Latest news with #DubaiFinTechSummit
Hi Dubai
24-06-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
UAE Set to Lead Middle East FinTech Growth, Reveals FinTech 2025 Industry Report by Emirates NBD and PwC
Emirates NBD has launched its 2025 report, From Code to Capital: The UAE's FinTech Revolution, spotlighting the country's rapid rise as a regional FinTech powerhouse. Released in collaboration with PwC and previewed at the Dubai FinTech Summit, the report outlines key trends shaping the sector, including digital adoption, AI integration, and a surge in venture capital investment. According to the report, UAE FinTech startups attracted $265 million in funding in 2024—accounting for nearly one-third of the country's total startup capital. The sector is forecast to grow from $3.16 billion in 2024 to $5.71 billion by 2029, fueled by supportive regulation, public-private partnerships, and increasing consumer demand. Neeraj Makin, Group Head of Strategy at Emirates NBD, said the funding reflects investor confidence and positions the UAE to become a leading destination for FinTech innovation. The report points to a mature ecosystem backed by diverse talent, scalable infrastructure, and a clear pathway for startup exits. The study also underscores the role of artificial intelligence in reshaping financial services, from personalised offerings to enhanced risk management. Emirates NBD's own AI-driven transformation has improved efficiency and operational control. Miguel Rio-Tinto, the bank's Chief Digital and Information Officer, noted that collaboration between traditional banks and startups—through open APIs and innovation sandboxes—is vital for sustained progress. PwC's Stephen Anderson highlighted the UAE's position at the forefront of financial transformation, driven by strategic vision and technological advancement. News Source: Burson
Fintech News ME
18-06-2025
- Business
- Fintech News ME
InvestHK's Gulf Cooperation Council Fintech Visit Spurs Strategic Partnerships
Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) reinforced its role as a global business hub through a strategic visit to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, forging strong partnerships. The InvestHK GCC fintech delegation built on the momentum from the Chief Executive's earlier visit to the Middle East in May, which saw three Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) signed by InvestHK. The InvestHK GCC fintech delegation, made up of leaders from top financial and fintech firms founded locally, in Mainland China or overseas with operations in Hong Kong, engaged in high-level meetings. This included meetings with local government organisations, private equity partners and tech incubators across the GCC, facilitated by InvestHK. The Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK, Alpha Lau, said, 'In today's evolving global economy, Hong Kong has showcased its irreplaceable strategic value as a 'super connector'. We recognise opportunities in high-potential markets, such as the GCC region, which are actively diversifying their economies through innovations. By partnering with InvestHK, companies can effectively access these competitive markets with the government's support.' The Global Head of Financial Services, FinTech & Sustainability at InvestHK, King Leung, added, 'Leveraging our in-depth understanding of each participating company, we successfully showcased Hong Kong as an efficient platform for connecting high-quality enterprises, earning broad recognition from local governments, businesses, and investors across the GCC region.' Over the past two years, firms like Evident Group, LianLian Global, OneDegree, and others have joined the delegations, with delegates crediting the HKSAR Government for enabling meaningful results through its support and connections. Evident Group's delegation participation led to a milestone MOU with Zand Bank, the UAE's AI-powered bank. This marked the start of a strategic collaboration, focused on delivering innovative alternative investment solutions for the latter's private wealth clients. By leveraging Evident Group's secure digital market infrastructure, the partnership aims to broaden access to private equity secondaries, private credit, and tokenised infrastructure, highlighting how digitalisation of private markets can strengthen Hong Kong's role as a bridge for global private wealth. Next, LianLian Global sees Hong Kong as a vital hub for expanding its presence in the GCC. Using InvestHK delegations to build key government-to-government relationships, most notably with the Central Bank of the UAE, opened new strategic pathways. Also, at the Dubai FinTech Summit, LianLian Global secured a cooperation agreement with Lulu Money to extend payment services into Mainland China. Thirdly, Lingfeng Capital secured its approved-in-principle from the UAE's Financial Services Regulatory Authority as a licensed fund manager in the UAE. Lingfeng Capital has set up its regional headquarters in Abu Dhabi after identifying growth opportunities during the first delegation visit last year. Building on this momentum, Lingfeng Capital is now establishing a fund in Abu Dhabi to support portfolio companies from Hong Kong, Mainland China, and beyond as they expand into the GCC region. Finally, OneDegree has earned recognition from GCC government officials for its digital asset insurance solutions. Backed by investment from Dubai Insurance and approved by the Central Bank of the UAE through its partnership with Dubai Insurance Co., OneDegree is set to provide digital asset insurance in the UAE. Walaa will be providing reinsurance capital for OneDegree's global digital asset playbook. A key milestone for OneDegree was a private meeting with senior leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Insurance Authority during last year's delegation visit. The 2025 InvestHK GCC fintech delegation was built on groundwork laid by HKSAR officials to deliver concrete business outcomes, reinforcing Hong Kong's role as a globally connected, outward-facing economy. As a 'super connector' and 'super value-adder,' Hong Kong continues to drive two-way economic growth through innovation and strategic partnerships.
