36 firms now operational under CMA’s Fintech Lab, advancing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 fintech strategy
The Capital Market Authority (CMA) of Saudi Arabia has confirmed the issuance of 68 experimental fintech permits by the end of Q2 2025, marking another milestone in the Kingdom’s push to build a thriving digital financial ecosystem under Vision 2030.
Of the approved firms, 50 companies are registered in the CMA’s Fintech Lab, with 36 currently operational. The Lab provides a controlled environment for both domestic and international players to test innovative financial products and services under direct regulatory supervision.
Fintech Lab Driving Market Innovation
Launched as a key part of Saudi Arabia’s fintech strategy, the Fintech Lab allows firms to pilot solutions in areas including:
- Securities crowdfunding platforms
- Robo-advisory services
- Digital trading solutions
- Social trading models
- AI-powered advisory tools
Among the 68 admitted firms, 36 are live, 14 are preparing for launch, five have graduated, while the remaining have completed their permit periods.
Abdullah Binghannam, Deputy for Finance and Investment at the CMA, said:
“The environment we are creating supports a safe path from experimentation to market entry, empowering entrepreneurs with access to regulatory guidance, technical support, and a clear framework for responsible innovation. As we highlighted at Money20/20 Middle East, this clarity is essential for scaling fintech safely and attracting global innovators to the Saudi market.”
Expanding the Financial Landscape
The CMA’s framework has helped diversify financial offerings and unlock new channels for economic financing. These include:
- Platforms for investment and real estate fund distribution
- Systems for issuing and investing in debt instruments
- Automated financial advisory services
- Social trading ecosystems
- Crowdfunding solutions
Additionally, the framework has paved the way for venture capital funds regulated by the CMA, further strengthening Saudi Arabia’s fintech investment landscape.
Through its sandbox approach, the CMA provides fintech innovators with a structured, time-bound testing ground, ensuring responsible growth while accelerating the Kingdom’s position as a global fintech hub.
