Discover the 2025 Agenda | Money20/20 Middle East

12:00 PM

MoneyPot

Wednesday 17 September, 12:00 PM—12:30 PM (30 min)

Podcast : The Bank Tellers with Micky Tesfaye

The Bank Tellers Hosts: Scarlett Sieber, Chief Strategy & Growth Officer, Money 20/20 Global & Micky Tesfaye, Head of Audience Development, Money 20/20 Global Guest Glauber Mota, CEO, Revolut Brazil

Speakers

Glauber Mota

CEO - Brazil | Revolut

Micky Tesfaye

Head of Audience Development | Money20/20

The Capital

Wednesday 17 September, 12:00 PM—01:00 PM (1 h)

Saudi Arabia Algo Trading Challenge 2025

Join the world’s largest algorithmic trading competition at Money20/20 Middle East- Riyadh, where 800 participants from 49 countries have battled their way to 9 finalist teams competing for the Best Return, Best Sharpe Ratio, and Best Strategy Design Awards, showcasing the future of AI-driven finance

Speakers

Mariam Zaidi

Anchor TRT World | Founder MZ Productions

Rex Tsang

Chairman | Algo Challenge Association

Executive Summit

Wednesday 17 September, 12:00 PM—07:00 PM (7 h)

Live Stream : Livestream Executive Summit Stage - Day 3

12:05 PM

Executive Summit

Wednesday 17 September, 12:05 PM—12:15 PM (10 min)

Announcements

Next-Gen Money

Wednesday 17 September, 12:05 PM—12:45 PM (40 min)

Fireside Chat : Stablecoin saturation: What's required to survive the crowded marketplace?

At a time when it seems like every financial institution and company is launching its own stablecoin, this panel will explore the essential qualities that will lead to lasting success in a crowded landscape. This panel will delve into which stablecoins are set to endure, highlighting the importance of real-world utility, issuer credibility, regulatory compliance, ecosystem adoption, transparency and resilience when it comes to separating the transient players from those built to last.

Speakers

Dr Petra Janez

Financial Councilor – General Financial Office, Directorate for Supervision | Ministry of Finance of the Republic, Slovenia

Hatem Hachicha

Group Head of Innovation | Qatar National Bank

Jorge Carrasco

Managing Director Blockchain and Digital Assets | FTI Consulting

Tony Ashraf

Managing Director, Head of Technology & Operations Middle East & Africa | Blackrock

Mohamed Fairooz

Middle East Lead | SC Ventures

12:10 PM

The Bridge

Wednesday 17 September, 12:10 PM—12:30 PM (20 min)

Fireside Chat : Connected by Code: The Rise of Fintech Collaboration Across Asia’s Eastern Frontiers

From Singapore to Seoul, Jakarta to Tokyo, a wave of cross-border fintech partnerships is reshaping financial services across Asia’s Eastern frontiers. This session explores how regulatory harmonisation, shared digital infrastructure, and tech-forward talent ecosystems are powering regional expansion for digital banks, payments innovators, and embedded finance startups.

Panellists will highlight key fintech corridors, such as Singapore-Indonesia, Japan-Vietnam, Cambodia-Malaysia and South Korea-Philippines, and unpack how joint ventures, data-sharing agreements, and cross-licensing models are fuelling inclusive innovation. The session will also examine how Asia is setting a global benchmark for interoperable finance through code-based collaboration.

Speakers

Elizabeth Yin

Investor | Hustle Fund

H.E. Dr. Vin Pheakdey

Deputy Director General | Securities and Exchange Regulator of Cambodia

Pratyush Prasanna

Group CEO | Flip

The Pulse

Wednesday 17 September, 12:10 PM—12:30 PM (20 min)

Fireside Chat : Ethical AI in Action – Governance Beyond Guidelines

Highlight C4IR’s leadership in embedding ethics into AI policy and unpack key governance frameworks and real-world safeguards that align innovation with societal values .

Speakers

Dr. Basma Albuhairan

Managing Director | C4IR - Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Saudi Arabia

Marie Walker

Open Futurist | Raidiam

12:15 PM

Executive Summit

Wednesday 17 September, 12:15 PM—12:45 PM (30 min)

Deep Dive : Accelerating Financial Innovation: How Institutions Are Shaping the Next Financial Era

This panel focuses on exploring the next generation of infrastructure – where distributed ledger technologies, programmable assets, and AI-driven risk frameworks are no longer theoretical, but foundational. A lively discussion of how forward-looking institutions are not only adapting to this shift but actively architecting the frameworks that will define capital markets for decades to come.

Speakers

Sabih Behzad

Global Head of Digital Assets & Currencies | Deutsche Bank

Fahad Bin Hamdan

Assistant Deputy, Investment | Capital Market Authority

Riad Hamoui

Head of Marketing | Jeel

12:30 PM

The Bridge

Wednesday 17 September, 12:30 PM—12:50 PM (20 min)

Keynote : Founder’s Story: From Wall Street to the Gulf: A New Dawn in Wealth-tech

Roger Rouhana’s journey from leading corporate strategy at America’s oldest bank to founding a disruptive wealthtech platform in the UAE. A personal conviction brought him to the UAE: that the future of wealth should be built where it’s earned, spoken in the language of the people, and accessible to all.

