Reimagining banking in the Middle East is redefining how financial institutions grow, engage, and innovate. As digital transformation accelerates, banks must evolve to deliver seamless, secure, and personalized experiences that meet rising customer expectations.

Across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, adoption of digital banking continues to surge. According to Capco’s “Bank of the Future” survey, 89% of UAE customers have become more confident using mobile banking services, while 83% now access them primarily via mobile apps. Similarly, Saudi Arabia expects online banking penetration to grow by over 16 percentage points between 2024 and 2029, underscoring the region’s momentum toward smarter, connected financial ecosystems.

Reimagining Banking Middle East with Data and Analytics

Data has become the new cornerstone of success. Through AI, analytics, and machine learning, banks can decode customer behaviour and anticipate needs more precisely than ever. As a result, they can personalize offerings, boost retention, and reduce friction across the customer journey.

A clear example of this transformation is Riyad Bank’s Centre of Intelligence (COI) — Saudi Arabia’s first AI-focused banking hub — which enhances operational efficiency while driving innovation in customer engagement.

By reimagining banking in the Middle East with data-driven strategies, institutions can align financial products with real-time insights and deliver experiences that feel intuitive, predictive, and human.

Hyper-Personalization and Omnichannel Growth

Customers today interact through multiple touchpoints — mobile apps, websites, and physical branches — expecting consistent, personalized service. Therefore, delivering a seamless omnichannel experience has become the foundation of loyalty.

In the UAE, 70% of consumers are willing to share personal data for tailored experiences, while in Saudi Arabia, the number climbs to 71%. This readiness empowers banks to use analytics ethically and transparently, transforming everyday banking into relationship-driven engagement.

Digital Sales Outreach and New Engagement Models

Digital outreach is not an option — it’s essential. Mobile-first strategies, social media engagement, and AI-driven marketing are now central to how banks connect with customers.

Take D360 Bank, one of Saudi Arabia’s first digital-only institutions. It attracted over 600,000 customers within two months of launch, proving that mobile-first banking can scale fast when powered by user-centric design.

Ecosystem Collaboration: Powering Innovation in the Middle East

Another major force reimagining banking in the Middle East is ecosystem collaboration. By partnering with fintechs, big tech firms, and infrastructure providers, banks can expand capabilities faster than ever before.

Globally, fintech startups have surged from 12,000 in 2020 to nearly 30,000 in 2024. The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) now hosts over 1,000 fintech firms, while Saudi Arabia’s fintech ecosystem has more than doubled within a year. This growth underscores the importance of collaboration as a driver of agility and innovation.

Such partnerships empower banks to deploy advanced solutions like AI-powered risk scoring, embedded finance, and real-time payments — all while ensuring compliance with regional and global standards.

Looking Ahead: Building a Future-Ready Financial Ecosystem

The future of reimagining banking in the Middle East lies in intelligent, insight-led operations. Automated recommendations, predictive support, and AI-driven decision-making will soon define how banks engage customers.

Forward-thinking institutions in the UAE are already adopting AI-assisted frameworks that streamline service and elevate the customer experience. In Saudi Arabia, agile innovation models like Alinma Bank’s digital factory accelerate product launches and improve customer alignment.

As the region continues to evolve, banks that combine innovation, collaboration, and customer-centric transformation will achieve sustainable growth and long-term market leadership.

Check this out UAE Crypto Regulation Sets Global Blueprint

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The UAE has evolved from a crypto sandbox to a global model for digital asset regulation, demonstrating how policy clarity, investor protection, and innovation can coexist. Once a regional testing ground, the nation now leads in tokenization, blockchain adoption, and institutional-grade compliance — setting a framework others are eager to emulate.

Institutions Move from Observation to Adoption

Over the last two years, institutional investors — from sovereign funds to global asset managers — have shifted from cautious exploration to structured allocations in digital assets. Yet, these investors only engage when they see robust regulatory infrastructure.
Here, UAE crypto regulation stands apart. While the U.S. remains divided over jurisdictional control and Europe’s MiCA awaits full rollout, the UAE offers a complete ecosystem where policy meets execution. This maturity has transformed the country into a trusted base for large-scale blockchain initiatives.

Two Regulatory Paths, One Unified Objective

The UAE’s approach balances innovation and oversight through two distinct yet aligned regulatory arms.

• Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM): Through the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), it licenses custody, tokenization, and brokerage activities under strict governance criteria.
• Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA): Instead of classifying asset types, VARA regulates activities, giving firms flexibility to innovate without restarting their licensing process.

This dual model ensures both stability and adaptability — a rare equilibrium that reinforces confidence among enterprises and investors.

Tokenization Moves from Pilot to Production

In 2023, Neovision and Realize launched one of the first tokenized U.S. Treasury funds under ADGM’s oversight, now part of a market valued at over $2.4 billion. Soon after, HSBC piloted tokenized gold settlement in the Emirates, leveraging the UAE’s mature legal and technical infrastructure.
Unlike most markets, where tokenization remains conceptual, the UAE has operationalized it across corporate bonds, commodities, and private equity. This tangible progress makes UAE crypto regulation a benchmark for turning blockchain theory into enterprise-scale reality.

Proven Resilience Through Market Turbulence

The UAE’s frameworks were tested during the 2022 digital asset downturn. While some regions froze licensing or enforcement, VARA introduced stricter custodial and marketing rules while continuing to issue licenses transparently.
In 2024, both VARA and ADGM demonstrated accountability by penalizing unlicensed operators and enforcing compliance — signaling a regulatory environment that values both innovation and discipline.

Blockchain Beyond Finance

Beyond crypto trading and tokenization, the UAE is using blockchain to drive cross-sector innovation.

• Ras Al Khaimah has built a dedicated Web3 zone for decentralized applications.
• Sharjah is piloting blockchain in public services, from identity to supply chain tracking.
  This diversification proves the national model’s flexibility and depth, blending economic and civic value under a unified UAE crypto regulation framework.

Geography Meets Governance

Situated between Asia and Europe, the UAE benefits from time-zone overlap, U.S. dollar settlement, and investor-friendly tax structures. Yet its real advantage lies in policy precision. Since 2023, VARA has issued frequent updates and consultative papers, responding dynamically to industry input.
Following its removal from the FATF grey list in 2024, the UAE has accelerated compliance reforms faster than most peers, turning global scrutiny into strategic progress.

A Replicable Blueprint for the World

While the U.S. debates regulatory ownership and Europe await MiCA’s maturity, the UAE has implemented a live, multi-emirate framework. It balances openness with oversight — a model now studied by global policymakers.
For institutional investors, the question has shifted from if to were. Increasingly, the answer is clear: the UAE — where crypto regulation is no longer an experiment, but the emerging global standard.

Read our previous post, UAE Depreciation Rules Boost Real Estate Investment

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By Omar Abu Innab, CEO & Co-founder

In Dubai, the handover of a rent cheque often feels like a financial earthquake. For many tenants, it is the single largest outgoing of the year — one that empties savings accounts, spikes anxiety, and disrupts liquidity overnight. Traditional rent structures, whether annual lump sums or quarterly payments, may suit landlords, but they rarely reflect the way people actually earn and spend money. Salaries arrive monthly, bills are spread weekly, and life’s surprises never wait for cheque dates.

This mismatch does more than strain finances. It creates uncertainty and detachment. Tenants under pressure from upfront costs are less likely to renew, more likely to negotiate aggressively, and often hesitant to see their rental as a long-term home.

The Slice Effect: A Shift in Behaviour

Break the rent into twelve manageable instalments, however, and the entire psychology changes. Rent instalments in Dubai don’t just ease cash flow; they reframe how tenants view their homes. Instead of confronting a yearly burden, rent becomes a predictable routine woven into monthly salary cycles, much like utilities or car payments.

This subtle shift encourages tenants to stay longer. Not because they are tied down, but because they no longer face the stress of large financial shocks. Rent is reframed from a hurdle into a lifestyle expense, creating loyalty that landlords value. Lower turnover means fewer vacant periods, steadier income, and stronger landlord-tenant relationships.

Rent Now, Pay Later: A Quiet Revolution

Dubai’s rental market, once dominated by cheque culture, is transforming. Platforms like Keyper have introduced Rent Now, Pay Later (RNPL), enabling tenants to pay monthly while landlords continue receiving rent on their preferred schedule — even upfront.

