Latest news with #PennyRichards
Saudi Gazette
24-05-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
FII9 to convene global leaders in Riyadh to redefine investment in an era of paradox
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute has announced the agenda for the 9th edition of its flagship forum, FII9, set to take place in Riyadh from October 28 to 30, 2025. The three-day summit will bring together world leaders, investors, policymakers, and innovators to explore critical questions defining the global investment landscape under the theme: 'Prosperity in a world of paradox.' FII9 aims to tackle the rising tensions between growth and sustainability, innovation and regulation, fragmentation and cooperation — urging stakeholders to view these challenges as opportunities. With sessions organized around themes such as Innovation vs Constraints, Fragmentation vs Connectivity, and Progress vs Consequences, the summit promises actionable strategies to build inclusive and sustainable prosperity. The event's structure includes plenary sessions, private conclaves, and innovation-focused labs, hosted at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center (KAICC) and the Ritz-Carlton. October 28 and 29 will feature global dialogues, while October 30 will focus on Investment Day, spotlighting major deal-making and venture showcases. This year's discussions will address pressing topics including the productivity paradox of AI, critical resource geopolitics, urban resilience, energy uncertainty, and financial fragmentation. High-interest sessions will explore the future of semiconductors as a national security issue, public-private infrastructure reinvention, and the next generation of mobility, tourism, and IPO pipelines. Since its inception, FII has been a launchpad for transformational deals, with over $200 billion worth of agreements announced at past editions. The 2025 summit continues that momentum, inviting attendees to shape the global economy through investment and innovation. FII9 will also spotlight the FII Venture Program, which supports impact-driven startups by connecting them with investors, corporations, and global institutions. The initiative aims to accelerate real-world solutions powered by disruptive technologies. CEO of the FII Institute, Penny Richards, said: 'FII is where change is sparked. It's not only a space for critical conversations but a platform where real investments and partnerships are born — designed to transform industries and reshape the future economy.'
Zawya
05-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
FII Institute and Visa sign strategic partnership agreement to accelerate innovation for humanity
RIYADH – Visa has announced its strategic partnership with the Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute. FII Institute is a global non-profit foundation with an investment arm and a single agenda: Impact on Humanity. Visa is joining the Institute's list of international partners ahead of the 9th edition of its flagship FII conference in Riyadh to be held October 27-30, 2025. Signing the partnership agreement at the ceremony were Ali Bailoun, Visa's Regional General Manager for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman, and Penny Richards, CEO of FII Institute. Visa facilitates transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. The payment technology company's mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable, and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive. FII Institute convenes global leaders from government, business, and investment sectors across more than 90 countries to explore critical topics in AI & Robotics, Education, Healthcare, and Sustainability. These high-level conversations spark real change. As a catalyst for real-world solutions, FII Institute backs innovations and ideas that are solving humanity's most pressing challenges. As part of this collaboration, Visa gains access to exclusive opportunities, including participation in high-impact conferences and summits globally, collaboration with influential stakeholders, and curated insights from FII Institute's world-class research and thought leadership platforms. 'Visa believes that economies that include everyone, everywhere, uplift everyone, everywhere. Our partnership with FII Institute will support continued conversations on how government and private sector can further extend access to new technologies, knowledge and skills for a digital economy both globally and in Saudi Arabia that is equitable and inclusive,' said Ali Bailoun, Visa's VP and Regional GM for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman. Penny Richards, CEO of FII Institute, remarked, 'This partnership marks a pivotal moment in our mission to drive inclusive economic growth through strategic collaboration. By joining forces with Visa, we are also ensuring that significant leaders behind investment and financial innovation will join others in contributing meaningfully to human progress.' FII Institute and Visa will also partner on strategic forums and executive roundtables that bring together influential voices from across sectors. These engagements will foster meaningful conversations on responsible investment and inclusive global growth. In addition, it represents a significant step toward mobilizing the power of investment and technology to create a more equitable and sustainable future for everyone, everywhere. About Visa Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable, and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere, and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. About FII Institute The Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute is a global non-profit foundation driven by data with an investment arm and one agenda: Impact on Humanity. Global and inclusive, we foster great minds from around the world and turn ideas into real-world solutions in four critical areas: Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Robotics, Education, Healthcare, and Sustainability.
