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Zain’s Fintech Arm First to Receive Micro Loans License From Saudi Central Bank
Zain Group, a telecommunications company in the Middle East and North Africa region, announced that its fintech arm Tamam has been officially licensed by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) to provide micro-financing services to consumers across the Kingdom. This makes Tamam
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Saudi and Singapore Central Banks to Share Fintech Expertise
The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) have agreed to work together on fintech and innovation. The agreement was signed by H.E. Mr. Ayman Al-Sayari, Governor of SAMA, and H.E. Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, the Minister
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Saudi Arabia Central Bank Licenses 2 New Insurance Aggregation Companies
The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) licensed “Al-tizam for electronic insurance brokerage” and “Altheqa Insurance Brokers” to provide insurance aggregation services (soft launch). With Al-tizam and Altheqa, there will be five authorized insurance aggregation companies operating in Saudi Arabia. This decision
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Saudi and UAE Central Banks Release Report on Joint Digital Currency Project Aber
The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) and the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) have released the report on their joint central bank digital currency (CBDC) initiative dubbed as Project Aber. The wholesale CBDC used only by the central
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After Banning Crypto Saudi Arabia Plans Central Bank Digital Currency
After banning the trading of cryptocurrencies, Saudi Arabia is now developing a blockchain-based digital currency in collaboration with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The central banks of the two countries are planning to run a pilot of a shared digital
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Middle Eastern and African Region Sees Neobanking Sector Picking up Steam
Though still in their early stages of development compared to Europe and the US, neobanks are playing a growing role in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region by addressing challenges in accessing traditional financial services. The Fintech Times identified
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Saudi Digital Lending Platform Tameed Platform Closes USD 15 Million Series A Funding
Tameed Digital Lending Platform, which offers shariah-compliant Government Purchase Orders Financing for SMEs in Saudi Arabia, announced that it has successfully closed a funding round (Series A) amounting to SAR 56.75M (USD 15M) lead by Alromaih Investments. Tameed plans to
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Islamic Banks in the UAE Embrace Digital Innovation
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the financial sector, including Islamic banks in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has swiftly adopted digital innovations including artificial intelligence (AI), e-learning and blockchain. These technologies are now playing a critical role in
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Saudi Open Banking Startup Spare Closes $3 Million Funding Round
Spare, a Saudi based open banking services provider, announced the close of a $3 million funding round led by Vision Ventures with participation from Wa’ed Ventures, Seedra Ventures, global investment firm 500 Global, and notable angel investors. Spare was established
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Saudi Wealthtech Hakbah Closes US$5.1 Million Series A
Hakbah, a Saudi-based fintech savings platform, announces its successful $5.1 million Series A fundraise. The funding round was led by VentureSouq – the MENA-based venture capital firm with a global portfolio. Also participating were new investors M-Capital and Bunat Ventures;
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