Mid East Info
20-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
DIFC and IPEM join forces to advance the global private markets ecosystem in Dubai - Middle East Business News and Information
Dubai, UAE;May 2025: Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, continues to solidify its role as a global hub for long-term capital deployment by signing an agreement at the Dubai FinTech Summit with the International Private Equity Market (IPEM), the premier relationship broker for private equity. IPEM events are the definitive meeting place for decision-makers, innovators, and investors shaping the future of private markets. Dubai will complement the current bi-annual IPEM gatherings held in France. IPEM Future will strive to create an immersive experience that allows attendees to gain insights, develop relationships, and engage with the wider private equity community. The IPEM partnership reinforces DIFC's position as a world-class ecosystem and platform for private equity markets. Ranked number one in the region in the latest edition of the Global Financial Centre Index (GFCI) rankings, Dubai is categorised by the GFCI as only one of eight cities in the world to be a global leader with 'broad and deep' capabilities across all parts of the finance industry, alongside cities including London, New York and Paris. Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer, DIFC Authority, commented: 'The current global economic environment has amplified investor appetite for private capital, often viewed as resilient, long-term, and less susceptible to short-term market risks. The partnership with IPEM spotlights Dubai and DIFC as a global destination for long-term capital deployment and aligns with our vision to drive the future of finance and position Dubai among the world's leading global financial centres in the world.' Antoine Colson, CEO, IPEM, said: 'Dubai is a global hub for creative and transformative capital — a natural home for 'IPEM Future'. This new event brings together the boldest LPs and GPs backing breakthroughs in AI, climate tech, longevity, space, and more. It is where private capital does not just perform – it transforms.' Ahead of its Dubai event in December, IPEM brought representatives from the global private capital industry to Dubai FinTech Summit for an introductory visit and participation in an especially curated event. Investors and companies that support the private markets ecosystem discussed using private markets to create long-term value; the role of innovation and technology; the changing investor landscape; and the growing importance of the Middle East. About IPEM – International Private Equity Market: IPEM serves to connect global private capital industry leaders, investors, advisors, and service providers. Our international events are held annually in Paris – IPEM Global, the premier summit for global private capital leaders with 6,000+ participants from around the world; in Cannes – IPEM Wealth, focused on the wealth revolution and welcoming nearly 4,000 participants; and, starting in 2025, in Dubai with the launch of IPEM Future — exclusive access to UAE investment leaders shaping tomorrow's capital landscape. Additionally, IPEM hosts regional events in partnership with local stakeholders in Chicago, Abu Dhabi, and China, while actively exploring opportunities in Latin America, Japan, and more — a reflection of the industry's exciting global expansion and democratization. About Dubai International Financial Centre: Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is one of the world's most advanced financial centres, and the leading financial hub for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA), which comprises 77 countries with an approximate population of 3.7bn and an estimated GDP of USD 10.5trn. With a 20-year track record of facilitating trade and investment flows across the MEASA region, the Centre connects these fast-growing markets with the economies of Asia, Europe, and the Americas through Dubai. DIFC is home to an internationally recognised, independent regulator and a proven judicial system with an English common law framework, as well as the region's largest financial ecosystem of 46,000 professionals working across over 6,900 active registered companies – making up the largest and most diverse pool of industry talent in the region. The Centre's vision is to drive the future of finance through cutting-edge technology, innovation, and partnerships. Today, it is the global future of finance and innovation hub offering one of the region's most comprehensive AI, FinTech and venture capital environments, including cost-effective licensing solutions, fit-for-purpose regulation, innovative accelerator programmes, and funding for growth-stage start-ups. Comprising a variety of world-renowned retail and dining venues, a dynamic art and culture scene, residential apartments, hotels, and public spaces, DIFC continues to be one of Dubai's most sought-after business and lifestyle destinations.