In this keynote, Roger would share the story behind Alpheya: a homegrown wealthtech platform created to reshape financial access in the Middle East, a region where the tech was outdated, innovation was stifled by legacy systems and the landscape was overly relying on Europe and US-based advisory support.

He’ll speak to the three layers of inclusivity that inspired its founding:

• Designing in the region for the region, with Arabic-native interfaces and culturally relevant financial guidance

• Creating access to investment tools and assets previously out of reach for most in a ‘financial supermarket’ format

• Reclaiming wealth sovereignty and bringing the capital ‘back home’ at a time when over 70% of the region’s capital is still managed offshore

This is a story about challenging the status quo and about coming home to give back.

Speaker

Roger Rouhana

Founder & CEO | Alpheya

The Pulse

Wednesday 17 September, 12:30 PM—12:50 PM (20 min)

Live Demo : Building the Future with AI Agents in Finance

Discover how AI is powering a new era of autonomous finance, from real-time decision-making to fully automated financial journeys. This live showcase demonstrates the latest in AI agents, revealing how they’re reshaping everything from personal finance assistants to intelligent infrastructure.

Speaker

Ahmed Alsagob

AI Lead | GOOGLE CLOUD

12:40 PM

Off The Record

Wednesday 17 September, 12:40 PM—01:00 PM (20 min)

Interview : Breaking Barriers in Cross-Border Finance

This candid conversation unpacks the real challenges of expanding cross-border payments, from regulatory frictions to building trust with new customer bases. Attendees will gain behind-the-scenes insight into how fintechs navigate fragmented markets to create seamless global financial solutions.

Speakers

Marie Walker

Open Futurist | Raidiam

Joyce Lau

MEA Expansion Lead & UAE Country Manager | Wise

12:45 PM

MoneyPot

Wednesday 17 September, 12:45 PM—01:45 PM (1 h)

Podcast : CLO Fintech Files by BCG Platinion

CLO Fintech Files by BCG Platinion Host: Annika Melchert SE Guests: Dr Basma Albuhairan, MD, C41R and Abdulaziz Fahad Al Jouf, Founder & CEO, Pay Tabs Group

Speakers

Annika Melchert

Co-host / Principal | FinTech Files / BCG

Abdulaziz Al Jouf

Founder & CEO | PayTabs Group

Next-Gen Money

Wednesday 17 September, 12:45 PM—01:30 PM (45 min)

Panel Discussion : Discussing the Role of Fintech in Developing Financial Literacy for Consumers

• We will discuss how fintech is equipping customers with tools and insights to make better financial decisions.
• It is essential to also explore the effects gamification and AI are having in enhancing financial literacy.

Speakers

Martin Blechta

Partner | Boston Consulting Group

Yasmine El-Mehairy

Co-founder & CEO | Dija

Sara Alshaikhmubarak

CX Solutions Manager | Ejada Systems Company

Gaurish Korgaonkar

Associate Vice President/ Head of Partnerships | National Payments Corporation of India/ NIPL

Mohammad Yahya Refaie

Senior Director – Partnership | STC Bank

Mohammed Alotaibi

Head of Digital research & UX Design | BSF

Executive Summit

Wednesday 17 September, 12:45 PM—01:05 PM (20 min)

Deep Dive : Creditworthiness Reimagined: From Traditional Scores to Financial Identity

As financial ecosystems evolve, so must the way we assess, build and extend credit. This session explores how fintech is rethinking access—from leveraging alternative data and open finance to designing products that reflect real-world financial behavior. Hear how innovators are moving beyond static scores toward dynamic, inclusive systems that better serve underbanked, youth and emerging segments across MENA and beyond.

Speakers

Alaa AlMashhadi

Chief Business Development Officer | SIMAH

Dr. Khalid Al Karimy

CEO | Abdul Latif Jameel United Finance

Mark Walker

CEO and Editorial Director | The Fintech Times

12:50 PM

The Pulse

Wednesday 17 September, 12:50 PM—01:10 PM (20 min)

Presentation : Decoding Blockchain’s New Global Playbook

Explore how blockchain is moving from hype to infrastructure, powering digital identity, ESG tracking, and financial access — and what that means for emerging markets like the Middle East.

Speaker

Sandra Ro

CEO | Global Blockchain Business Council

The Bridge

Wednesday 17 September, 12:50 PM—01:10 PM (20 min)

Fireside Chat : Unlocking Capital Frontiers: An Analysis of VC, LP, and Alternative Investment Trends in Emerging Fintech Markets

As fintech ecosystems in Africa and Southeast Asia continue to evolve, a new wave of capital formation is reshaping how innovation is funded.

This session will explore how venture capitalists (VCs), limited partners (LPs), and alternative investment platforms. including crowdfunding, syndicates, and revenue-based financing are fuelling the growth of digital finance in underserved and underbanked regions.

We’ll assess how global investors are navigating regulatory landscapes, local risks, and currency volatility while backing promising fintech startups, infrastructure enablers, and embedded finance solutions.

The discussion will also highlight how diaspora-backed crowdfunding platforms and tokenized assets are democratizing access to capital and unlocking new opportunities for local founders and micro-investors alike.

Speakers will share insights on:

• How VC and LP strategies are evolving for emerging fintech markets

• The role of mission-aligned capital and blended finance in fintech expansion

• The rise of equity and debt crowdfunding platforms tailored to local markets

• Emerging regulatory frameworks enabling or hindering alt-investment innovation

• Case studies of fintech startups that scaled through non-traditional funding

This panel offers a lens into the future of fintech funding, where traditional and decentralised capital meet to power inclusive, high-growth ecosystems across the Global South.

