Archive
Fintech News Digest: What’s Behind Saudi Arabia’s Fintech Boom?
Saudi Arabia’s fintech ecosystem is thriving to say the least. In last week’s fintech news, a new report pointed out that Saudi fintech companies raised a total of US$157.2 million between January and August this year. That’s a whole bunch
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8 Must Know MENA Fintech Venture Investors for Funding in 2022
The fintech industry in the MENA region has had a blockbuster year so far. MENA venture investors have pumped record-level funds into this sector this year, leading to uptick both in number of rounds as well as total deal value.
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Where Can You Make Crypto Investments in the UAE?
Crypto investments have been gathering attention in the Middle East, and developments in this space have been especially accelerated in the UAE over the past few years. According to a 2021 YouGov survey, one in four people in the UAE
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Qatar FinTech Hub Reveals Third Cohort for Incubator, Accelerator
Qatar FinTech Hub (QFTH) has announced the list of 16 fintechs joining Wave 3 of its incubator and accelerator programmes. Founded by the Qatar Development Bank (QDB), the QFTH runs an incubator and an accelerator to encourage fintech innovation in
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Dubai Unveils Regulatory Framework for Investment Tokens
The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) launched its regulatory framework for investment tokens, according to a statement yesterday. The DFSA is a regulatory body housed in Dubai’s financial district, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). The framework is the first
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Report: Payments Dominates Saudi Fintech Map 2021
Payments emerged as the most popular area for investment in Saudi fintech companies, according to a new report by Fintech Saudi. The Fintech Saudi Annual Report 2020/21 noted that payments clinched 93% of venture capital investments in 2021 so far.
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Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority Launches SANDBOX Accelerator
The Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) has launched an early-stage startup programme called SANDBOX, according to a recent announcement. SANDBOX is a 12-month programme aimed at supporting early-stage tech startups to scale and raise funds. The programme was announced at
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Fintech News Digest: The Problem of Surveillance in Africa’s Biggest Fintech Hubs
A new study has found that governments in six African countries have been spying on citizens through the use of technology (The Conversation). Governments in Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa and Sudan have been surveilling citizens, either through legal
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UAE’s Fintech Galaxy Raises US$2m For Open Finance Platform
Fintech Galaxy has raised US$2 million in a seed round, according to a recent statement. The funding round was led by Jordan-based Ahli Fintech, with participation from Raz Holding Group, OMQ Investments, Egypt’s EFG EV Fintech and INSEAD Saudi Angel
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Is Branch Banking a Thing of the Past in the UAE? – Fintech Surge 2021
The death of branch and traditional banking was a top theme at the Digital Banking Summit – Fintech Surge 2021. Held at Dubai World Trade Centre, the conference saw a number of panels featuring founders, executives, regulators and fintech experts,
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