The dual benefits are striking. Tenants enjoy breathing space and improved cash flow. Landlords retain financial security and stability. Automation bridges the gap, ensuring seamless transactions. Beyond convenience, RNPL creates ripple effects: tenants channel savings into investments or lifestyle upgrades, landlords attract stronger demand, and properties offering RNPL gain a competitive edge in the market.

Trust Through Proptech

Scepticism around flexible payments is natural. Landlords often worry about defaults or unreliable tenants. Proptech innovation addresses this head-on. By embedding tenant screening, open banking, and digital KYC processes, platforms ensure that only qualified tenants gain access to instalment options.

This screening provides landlords with confidence while giving tenants a frictionless, subscription-style experience. The outcome is a healthier rental ecosystem where both sides trust the process. Properties listed with RNPL attract interest faster, lease quicker, and enjoy higher renewal rates.

More Than Money: Cultural Change in Renting

Flexible rent payments are not only about financial management — they represent a cultural shift. Tenants paying monthly are more likely to personalise their homes, join neighbourhood communities, and think long-term. They do not just occupy apartments; they build lives in them.

In a global city like Dubai, where talent continually arrives from abroad, this cultural stickiness is invaluable. By reducing churn and fostering belonging, RNPL aligns Dubai with international leasing standards. For professionals moving from cities like London or New York, monthly rent instalments feel familiar, making Dubai more competitive as a destination.

Why Instalments Mean Belonging

The shift from lump sums to instalments does more than spread payments. It changes perceptions. Tenants breathe easier when the mountain of rent is broken into smaller hills. They stay longer, invest emotionally in their homes, and engage with their communities. For landlords, this means steadier returns. For the city, it enhances financial well-being and strengthens community ties.

Cheque culture once defined Dubai’s property landscape. Today, rent instalments in Dubai — powered by RNPL — are writing a new narrative. Flexible payments bring stability, foster loyalty, and encourage tenants not just to rent, but to settle in.

Read our previous post on Ryan Acquires Dhruva Stake Expanding Middle East Presence

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For decades, white-glove banking in the Middle East relied on personal trust. High-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and family offices turned to relationship managers (RMs) for access, expertise, and discretion. However, today’s digital-first generation of clients is inheriting wealth, and they expect faster, more transparent, and more personalised service than traditional models can deliver.

Why are younger clients walking away?

Recent surveys show a dramatic shift. Capgemini reports that 81% of affluent heirs plan to change their wealth managers. The reason is not a lack of expertise, but dissatisfaction with slow, opaque, and disconnected experiences.

Traditional private banking often resembles a black box: clients see limited transparency, receive quarterly reports, and rely on infrequent meetings. In contrast, new generations want data, control, and insights at their fingertips. EY research confirms this gap, noting that only 7% of Gen Z trust bank advisers for financial guidance. Digital-first wealth platforms like Sarwa and StashAway are stepping in to meet these demands.

The human role in private banking

Despite this shift, the human element remains essential. Relationship managers still play a critical role in building trust and offering tailored advice. However, many spend most of their time on administrative tasks rather than client-facing work. McKinsey estimates up to 70% of RM time goes to back-office processes.

For banks, the solution lies in rethinking the role of advisers and empowering them with technology that eliminates inefficiencies while elevating client engagement.

Digital tools that elevate wealth management

Digitisation should enhance, not replace, personal service. Clients now expect customisable dashboards that reflect estate planning, performance analytics, or ESG-focused investments. Both advisers and clients benefit when these tools deliver real-time insights that support collaboration.

In addition, clients want flexible access to their advisers. EY notes that 85% still value personal advice, but they prefer it delivered on their terms—through secure chat, video calls, or collaborative digital platforms.

How AI empowers relationship managers

Technology can give RMs the edge they need. AI tools identify risks, recommend diversification, and flag liquidity needs. When embedded in RM workspaces, these insights keep advice timely and proactive.

Automation further reduces administrative work, allowing advisers to spend more time building meaningful client relationships. This shift restores the core value of wealth management: trust, loyalty, and personalised advice.

From products to financial journeys

Wealthy clients no longer want just products; they want holistic support. They expect advisers to guide them through succession planning, family governance, philanthropy, and alternative investments. Global disruptors like Robinhood proved how fast expectations can change, and regional players such as Baraka are echoing this trend.