Speakers

Nataliya Gorbunosova

Principal | AT Kearney Saudia Arabia Limited

Idris Ayodeji Bello

Managing Partner | LoftyInc Capital

Elizabeth Yin

Investor | Hustle Fund

1:00 PM

Hall 3 - Investor & Startup Zone

Wednesday 17 September, 01:00 PM—02:00 PM (1 h)

Investor & Startup Activities : Investor Office Hours

The Capital

Wednesday 17 September, 01:00 PM—01:20 PM (20 min)

Fireside Chat : Sandbox to Powered Growth : HALA Co-Founder and Investors Share the Journey

Discover how strategic funding, sandbox innovation, and expert guidance transformed HALA into a fintech powerhouse, empowering founders to navigate and conquer the dynamic fintech landscape.

Speakers

Esam Alnahdi

Chairman & co founder of Hala | Hala Payment

Ahmad Alshammari

Head of Venture | Sanabil Investments

Ahmed Helal

Principal | TPG

Karim Samakie

Senior Advisor | Fintech Saudi

Off The Record

Wednesday 17 September, 01:00 PM—01:20 PM (20 min)

Networking : Networking Session

1:05 PM

Executive Summit

Wednesday 17 September, 01:05 PM—01:35 PM (30 min)

Deep Dive : From Claims to Code - The Future of the Insurance Industry

This session unpacks how the smartest players are using data, AI and embedded models to thrive.

Speakers

Yashish Dahiya

Chairman & Group CEO | PB Fintech Limited

Ali Sheneamer

Chief Business Development Officer | Bupa Arabia

Yousef Amin

Corporate Development Chief | Al Rajhi Takaful

Sasha Qadri

Journalist & Presenter | Presenter

1:10 PM

The Pulse

Wednesday 17 September, 01:10 PM—01:50 PM (40 min)

Presentation : Fraud-Proof Futures: Why Financial Literacy is Our Strongest Defense

This spotlight session explores how financial and digital literacy are essential tools in tackling fraud, scams and misinformation at scale. From empowering users to detect red flags to designing inclusive tools that build confidence and control, this talk makes the case for education as infrastructure and the need for trust, clarity and awareness.

Speaker

Douglas Arner

Associate Director - Research Programmes, Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance | Cambridge University & University of Hong Kong

The Bridge

Wednesday 17 September, 01:10 PM—02:00 PM (50 min)

Panel Discussion : Global Xchange: Power, Policy, and Platforms: Who’s Shaping the Future of Finance in Emerging Markets?

In emerging markets from Lagos to Jakarta and Riyadh to São Paulo, a quiet power struggle is underway over the future of digital economies. Governments are tightening regulations to protect sovereignty, big tech is embedding itself in everyday financial lives, and fintechs are racing to innovate faster than policy can keep up.

This panel explores a high-stakes question: Who really controls the digital economy of tomorrow?

With special focus on Africa and the Middle East, we’ll explore how regulation, infrastructure, capital, and customer data are becoming the new battlegrounds across payments, credit, insurance, and investment. Can emerging economies build self-sufficient, inclusive, and locally controlled platforms, or will global tech giants dominate the rails?

Key themes include:

• Fintech vs. big tech: Are local platforms strong enough to compete?
• Governments as regulators and ecosystem builders - is control consolidating?
• Infrastructure independence: Why digital sovereignty begins with owning the rails
• Credit, identity, and data: The new oil of emerging market finance
• Public-private partnerships: Collaboration or competition?

Speakers

Sami Roumani

Partner | Kearney

Obong Idiong

CEO | Heirs Technologies

Ahmed Aly

Head of Middle East, South Asia & Asia Pacific | MoneyGram

Andries Smit

Chief Growth Business/ New Venturesn Lead | InDrive

Pratyush Prasanna

Group CEO | Flip

Shahzad Shahid

Group CEO | TPS Arabia

1:20 PM

The Capital

Wednesday 17 September, 01:20 PM—01:50 PM (30 min)

Debate : Investment Dilemmas: Profitability or Growth at All Costs?

Investors and founders discuss whether fintech startups should prioritize scaling rapidly and capturing market share, or focus on sustainable, profitable growth.

Speakers

Islam Shawky

Co-founder & CEO | Paymob

Hala Siraj

Managing Partner | FENA Holdings

Faisal Aftab

Founder & General Partner | Zayn VC

C. Nichole (Grice) Rush

Managing Director | First Rate Ventures

Mike Sigal

Founder | Sigal Ventures

Off The Record

Wednesday 17 September, 01:20 PM—01:50 PM (30 min)

Debate : Profits vs. Planet: Should Finance Pick Sides?

Advocates claim ESG aligns profit with purpose; skeptics argue it dilutes fiduciary duty and punishes emerging markets. This fiery debate forces finance leaders to confront the uncomfortable question: when push comes to shove, which side should money really serve?

