Dubai, UAE — 2nd September 2025, Tuesday — The MENA Fintech Association (MFTA), the leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to serving fintech startups and established players across the Middle East and Africa, proudly announces the launch of the region’s first dedicated Policy & Regulations Working Group. This groundbreaking initiative will serve as a collaborative platform uniting regulators, innovators, and industry leaders to shape the future of fintech in MENA.
In a strategic move, the association has appointed two distinguished industry leaders as Co-Chairs of the Working Group:
- Zain Umer, Managing Director, CFC MENA
- Christine Abou Assali, Partner, Alem & Association
The Working Group is designed to address pressing regulatory challenges, promote best practices, and strengthen engagement between regulators and fintech players. Its mission is to create a resilient policy environment that supports innovation, compliance, and long-term growth of the fintech ecosystem.
Focus areas of the Working Group include:
- Exploring Regulatory Frameworks: Developing clear, adaptable, and innovation-friendly policy recommendations.
- Engaging Stakeholders: Creating an open channel of communication between regulators, financial institutions, and fintech disruptors.
- Promoting Best Practices: Advocating for security, compliance, and consumer protection standards across the industry.
Zain Umer, Managing Director, CFC MENA and Co-Chair of the MFTA Policy & Regulations Working Group, stated:
“It is an honor to co-lead the launch of the region’s first Policy & Regulations Working Group under MFTA. Our goal is to ensure that fintech players and regulators work hand in hand to design frameworks that enable innovation while safeguarding trust. This initiative is about creating the balance between agility and compliance that the region needs to remain globally competitive.”
Christine Abou Assali, Partner at Alem & Association and Co-Chair of the MFTA Policy & Regulations Working Group, added:
“The MENA region is at a turning point in fintech innovation. By establishing this Working Group, we are setting a precedent for meaningful collaboration between the private sector and regulators. Together, we aim to drive forward policies that empower businesses, protect consumers, and pave the way for a dynamic financial future.”
Statement from the Chairman
Nameer Khan, Chairman of the MENA Fintech Association and Founder of Fils, welcomed the co-chairs, stating:
“Launching the region’s first Policy & Regulations Working Group is a historic milestone for MFTA and the industry. We are delighted to have Zain and Christine at the helm, bringing their exceptional expertise and vision. With their leadership, we are confident this initiative will unite regulators, innovators, and industry leaders to create regulatory pathways that inspire trust, foster innovation, and accelerate the growth of fintech across the region.”
The Policy & Regulations Working Group already includes major industry players across fintech, banking, payments, and legal advisory, making it the region’s premier regulatory think tank. Organizations and professionals are invited to join this movement uniting regulators, innovators, and industry leaders to shape the future of finance in MENA.