Hi Dubai
20-05-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
DIFC Strengthens Global Private Equity Presence with IPEM Partnership
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has partnered with the International Private Equity Market (IPEM) to host a new flagship event in the emirate, marking a major step in positioning Dubai as a global hub for private capital investment. The agreement, signed during the Dubai FinTech Summit, will see Dubai added to IPEM's roster of global events, complementing its established gatherings in France. The new platform, IPEM Future, is set to debut in December and will bring together top-tier investors, fund managers, and innovators focused on transformative sectors such as AI, climate tech, and space. This move reinforces DIFC's standing as a leading global financial centre. Ranked first in the region and among the top eight globally by the Global Financial Centres Index, DIFC offers a deep and diversified ecosystem that continues to attract long-term capital flows. 'The current global economic environment has amplified investor appetite for private capital,' said Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority. 'Our partnership with IPEM enhances Dubai's appeal as a destination for resilient and transformative capital deployment.' IPEM CEO Antoine Colson described Dubai as 'a natural home' for the new initiative, citing its role as a magnet for innovation-led investment. The December event will serve as a key gathering for institutional players shaping the future of private markets. Ahead of the launch, IPEM brought a delegation of global private capital leaders to the Dubai FinTech Summit for a curated preview event. Discussions focused on long-term value creation, the evolving investor landscape, and the strategic role of the Middle East in global finance. The new partnership is set to further elevate Dubai's position at the intersection of innovation, investment, and global financial leadership. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
DFSA's tokenisation regulatory sandbox attracts investor interest
The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), the independent regulator of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), has announced that 96 innovative firms have expressed interest in the DFSA's inaugural Tokenisation Regulatory Sandbox. The launch of the sandbox marks a major step forward in the DFSA's strategy to support responsible financial innovation within the DIFC and reflects its growing focus on tokenisation as a transformative force in financial services. The Tokenisation Regulatory Sandbox forms part of the DFSA's Innovation Testing Licence programme and supports the regulator's broader commitment to fostering innovation while maintaining market integrity and protecting investors. Expressions of interest came from a diverse range of sectors that are exploring the tokenisation of financial assets and instruments, including those associated with the tokenisation of shares, bonds (including Islamic bonds (sukuk)), units in a fund, and the trading and safe custody of those assets – reflecting the broad potential of tokenisation across the financial ecosystem. The initiative attracted strong interest from both established financial institutions wishing to explore tokenisation use cases and innovative start-ups looking to scale breakthrough digital asset solutions in a regulated environment. This strong engagement underscores DIFC's growing appeal as a global hub for digital finance and innovation. Justin Baldacchino, Managing Director, Supervision, DFSA, said: 'We are excited to see such strong interest in the DFSA's Tokenisation Regulatory Sandbox and to talk about it at the Dubai FinTech Summit. This momentum supports the DFSA's strategic commitment – and aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 goal – to position Dubai among the world's top four global financial hubs by 2033. The sandbox marks a new chapter in our engagement with innovative financial technologies, enabling firms to safely test tokenised solutions in a transparent, measured, and responsible manner, within a well-regulated environment, without being subject to the full suite of regulatory requirements that would otherwise apply.' The DFSA's themed sandbox approach enables targeted supervision, constructive regulatory dialogue, and the development of tailored policy responses to emerging financial technologies while fostering responsible innovation in the market. It also supports DIFC, Dubai, and the United Arab Emirates' broader ambition to become a global hub for digital assets, fintech, and next-generation financial services and market infrastructure. Following the Expressions of Interest stage, selected firms will be invited to apply for an Innovation Testing Licence and enter a live testing phase under DFSA oversight, where they can refine their offerings while addressing critical areas such as investor protection, transparency, and financial stability. Upon successful completion of the programme, firms may apply to transition to a full, unrestricted licence, or withdraw their Innovation Testing Licence. For more information on the Innovation Testing Licence, access the explainer guide here. The DFSA's Tokenisation Regulatory Sandbox underscores the DFSA's commitment to enable innovation in a way that is responsible, informed, and aligned with global regulatory best practice.