Speakers

Azleena Idris

Head of Strategy | Paynet

Gautam Jain

Operating Member | SC Ventures Holdings Limited (Registered No.: 17651), Branch of a Foreign Company

Anu Chaudhary

Partner & Global Head - ESG | Uniqus Consultech

Gihan Hyde

CEO | Saafah Foundation

Chris Skinner

Financial Author, independent commentator on the financial markets and technology trends | The Finanser

1:30 PM

The Pulse

Wednesday 17 September, 01:30 PM—01:50 PM (20 min)

Regional Insights : Fintech Trends from Asia

Keep abreast of Asia’s buzzing fintech scene with insights on the latest advancements in hyper-personalised customer experiences, border-agnostic payment solutions and improved tokenization methods.

Speakers

Monica Jasuja

Chief Expansion and Innovation Officer | Emerging Payments Association Asia

Simon Wong

Head of Platform Development | Goldhorse Capital

Next-Gen Money

Wednesday 17 September, 01:30 PM—01:50 PM (20 min)

Fireside Chat : In Conversation with: Discussing How Financial Institutions are Responding to the Deepfake Threat

This session will explore the rise of deepfake-related risks and how financial institutions are defending against them and protecting their customers.

Speakers

Sumnesh Joshi

Deputy Director General, Ministry of Communications | Government of India

Samuel Ubido

Chairman | Techinnovate Group

Haruna Jalo-Waziri

CEO and MD | Central Securities Clearing System PLC (CSCS), Government of Nigeria

1:35 PM

Executive Summit

Wednesday 17 September, 01:35 PM—01:55 PM (20 min)

Deep Dive : Built-In, Not Bolted-On: The Rise of Contextual Finance

From ride-hailing to retail, embedded finance is redefining how consumers pay, borrow and earn. This session showcases how brands and fintechs are partnering to deliver frictionless financial tools that create stickiness, trust and new revenue streams, without ever leaving the user experience.

Speakers

Nauman Mian

CFO | Bayt.com

Ahmad Al-Zaini

Co-Founder and CEO | Foodics

Sophie Guibaud

Fintech Growth Advisor & Co-Chair - Saudi Chapter | MENA Fintech Association

1:50 PM

Off The Record

Wednesday 17 September, 01:50 PM—02:20 PM (30 min)

Panel Discussion : Survivors, Disruptors, or Allies?
Who Will Shape the Next Era of Banking?

Speakers

Glauber Mota

CEO - Brazil | Revolut

Sanjiv Purushotham

Founder & CEO | Bridge Solutions

Osama Alshathri

Senior Director - Retail Baking - Business | D360

The Capital

Wednesday 17 September, 01:50 PM—02:20 PM (30 min)

Panel Discussion : Crafting Compelling Narratives for Fintech Success

In 2025’s cutthroat capital race, your story can make your fintech shine. Join a dynamic conversation with top storytellers who’ve shaped iconic pitches and driven blockbuster success. Learn how to craft a narrative that captivates, builds trust, and secures funding-honing your pitch deck and market vision for maximum impact.

Speakers

David Barton-Grimley

Director of Strategy | 11:FS

Dipesh Savani

CEO | S60 Ventures

Gbite Oduneye

Managing Partner | ODBA

Brittany Mcdonough

Venture Partner | Launch Africa Ventures

Next-Gen Money

Wednesday 17 September, 01:50 PM—02:20 PM (30 min)

Deep Dive : Fintech Loyalty Unlocked: How Platforms Cultivate Enduring Consumer Trust in the Digital Age

In an era of endless financial and digital options, why do consumers choose and stay loyal to specific fintech platforms? Whether it’s an investment app, a payments ecosystem, or a wealth manager, the competition for consumer trust has never been more intense.

This session explores the evolving psychology of loyalty in fintech, bringing together insights from global payment leaders (Mastercard) and regional investment innovators (Awaed). Together, they will examine how design, transparency, and personalization create sticky user experiences, and how trust triggers vary across wealth management, retail finance, and digital-first platforms.

Key Themes:

Behavioral finance & digital trust: What makes investors and consumers commit to one platform over another.
UX and loyalty loops: Turning first-time users into lifetime clients, whether in trading, investing, or digital payments.
Trust & Transparency: The role of performance, security, and governance in retention for both retail and high-net-worth segments.
Human vs. Digital Journeys: When investors prefer the reassurance of a personal advisor versus fully digital solutions.
Loyalty Metrics that Matter: From LTV, churn, and NPS in retail fintech to long-term client retention in investment platforms.
Cross-sector loyalty levers: Embedded finance, gamification, rewards, and community-building across payments and wealth.

Speakers

Sultan Alkhayal

CEO | Drahim

Andras Kovacs

Senior Vice President, Eastern Europe Middle East and Africa | Mastercard

Yousef Alburaq

Head of UX | Awaed

Mohammed Zain Alabidien

Marketing & Corporate Communication Director | Al Rajhi Takaful

The Pulse

Wednesday 17 September, 01:50 PM—02:10 PM (20 min)

Regional Insights : Proptech & Fintech Synergies in Saudi Arabia*

Explore how the convergence of Proptech and fintech is transforming the housing market, from digitized lease agreements to seamless rent payment solutions and flexible financing models. This session highlights the work being done to drive smarter, more accessible rental ecosystems aligned with Saudi Arabia’s digital economy vision.

