, this is where the future of finance is being built. This event has proven that Saudi Arabia is not only a major fintech hub in the Middle East but a driving force shaping the future of global finance."
Steve Durning, Portfolio Director at Tahaluf, added: "With more than 1,050 global investors and over 150 startups on site, the return on investment for participants is clear. This is where major partnerships are forged and where new entrants gain the visibility to scale."
Day Three Highlights: Identity and Innovation
The final day's agenda focused on key conversations around stablecoin resilience, AI-driven infrastructure, and digital trust, with headline speakers including Dr. Mohammed Rahim of Standard Chartered Bank and Tony Ashraf of BlackRock. Central to the day's discussions were two panels moderated by Mark Walker, Editorial Director and CEO of The Fintech Times, which explored the evolving concepts of financial identity and the digital future of Islamic finance.
Creditworthiness Redefined: The Power of Financial Identity
One of the key sessions of the day explored how financial identity is moving beyond traditional credit scores. The panel, featuring Alaa AlMashhadi, Chief Business Development Officer of SIMAH (Saudi Credit Bureau), and Dr. Khalid AlSharif, CEO of Abdul Latif Jameel United Finance, discussed the shift towards a more holistic view of creditworthiness.
The conversation centered on leveraging alternative data and open banking to build a comprehensive financial identity for individuals and SMEs. Panelists examined how this new approach can unlock financial access for underserved populations who may lack a conventional credit history but demonstrate financial reliability through other data points. The discussion highlighted the role of technology in creating more inclusive and accurate risk assessment models.
Islamic Finance Reimagined: Digital-First, Customer-Centric
Another critical panel addressed the digital transformation of Islamic finance. Walker led a discussion with Fernando Plaza Lopez, Chief Digital Officer of Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB)
The session focused on how technology is making Sharia-compliant financial products more accessible, efficient, and appealing to a younger, digital-native generation. The panelists explored the challenges and opportunities in designing digital-first Islamic finance solutions that remain true to their ethical principles while offering a seamless, modern user experience. The conversation covered the importance of innovation in a sector traditionally seen as conservative, and how fintech is driving a new era of growth and relevance for Islamic finance in the global market.
Insights from the Ground: The Fintech Times Interviews
At the Money20/20 Middle East event in Riyadh, The Fintech Times conducted interviews with several key figures in the fintech and financial services industry. Among those interviewed were Lu Zhou, CEO of Vanquour Wealth Management, who discussed wealth management strategies and opportunities in the Middle East; Muhammad Nana from Mastercard, who elaborated on Mastercard's alignment with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030; and Ziad Mabsout, CEO of Vennre, who shared insights on wealth creation platforms for high earners in the region. The conversations revolved around themes of economic diversification, digital transformation, and the evolving financial landscape in the Middle East, highlighting the region's rapid growth and innovation in fintech.
In conclusion, Money20/20 Middle East 2025 not only marked a significant milestone for the fintech industry in the region but also underscored the growing importance of Saudi Arabia as a global hub for financial innovation. The event's focus on identity, Islamic finance, and digital transformation highlighted the key trends shaping the future of finance in the Middle East and beyond.