Reinventing the white-glove model

Private banking is not obsolete, but it must adapt. Banks that reinvent white-glove banking for digital-first clients will combine AI-driven efficiency with human empathy. By empowering advisers, streamlining processes, and blending digital convenience with trust, banks can keep this premium model relevant.

In the end, successful institutions will prove that strong relationships, enhanced by smart technology, remain the most valuable currency in wealth management.

Check out our previous post on Sobha Realty Green Sukuk marks $750m milestone

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Sobha Realty Green Sukuk oversubscribed 2.8x

Investor demand proved exceptional. The five-year Sukuk, set to mature in 2030, attracted USD 2.1 billion in orders—2.8 times its issue size. As a result, pricing tightened by 50 basis points from initial guidance. Moreover, Sobha Realty fixed the Sukuk at a profit rate of 7.125% with an effective yield of 7.375%. Importantly, allocations reflected a balance: 56% from regional investors and 44% from international buyers.

Financing green projects through the Sukuk

The proceeds will finance or refinance sustainable projects outlined in Sobha Realty’s Green Financing Framework. Furthermore, the framework aligns with ICMA’s Green Bond Principles and LMA’s Green Loan Principles. In addition, DNV issued a Second Party Opinion confirming this alignment. Consequently, the Sobha Realty Green Sukuk directly connects capital markets with climate-focused development, ensuring measurable environmental benefits.

Chairman’s view on growth and responsibility

Ravi Menon, Chairman of Sobha Group, expressed confidence in the company’s strategy.

“The success of our Green Sukuk demonstrates investor belief in our financial strength and ESG vision. This issuance aligns our financing with our sustainability agenda. It also accelerates our green initiatives, positions us as a leader in sustainable luxury real estate, and supports the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.”

His words underline how the Sukuk combines financial discipline with long-term responsibility.

Ratings and banking partners

Moody’s expects to rate the Sukuk at Ba2 (Stable) and S&P at BB (Stable), matching Sobha Realty’s corporate profile. Additionally, leading banks supported the transaction. Dubai Islamic Bank, Emirates NBD Capital, J.P. Morgan, Mashreq, and Standard Chartered acted as Joint Global Coordinators. Several other institutions joined as Joint Lead Managers and Bookrunners. Moreover, Deutsche Bank and Emirates NBD Capital served as Joint ESG Structuring Coordinators, embedding sustainability into every stage.

A milestone in Sobha Realty’s financing journey

This issuance strengthens Sobha Realty’s balance sheet and sets a benchmark for sustainable real estate financing. By pairing luxury projects with green funding, the company proves that ESG and profitability can align. Communities like Sobha Hartland and Sobha Siniya Island will benefit as proceeds flow into projects built for long-term environmental and social value.

Ultimately, the Sobha Realty Green Sukuk represents more than a financing success. It reflects investor trust, confirms global credibility, and reinforces the company’s role in shaping sustainable communities aligned with the UAE’s national vision.

Check out this previous post on Lebanon fintech investment: Whish Money Q&A

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Lebanon’s financial system has faced extraordinary pressure in recent years. Yet within these challenges lies an unexpected opportunity: the rise of Lebanon fintech investment as a driver of inclusion and growth. Among the companies leading this shift is Whish Money, a digital-first platform serving more than 1.3 million users in 110 countries. In this exclusive Q&A, Toufic Koussa, Co-Founder and CEO, explains how Lebanon can position itself as a hub for fintech despite ongoing uncertainty.

Lebanon fintech investment appeal for global investors

Q: In Lebanon’s current economic climate, what factors can attract local and foreign fintech investment, and how is Whish Money positioned to benefit?

Toufic Koussa: Lebanon’s economy has created a surge in demand for secure, accessible, and compliant financial solutions. Investors now search for opportunities where technology fills urgent gaps. They want platforms that streamline payments, enable quick transfers, and promote financial literacy. Whish Money’s 1.3 million users across 110 countries show that fintech can scale locally and globally. Our commitment to trust and inclusivity makes us an attractive partner for Lebanon fintech investment.

Strategies sustaining Lebanon fintech investment growth

Q: What investment strategies and operational efficiencies have been key to sustaining Whish Money’s growth in an uncertain regulatory and economic environment?