Speaker

Yazeed Al-Shamsi

Co Founder & CEO | Ejari

1:55 PM

Executive Summit

Wednesday 17 September, 01:55 PM—02:15 PM (20 min)

Keynote : Digital RICHES: The Race for Customer Loyalty

In a landscape where Real-time, Intelligent, Contextual, Human, Extendable and Social (RICHES) define consumer value, financial institutions are rethinking how they serve, retain and delight. This session unpacks how banks, fintechs and platforms are competing (and collaborating) to win on service in the age of digital expectations.

Speaker

David M. Brear

Group CEO | 11:FS

2:00 PM

The Bridge

Wednesday 17 September, 02:00 PM—02:15 PM (15 min)

Fireside Chat : Breaking the Code: Women Leading the Next Fintech Revolution in Emerging Markets

Are fintech ecosystems in Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East truly empowering female entrepreneurs, or is it just PR?

Speakers

Yasmine El-Mehairy

Co-founder & CEO | Dija

Nurudeen Abubakar Zauro

Advisor to the President of Nigeria on Economic and Financial Inclusion | President’s Office, Federal Republic of Nigeria Government

2:10 PM

The Pulse

Wednesday 17 September, 02:10 PM—02:30 PM (20 min)

Presentation : Blueprint for a Fintech Nation: The MENA Opportunity

MENA is shaping up as the next global fintech frontier. This session will share the critical ingredients, bold bets and regional collaborations shaping a financial ecosystem built for the future.

Speaker

Nameer Khan

Chairman | MENA Fintech Association

2:15 PM

Executive Summit

Wednesday 17 September, 02:15 PM—02:35 PM (20 min)

Fireside Chat : The Future of Digital-First Islamic Finance

This session will shine a light on the Shariah-compliant digital products gaining traction, the role of cross-border harmonization and how businesses are preparing for a globalized Islamic finance ecosystem.

Speakers

Fernando Plaza Lopez

Chief Digital Officer | Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB)

Mark Walker

CEO and Editorial Director | The Fintech Times

MoneyPot

Wednesday 17 September, 02:15 PM—03:00 PM (45 min)

Podcast : VC Reacts

VC Reacts with

Hosts: Ahmad Takatkah, Managing Partner, Diwan Capital & Jamie Lane, Co-founder, FWDstart

Guests: Armineh Baghoomian, Managing Director, Partners for Growth and C. Nichole Rush, Managing Director, First Rate Ventures

Speakers

Ahmad Takatkah

Podcaster / Managing Partner | VC React /Diwan Capital

Jamie Lane

Podcaster / Co-Founder | VC React / FWDstart

Armineh Baghoomian

Managing Director | Partners for Growth

C. Nichole (Grice) Rush

Managing Director | First Rate Ventures

The Bridge

Wednesday 17 September, 02:15 PM—02:35 PM (24 h 20 min)

Panel Discussion : Regional and International Development Funds: A Blueprint for Sustainable Economic Transformation Across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East

Featured Markets: Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Pakistan

With Africa facing an annual development financing gap exceeding $1 trillion, the Middle East undergoing large-scale economic diversification, and Asia accelerating green and digital transitions, regional and international development funds have become pivotal engines of transformation.

From the African Development Bank (AfDB) and Arab Monetary Fund (AMF) to the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), and sovereign wealth giants like Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), the UAE’s ADIA, Singapore’s GIC, and Indonesia’s INA, capital is being deployed not only to finance infrastructure, but to accelerate financial inclusion, climate resilience, SME growth, and innovation ecosystems across emerging markets.

This session convenes global fund managers, DFI executives, policymakers, and public-private stakeholders to explore how regional economic commissions and multilateral institutions are deploying blended finance, concessional capital, and catalytic investments to achieve inclusive, sustainable development. It will spotlight cross-border investment strategies in key markets including Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, while also unpacking how fintech and digital infrastructure are reshaping the funding landscape.

Key themes:

• Sovereign wealth funds beyond oil: Investing in fintech, green tech, and financial inclusion across emerging markets

• Asia’s development playbook: What Africa and the Middle East can learn from ASEAN’s catalytic fund models

• Blended finance in practice: How DFIs like AIIB, AfDB, and ADB are co-investing with private capital for scale

• Financing connectivity and digital infrastructure: As a foundation for innovation, trade, and job creation

• Cross-border development corridors: Case studies of ASEAN-Africa-GCC partnerships, from G2G funds to co-managed investment vehicles

• Islamic finance as a regional enabler: Exploring sukuk and sharia-compliant structures driving sustainable funding

Speakers

Tukeer Hussain

Senior Financial and Professional Services Advisor - British Embassy, Riyadh | Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, UK Government

Rina Neoh

Co-founder and Partner | Ficus Venture Capital

Nurudeen Abubakar Zauro

Advisor to the President of Nigeria on Economic and Financial Inclusion | President’s Office, Federal Republic of Nigeria Government

2:20 PM

Off The Record

Wednesday 17 September, 02:20 PM—02:40 PM (20 min)

In Conversation ... : Are We Designing Systems for People or for Machines?

This open session explores AI’s impact on trust, identity, fairness, and financial systems.

Speakers

David Birch

Global Ambassador | Consult Hyperion

Andries Smit

Chief Growth Business/ New Venturesn Lead | InDrive

Next-Gen Money

Wednesday 17 September, 02:20 PM—03:00 PM (40 min)

Panel Discussion : Breaking the Money Taboo: Transparency, Tech & the Future of Financial Empowerment

This panel will explore how open conversations about money, from TikTok interviews to fintech dashboards, are radically reshaping how people engage with work, wealth, and personal finance. From creators demanding pay transparency to fintechs building salary benchmarking tools, this session examines the cultural and technological forces behind the new financial empowerment movement.

