Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Money20/20 Middle East concluded on Sept. 17 after three days of industry-shaping announcements and unprecedented global participation that confirmed Riyadh’s position as the fintech capital of the Middle East.
With more than 38,500 attendees and over 450 global fintech brands present, the event was the largest fintech gathering ever held in the region, and the second largest globally.
Investor attendance tripled compared to last year, bringing together over 1,050 global investors eager to explore opportunities in the Kingdom’s fast-growing market. Organizers facilitated more than 2,200 pre-scheduled investor-startup meetings, leading to new partnerships, capital commitments, and long-term deal flow that will reverberate well beyond the event’s close.
Day two of Money20/20 Middle East
The second day’s agenda explored transformative themes at the intersection of technology, regulation, and financial inclusion. Prominent speakers included Caroline D. Pham, Acting Chairman of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission; Mario Nobile, Director General of the Agency for Digital Italy; and Colin Payne, Head of Innovation at the UK Financial Conduct Authority. Together, they offered deep insights into global regulatory trends, data governance, cybersecurity, and the evolution of payments and treasury systems.
READ: Money20/20 Middle East kicks off in Riyadh with big announcements and bold vision (September 17, 2025)
Visa made headlines by announcing a first-of-its-kind acceptance capability being deployed locally in Saudi Arabia. The system, closely integrated with national infrastructure and regulatory frameworks, is designed to accelerate digital commerce enablement and provide merchants with enhanced flexibility, compliance, and interoperability.
The exhibition floor buzzed with major product launches:
- SILQFi debuted Omni, a platform embedding finance into SME operations by integrating POS, procurement, payments, and real-time credit access.
- The Lending Hub rolled out a new mobile app aimed at democratizing access to funding, giving individuals seamless connectivity with investors.
- Limitless Payments, a Riyadh-headquartered fintech investment vehicle, launched with an initial fund of $100 million and more than $15 billion in gross transaction volume. The initiative unites Xpence, GC Partners, and Numito to transform cross-border payment management and FX operations.
Futurist and author Brett King unveiled “Branch Tomorrow,” a book co-authored with Jim Marous, Efi Pylarinou, Paolo Sironi, and Richard Turrin, offering a data-driven analysis of the decline and redefinition of the traditional bank branch.
Jayesh Patel, CEO of Wio Bank, delivered one of the day’s most talked-about sessions, highlighting the role of digital-first banking models in enabling SME growth and providing integrated solutions for business owners seeking to manage and build wealth efficiently.
“Money20/20 Middle East has witnessed unprecedented momentum over the past two days,” said Annabelle Mander, EVP of Tahaluf. “International participation is up 63%, with global investors increasingly looking to enter the Saudi market. This event remains the only platform where the entire fintech ecosystem converges.”
Day three of Money20/20 Middle East
The final day of the event focused on the future architecture of finance, with panels on stablecoin resilience, AI-driven infrastructure, and digital trust. High-profile speakers included Dr. Mohammed Rahim of Standard Chartered Bank, Nameer Khan of the MENA Fintech Association, Tony Ashraf of BlackRock, and Sandra Ro of the Global Blockchain Business Council.
Global tech players made major announcements, with Google Pay and Google Wallet officially launching through Al Rajhi Bank and Riyad Bank, while Alipay+ integration was confirmed for 2026, a milestone in Saudi Arabia’s cross-border financial connectivity.
Local champions also made headlines. Tamara, the Kingdom’s first fintech unicorn, confirmed a $2.4 billion asset-backed facility backed by Goldman Sachs and Citigroup, providing significant fuel for expansion. STV and Tadawul’s Wamid announced plans for Saudi Arabia’s first private asset trading platform, opening new pathways for private capital markets.
Across all three days, Money20/20 Middle East showcased how Riyadh is becoming the primary gateway for global investors into the Middle East. The Kingdom now hosts more than 280 active fintech firms and a capital market valued at $640 billion, positioning itself as a central player in global financial innovation.
Event organizers emphasized that the gathering was more than just a conference, it was a deal-making hub. “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,” said Annabelle Mander.
Steve Durning, Portfolio Director at Tahaluf, echoed that sentiment, noting that the event has become a catalyst for collaboration. “Money20/20 Middle East has proven to be a catalyst for capital and collaboration. With more than 1,050 global investors and over 150 startups on site, the return on investment for participants is clear. This is where major partnerships are forged and where new entrants gain the visibility to scale. At Tahaluf, our focus is on building platforms that drive measurable growth for our partners, and this week Riyadh has set a new global benchmark for fintech investment and opportunity,” he said.
With its theme “Where Money Does Business,” Money20/20 Middle East struck a balance between big ideas and real results. Beyond thought-provoking talks, the event offered clear value for sponsors, investors, and exhibitors. From dedicated partnership pavilions to AI-powered matchmaking and executive networking lounges, attendees walked away from Riyadh not just with fresh insights, but with concrete commitments, signed contracts, and new collaborations.