Fintech summit sees global investor surge, major deals, and Saudi Arabia’s growing role in global finance
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Money20/20 Middle East in Riyadh has set a new benchmark for regional fintech events, drawing a record-breaking 38,500 participants, making it the largest fintech gathering in the Middle East and the second largest globally.
The three-day summit united global leaders in fintech, banking, investment, and digital innovation, hosting more than 450 international fintech brands and over 1,050 investors. Investor participation tripled compared with last year’s event, while global brand attendance surged 207% year-on-year.
In addition to the scale, the summit facilitated 2,288 pre-scheduled investor-startup meetings and saw major announcements that underline Saudi Arabia’s accelerating role in global finance.
Key Announcements & Partnerships
Tamara unveiled a US$2.4 billion asset-backed facility backed by Goldman Sachs and Citigroup.
STV and Tadawul’s Wamid announced plans for the Kingdom’s first private asset trading platform.
Visa launched new acceptance capabilities to expand digital commerce.
Google and Alipay marked their Saudi market debuts.
Google Pay and Google Wallet were introduced locally via Al Rajhi Bank and Riyad Bank.
Saudi Arabia’s Fintech Rise
The Kingdom now boasts more than 280 active fintech companies and a capital market valued at US$640 billion. Organisers noted that the turnout reflected Saudi Arabia’s emergence as the regional fintech centre and a key player in global finance.
Conference themes ranged from capital markets and regulatory reforms to AI innovation, digital payments, and stablecoin resilience, highlighting the depth of opportunities in the market.
Annabelle Mander, Executive Vice President at Tahaluf, commented:
“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. The scale of ambition on display is unprecedented. 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.”
Held under the theme “Where Money Does Business”, the event featured dedicated partnership pavilions, curated meeting programs, and networking zones. Organisers said outcomes will support new platforms, digital infrastructure, foreign investment, and job creation in Saudi Arabia’s financial sector.