Key Themes:

• Salary transparency and its implications for employers, job seekers, and fintech platforms
• How social media is reshaping financial literacy and money culture
• Fintech tools enabling pay equity, personal financial planning, and income visibility
• The Gen Z lens: expectations around openness, side hustles, and financial autonomy
• Bridging financial knowledge gaps through digital content and tech

Speakers

Elliott Gotkine

TV news correspondent | TV news correspondent

Tunji Andrews

CEO | Awabah / PenPay

Aydan Al-Saad

Influencer | Creator of “What’s Your Salary?” Series

Rotimi Merriman-Johnson

UK Personal Finance Educator & Content Creator | Mr. MoneyJar

Gabriel Nussbaum

Influencer, Financial educator and content creator | “That Money Guy”

The Capital

Wednesday 17 September, 02:20 PM—03:00 PM (40 min)

Panel Discussion : Cap Tables and Consequences: What Founders Overlook When Thinking About Exits

From founder dilution to investor dynamics, the earliest decisions around equity can echo all the way to IPO or kill the journey before it begins. A sharp discussion on what fintech founders need to know about ownership, structure, and scale before it’s too late

Speakers

Elizabeth Yin

Investor | Hustle Fund

Victor Alexiev

Strategic Partnerships and Venture Investing, Alternative Lending and Private Credit | Citi Ventures

Rabih I Khoury

Managing Partner & Chief Exit Officer | MEVP

Timur Daudpota

Founding Partner | 2080 Ventures

Tugce Ergul

Managing Partner | hypernova capital

2:35 PM

The Bridge

Wednesday 17 September, 02:35 PM—02:55 PM (20 min)

Keynote : Money, Confidence & Control: Why Now Is Every Woman’s Moment

Women now control roughly a third of retail financial assets today, and that’s expected to double by 2030. Yet only around 36% of women invest, even though female investors tend to outperform men. And while women’s investing is rising fast. but still not widespread.

In Saudi Arabia, about $36 billion of women’s investable income is left in the table each year and nearly $66 billion in the UK. Confidence, not capital, is the biggest barrier: women worry more about finance and crave relevant education tailored to their values. This moment is about normalizing investing for women, building comfort, shifting norms, and unlocking real societal and economic potential.

Speaker

Yasmine El-Mehairy

Co-founder & CEO | Dija

Executive Summit

Wednesday 17 September, 02:35 PM—03:05 PM (30 min)

Deep Dive : The Future of Global Finance is Local + Digital

This session dives into how best to deliver digital banking at scale while tailoring financial experiences to the needs of local markets and regulatory environments.

Speakers

Jahanzeb Khan

President & CEO | Easypaisa Digital Bank

Rob Cameron

Global Head of Acceptance Solutions | Visa

Ahmad Alhaddad

Senior Director – Delivery | STC Bank

2:55 PM

The Bridge

Wednesday 17 September, 02:55 PM—03:35 PM (40 min)

Deep Dive : Gaming the System: How Digital Entertainment is Driving Cross-Border Commerce and Financial Inclusion

In many emerging markets, gaming is more than play, it’s the on-ramp to the digital economy. For millions of first-time online consumers, buying a game upgrade, subscribing to an eSports platform, or participating in a virtual marketplace is their first experience with digital payments.

This phenomenon is transforming gaming into a strategic gateway for financial inclusion and a testing ground for cross-border commerce infrastructure. From local payment rails and currency conversion systems to digital ID and fraud prevention frameworks, the gaming sector is pushing payment innovation that benefits the wider economy.

This session will explore:

Gaming as Digital Infrastructure: How the sector drives adoption of mobile wallets, prepaid cards, and digital IDs.
Cross-Border Microtransaction Infrastructure: Scaling compliant, low-cost payments for global gaming platforms in diverse regulatory environments.
Public-Private Partnerships in Digital Entertainment: How fintechs, gaming companies, and regulators can co-create safe, accessible, and inclusive ecosystems.
From Players to Participants: How gaming transactions create financial identities that can be leveraged for credit, savings, and broader e-commerce participation.

Speakers

Jorge Carrasco

Managing Director Blockchain and Digital Assets | FTI Consulting

Adebiyi Aromolaran

VP Operations, ME-NA-Turkey | Dlocal

Billal Yamak

Head of Growth GCC | The Sandbox

Abdulrahman Alageel

Chief marketing and customer experience officer | BARQ

Sergei Zykov

Payments Partnerships | Xsolla

3:00 PM

Next-Gen Money

Wednesday 17 September, 03:00 PM—03:40 PM (40 min)

Panel Discussion : Scaling Secure AI-Driven Finance: From Core Banking to Cloud-Native Intelligence

As AI shifts from experimentation to enterprise scale, the real question is not what AI can do, but how to deploy it securely, efficiently, and at scale across financial ecosystems. For banks, fintechs, and investment platforms, this means transforming legacy infrastructure into cloud-native, AI-ready systems that can power real-time payments, hyper-personalized investment services, and regulatory compliance without compromising trust.

