Money20/20 Middle East officially commenced today at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Centre, Malham, marking a milestone moment for both regional and global financial technology. Hosting more than 450 fintech brands and over 1,050 investors from across the world, it represents the largest and most influential fintech event ever staged in the Middle East.
The gathering is held under the patronage of H.E. Mohammed Aljadaan, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Finance and Chairman of the Financial Sector Development Programme Committee. Opening the event on the main stage, His Excellency emphasised how the forum showcases the Kingdom’s ambition to become a global fintech hub under Vision 2030. He highlighted the rapid growth of the Saudi capital market, valued at more than SAR 2.4 trillion by the end of Q2 2025, alongside the surge in digital payments from 18% in 2016 to 79% by the end of last year. The number of operating fintech firms has doubled, reaching 280 by mid-2025.
H.E. Ayman M. Al-Sayari, Governor of the Saudi Central Bank, underlined the importance of international collaboration in strengthening resilient financial ecosystems. He stressed that no financial market can flourish in isolation and noted that fintech is transforming the entire financial services landscape, from artificial intelligence to people-focused innovation. He also observed that the number of fintech firms in Saudi Arabia has tripled since 2022, with continued rapid expansion anticipated.
In line with the Kingdom’s evolving digital payments framework, SAMA announced the official launch of Google Play enabled by MADA. Additionally, Alipay+ has been confirmed for activation in 2026, signalling further progress in integrating global payment networks and enhancing cross-border financial connectivity.
The opening day brought major announcements for the sector. Tamara, the Riyadh-headquartered fintech company and Saudi Arabia’s first unicorn, revealed it had secured a new asset-backed facility of up to USD 2.4 billion.
Money20/20 Middle East also spotlighted the transformation of Saudi Arabia’s capital markets, powered by digital innovation and regulatory vision. The Capital Market Authority (CMA) has adopted artificial intelligence systems that significantly reduce false positives, while assets under management in the Kingdom have more than doubled over the past five years, with forecasts indicating a potential rise to SAR 2 trillion by 2030. To sustain this trajectory, the CMA has implemented the nation’s first omnibus system for asset management of smaller clients and launched a landmark pension reform programme.
Further reforms include plans to establish an offshore licensing regime and introduce a flexible funds framework, enhancing Saudi Arabia’s standing on the global stage. These developments underscore the Kingdom’s ambition to position its capital markets as both regional leaders and international players.
Tarmeez Capital, a CMA-licensed Saudi fintech platform, announced the unveiling of its new brand identity, reflecting a renewed focus on delivering innovative, efficient financing options for corporates seeking capital through sukuk issuance and for investors targeting sustainable growth.
Annabelle Mander, Executive Vice President at Tahaluf, said: “From AI-driven matchmaking to strategic partnerships, Money20/20 Middle East is delivering real business outcomes for our partners and attendees. Our founding partners and sponsors are driving the region’s fintech evolution, and this event is where new ideas, collaborations, and opportunities come to life. We look forward to seeing the impact of these connections across the Middle East and beyond.”
Founding partners of Money20/20 Middle East include AlRajhi Bank, Riyad Bank, STC Bank, Saudi National Bank, Tamara, Visa and Vision Bank, showcasing their joint dedication to fostering financial innovation across the Kingdom and wider region.
The event is further supported by a strong network of strategic sponsors and partners, including 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, reflecting both local leadership and growing global engagement.
Centred around the theme “Where Money Does Business,” the conference agenda addresses a wide spectrum of topics from AI and regulation to inclusive innovation and strategic capital deployment.
Money20/20 Middle East offers partnership pavilions, executive networking lounges and curated meeting programmes to maximise value for attendees. The event’s AI-powered matchmaking platform is set to coordinate thousands of scheduled meetings between exhibitors, investors and participants.
