Money20/20 Middle East in Riyadh drew more than 38,500 participants, making it the largest fintech event in the region and the second largest globally.

The gathering brought together global leaders in fintech, banking, investment, and digital innovation.

This year’s edition hosted over 450 international fintech brands and more than 1,050 investors.

Global brand participation rose by 207% compared with last year’s 24Fintech, while investor attendance tripled, signalling growing international interest in Saudi Arabia’s fintech sector.

The event also enabled 2,288 pre-scheduled meetings between investors and startups, alongside multiple partnership announcements.

Saudi Arabia now has more than 280 active fintech firms and a capital market valued at US$640 billion.

Organisers said the turnout reflected the Kingdom’s position as the region’s fintech centre and an increasingly significant player in global finance.

Key announcements included Tamara’s US$2.4 billion asset-backed facility backed by Goldman Sachs and Citigroup, and STV and Tadawul’s Wamid unveiling plans for the Kingdom’s first private asset trading platform.

Visa introduced a new acceptance capability designed to expand digital commerce, while Google and Alipay marked their Saudi market debuts.

Google Pay and Google Wallet also launched locally through Al Rajhi Bank and Riyad Bank.

Over three days, sessions explored themes ranging from Saudi Arabia’s capital markets and regulatory reforms to AI-driven innovation and stablecoin resilience.

Annabelle Mander, Executive Vice President at Tahaluf, said:

“Money20/20 Middle East has redefined what a fintech event can achieve. Hosting more than 38,500 attendees, including global leaders, this is where the future of finance is being built. The scale of ambition on display is unprecedented. This event has proven that Saudi Arabia is not only a major fintech hub in the Middle East, but a driving force shaping the future of global finance.”

The event was held under the theme “Where Money Does Business” and featured partnership pavilions, networking spaces and curated meeting programmes.

Organisers said its outcomes would support new platforms and infrastructure, help attract further foreign direct investment, and contribute to job creation within Saudi Arabia’s financial sector.

Featured image credit: Money20/20 Middle East