This panel brings together Dell Technologies, Dyna AI, and Derayah to explore how financial institutions and fintech platforms are building the foundations for the next era of AI in finance. Together, they’ll unpack:

Core to Cloud Transformation: How financial institutions are modernizing systems to handle AI-driven workflows and real-time data.

AI for Risk & Compliance: Leveraging predictive AI for fraud detection, cybersecurity, and regulatory reporting.

Hyper-Personalized Finance: How AI insights are reshaping customer journeys in investment, wealth management, and retail finance.

The Infrastructure Factor: Why resilient, scalable cloud + edge systems are the backbone of trustworthy AI in finance.

From Pilots to Scale: Lessons on operationalizing AI across thousands of workflows in regulated environments.

By combining the perspectives of a global tech infrastructure leader (Dell), an AI innovation firm (Dyna AI), and a regional investment platform (Derayah), this discussion moves beyond hype to focus on the practical, scalable, and secure integration of AI into financial ecosystems, from wealth platforms to core banking.

Speakers

Pedro Marques

Partner, Financial Services | AT Kearney Saudia Arabia Limited

Tomas Skoumal

Chairman & Co-President | DYNA.AI

aurelien buissonniere

Head of Digital Factory | Derayah Financial

Antonio Roulet Magides

CEO, FOUNDER | SOLVENT LIFE

Ayman Elmarazky

Pre Sales Director SEL (Saudi egypt levant ) | Dell Technologies

The Capital

Wednesday 17 September, 03:00 PM—03:30 PM (30 min)

Panel Discussion : Global Fintech Horizons: AI and Lending for Cross-Border Growth - Risk, Regulation & Returns

Learn how AI fuels BNPL and SME expansion worldwide, with Middle East case studies and VC guidance for navigating 2025’s opportunities.

Speakers

Osama Alraee

CEO | Lendo

Baraa Koshak

CEO | Abwab.ai

Abdulaziz AL Rammah

CEO | Muhlah

3:05 PM

Executive Summit

Wednesday 17 September, 03:05 PM—03:35 PM (30 min)

Deep Dive : Fintech Ecosystems and the Next Wave of Financial Innovation

From fostering trust and resilience to enabling new business models, this session will unpack how Saudi Arabia’s fintech ecosystem can scale globally while driving inclusive, sustainable growth at home.

Speakers

Abdulla Almoayed

Founder and CEO | Tarabut

Fares M. Alsaleh

General Director, Fintech Development | SAMA

Dr. Majid Malaika

Lead for Digital Transformation and Cybersecurity Risk | IMF

Mohammed AlThbiti

Chief Information Officer | Gulf International Bank

Brittany Mcdonough

Venture Partner | Launch Africa Ventures

3:10 PM

The Bridge

Wednesday 17 September, 03:10 PM—03:30 PM (20 min)

Fireside Chat : Bridging Markets, Building Trust: The Rise of Fintech Alliances Between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan

As fintech adoption accelerates across the Global South, new corridors of collaboration are emerging between South Asia and the Gulf. This session will explore how Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are forging deeper fintech ties, from remittance innovation and cross-border payment infrastructure to venture capital flows and regulatory harmonisation.

We’ll examine how key partnerships, such as between Pakistan’s State Bank and Saudi fintech hubs, are catalysing joint ventures, talent exchange, and scalable digital financial products. The discussion will also unpack how Islamic fintech, digital identity frameworks, and open banking regulations are shaping a shared financial future between the two nations.

Key Talking Points:

• Saudi - Pakistan collaboration in cross-border payments and digital wallets
• Shared priorities in Islamic fintech, Sharia-compliant financing, and digital banking licenses
• How Gulf capital is backing Pakistani fintech startups
• Bilateral government support, sandbox frameworks, and tech transfer
• Opportunities for talent mobility and dual-market scaling

Speaker

Abu Bakar

CEO | Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB)

3:30 PM

The Bridge

Wednesday 17 September, 03:30 PM—04:10 PM (40 min)

Panel Discussion : Global Xchange: Unlocking Access - The Story Behind Financial Inclusion’s Rapid Rise in Across 2 Continents

Africa and Asia have become the world’s fastest-growing regions for digital finance adoption. From mobile money in Africa surpassing $900 billion in annual transactions to Asia’s booming super apps and embedded finance platforms, digital tools are transforming financial participation at an unprecedented scale.

This panel brings together policymakers and fintech leaders to explore how regulatory frameworks, technological innovations, and financial policies are enabling inclusion, investment, and economic transformation. It will also unpack the lessons Africa and Asia can learn from each other as they continue to expand digital wallets, mobile payments, and cross-border financial solutions.

Speakers

Sanjiv Purushotham

Founder & CEO | Bridge Solutions

Sumnesh Joshi

Deputy Director General, Ministry of Communications | Government of India

Cindy Xu

Managing Director, Head of Asia Fintech and China FIG | J. P. Morgan

Nurudeen Abubakar Zauro

Advisor to the President of Nigeria on Economic and Financial Inclusion | President’s Office, Federal Republic of Nigeria Government

Nicolai Eddy

Co-founder & COO | Nala/ RAFIKI

The Capital

Wednesday 17 September, 03:30 PM—04:00 PM (30 min)

Keynote : Venture Truths & Exit Plays: A Candid AMA with Mike Sigal

A candid, no-holds-barred AMA (Ask Me Anything) where Mike Sigal draws from his journey as a successful founder with multiple exits, turned venture investor, to unpack the realities of building and scaling in the fintech world. This interactive keynote blends sharp industry foresight with personal anecdotes, hard-earned lessons, and unfiltered advice for founders, investors, and ecosystem leader

Speaker

Mike Sigal

Founder | Sigal Ventures

3:35 PM

Executive Summit

Wednesday 17 September, 03:35 PM—04:00 PM (25 min)

Fireside Chat : What’s Next? The Future of Money, Markets, and Innovation

A closing fireside that looks beyond today’s challenges to the big questions shaping the future of finance from tokenization to AI-driven financial services.

