RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – Day two of Money20/20 Middle East solidified its position as the region’s premier fintech event, with a strong focus on artificial intelligence, strategic capital, and next-generation solutions. Global and regional leaders converged in Riyadh, announcing groundbreaking initiatives and partnerships that are set to redefine the financial landscape.
The day’s agenda featured high-profile speakers like the Hon. Caroline D. Pham of the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission and Colin Payne from the UK Financial Conduct Authority, who led discussions on digital transformation, regulatory frameworks, and cybersecurity. Insights from major players such as Standard Chartered Bank, JP Morgan, Revolut, and Mastercard highlighted the rapid evolution of payments and financial services.
A major highlight was Visa’s announcement of a new acceptance capability in Saudi Arabia—a first-of-its-kind deployment for the company. This initiative is designed to accelerate digital commerce for merchants across the Kingdom, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s national goals of building a robust digital economy.
The event also saw significant product launches and investment news. SILQFi unveiled Omni, a new platform aimed at embedding finance directly into the operations of small and medium-sized businesses following its acquisition of OXO. The Lending Hub launched a revolutionary mobile app that connects finance applicants with investors, and Limitless Payments was introduced as a new fintech investment vehicle headquartered in Riyadh with an initial fund of $100 million.
According to Annabelle Mander, Executive Vice President at Tahaluf, the momentum has been unprecedented. “With more than 1,000 investors in attendance, we’ve seen a 63% increase in our international audience, with major VCs eager to enter Saudi Arabia. Money20/20 remains the only platform that brings the entire ecosystem under one roof.”
Further reinforcing the event’s global reach, Australian futurist Brett King announced his new book, Branch Tomorrow, which explores the transformation of the traditional bank branch. Jayesh Patel, CEO of Wio Bank, also spoke on the critical role of digital banks in supporting the growth of SMEs in the region.
With more than 450 global brands and over 1,050 investors, Money20/20 Middle East is the largest and most influential fintech gathering ever held in the region, hosted under the patronage of H.E. Mohammed Aljadaan, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Finance. The event’s success is a testament to the collaborative efforts of its founding partners, including AlRajhi Bank, Riyad Bank, and Visa, all committed to advancing financial innovation.