Speakers

Yazeed A. Alnafjan, CFA

Deputy Governor for Financial Innovation, Saudi Central Bank and Chairman of Fintech Saudi | Saudi Central Bank

Zeeshan Khwaja

Partner | Kearney

3:40 PM

Next-Gen Money

Wednesday 17 September, 03:40 PM—04:10 PM (30 min)

Deep Dive : The Evolution of Contactless Payments

• Exploring how contactless payments are driving innovation in retail experiences and what could potentially follow next.
• We will also assess the growth of contactless payment technologies such as QR codes, NFC, wearables.

Speakers

Aamir Aftab

Chief Product Officer | Jazz Cash

Abdulaziz Aljasser

COO & Co-founder | Qlub

Ahmed Alben Saleh

Head of liquidity & Cash management solutions | BSF

Jan Malas

Principal | AT Kearney Saudia Arabia Limited

4:00 PM

The Capital

Wednesday 17 September, 04:00 PM—04:20 PM (20 min)

Fireside Chat : Pioneering Global Investment: Unlocking Saudi Arabia’s VC Landscape with the First Foreign Fund License

This fireside chat explores the impact of Saudi Arabia’s first foreign venture capital license, highlighting how new regulations are opening the market for global investors. Gain insights into the evolving fintech ecosystem, regulatory changes, and opportunities for startups and investors in the Kingdom.

Speakers

Hayfa Alhedeithy

Director, Market Institutions Development Department | Capital Market Authority

Mohammed Alzubi

Founder and Managing Partner | Nama Ventures

Karim Samakie

Senior Advisor | Fintech Saudi

Executive Summit

Wednesday 17 September, 04:00 PM—04:10 PM (10 min)

MoneySurge : MoneySurge Stage Prep

4:10 PM

Next-Gen Money

Wednesday 17 September, 04:10 PM—04:50 PM (40 min)

Panel Discussion : Evaluating the Impact of Generative Finance on Credit Advice

We will assess how generative finance is transforming credit advice from a one-size fits all approach to a dynamic, tailored experience, opening the way to a more empowered and financially astute society.

Speakers

Deep Singh

Founder & Group CEO | CrediLinq

Zaid Kamhawi

Chief Research & Development Officer | Simah

Abdallah Dahhan

Chief Risk Officer | Al Yusr Leasing & Financing

Samuel Ubido

Chairman | Techinnovate Group

Ullas Puntambekar

Director - Global Partnerships | Veefin

Executive Summit

Wednesday 17 September, 04:10 PM—06:00 PM (1 h 50 min)

MoneySurge : Start of MoneySurge Pitch Competition Finale

Join us for the fierce finale of MoneySurge. Over the past two days 30 of our strongest fintech founders have taken to the stage to share their story. Now watch as 10 advance to the finale, to pitch in front of our Finale judges. 4 Awards on the table, $400K prize fund up for grabs. Join us and support our founders.

Speakers

David M. Brear

Group CEO | 11:FS

Dr. Osama Al Amri

Chief Business Development Officer | SME Bank

Armineh Baghoomian

Managing Director | Partners for Growth

4:20 PM

The Capital

Wednesday 17 September, 04:20 PM—04:30 PM (10 min)

Live Demo : Powering Fintech-Financial Institutions Partnerships with Finbridge Global

Join Barbara Gottardi, for a compelling 10-minute demo showcasing how Finbridge’s AI-powered Assessment Engine transforms partnerships between fintechs and financial institutions. Discover how proprietary data and automated RFI tools evaluate fintech scalability, compliance, and tech stacks, enabling banks to onboard innovative solutions in payments, lending, and wealthtech faster than ever. With a nod to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and its thriving regulatory sandbox, see live how Finbridge bridges trust gaps, accelerates collaboration, and drives growth for both fintechs and FIs in the MENA region and beyond.

Speaker

Barbara Gottardi

Co-founder & CEO | Finbridge Global

4:50 PM

Next-Gen Money

Wednesday 17 September, 04:50 PM—05:30 PM (40 min)

Panel Discussion : The Future of SME Finance: Intelligent Infrastructure, Inclusive Growth

This session explores how fintechs and digital-first banks are solving longstanding SME pain points - from access to working capital and real-time insights, to onboarding and credit scoring. The panel will debate how tech can personalize service at scale, the role of AI in underwriting and financial planning, and what a truly “next-gen” SME bank looks like.

Speakers

Omair Khan

Partner, Financial Services | AT Kearney Saudia Arabia Limited

Hani Ibrahim

Chief Investment Officer | Lendable

Deep Singh

Founder & Group CEO | CrediLinq

Salem Aljawini

Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer | Tarmeez Capital

Salman Akhtar

CEO | Adalfi

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