Toufic Koussa: Growth in Lebanon could not depend on costly infrastructure. Instead, we focused on agility and smart resource allocation. Scalable digital rails and strong compliance frameworks gave us a solid base. We relied on strategic partnerships rather than trying to build everything in-house. This approach kept us flexible and efficient. At the same time, we co-created our roadmap with users. Services such as instant transfers and QR payments solved real problems. Each decision translated into adoption and sustainable growth—strengthening Lebanon’s fintech investment landscape.

Partnerships powering Lebanon’s fintech investment ecosystem

Q: How do partnerships with Visa, Mastercard, and TerraPay boost investor confidence and accelerate market expansion locally and abroad?

Toufic Koussa: Partnerships are central to our expansion. When Visa and Mastercard integrate with Whish, it confirms that our platform meets global standards. It also proves our ability to connect seamlessly with international ecosystems. TerraPay and Ria extend our reach to Lebanon’s diaspora, making remittances faster and safer. These alliances inspire confidence, increase scalability, and highlight Lebanon as an emerging fintech investment hub.

How Lebanon fintech investment empowers communities

Q: How can fintech—especially digital payments—drive economic empowerment in Lebanon, and what investment in infrastructure or regulation is needed to maximize this impact?

Toufic Koussa: Digital payments empower people and businesses alike. Workers who receive wages digitally enter the formal economy and gain access to vital protections. Merchants who accept QR payments reach more customers and reduce dependence on cash. Families who rely on remittances benefit from transparent and instant transfers that improve stability. To maximize these gains, Lebanon must invest in infrastructure and adopt forward-looking regulation. The Central Bank of Lebanon licenses Whish Money, but progress depends on broader collaboration. Regulators, telecom providers, and fintech innovators must work together to unlock the full promise of Lebanon fintech investment.

Lessons shaping Lebanon’s fintech investment future

Q: From serving over 1M users in 110+ countries, what lessons can you apply to Lebanon’s fintech scene, and how do you position the country as attractive for fintech investors?

Toufic Koussa: Our journey shows that agility and customer focus drive scale. We built a culture that listens to communities and responds with transparent solutions. This approach ensures innovation is tied to real needs, not abstract ideas. Internally, we promote continuous learning, which allows us to adapt to changing conditions.

For Lebanon to draw investors, it must embrace entrepreneurship, encourage collaboration, and support startups with impact-driven missions. Above all, the ecosystem should build trust and prioritize transparency. With these values in place, Lebanon can emerge as a hub where innovation and inclusion converge. That vision makes Lebanon fintech investment a story of resilience and opportunity.

Check out this previous post on British International School Riyadh Board Governance Excellence

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Why the Wio Xero integration matters

SMEs run on time and trust. Therefore, every minute spent chasing statements or keying in data is a minute not spent on sales, service, or product. By piping transactions straight from Wio into Xero, teams eliminate repetitive work, reduce errors, and shorten the month-end close. Moreover, automatic invoice matching and smart suggestions help users spot issues early—before they become a cash-flow surprise.

What customers get on day one

Once connected, bank feeds flow directly into Xero several times a day. Consequently, reconciliations move from hours to minutes. Owners can check live balances, compare inflows and outflows, and track payables and receivables without exporting spreadsheets. Meanwhile, accountants gain cleaner audit trails, clearer narratives for management reports, and fewer back-and-forth emails asking for “the latest statement.”

Designed for UAE workflows

Local context matters. Wio Business already streamlines onboarding, payments, and expense management for entrepreneurs. Now, with Xero in the loop, daily finance operations feel cohesive. Card transactions and transfers appear in Xero quickly; rules and bank-reconciliation suggestions accelerate matching; and dashboards surface the metrics that matter. Additionally, because the integration is direct, there’s no third-party connector to maintain, which means fewer points of failure and greater data control.

Leaders’ view: smarter banking, better decisions

Wio’s Chief Commercial Officer, Prateek Vahie, frames the move simply: make business banking smarter, faster, and more efficient so owners can focus on growth. Likewise, Colin Timmis, Regional Director EMEA at Xero, highlights the benefit for UAE businesses that want better visibility with less admin. In practice, both sides are pushing toward the same outcome—time back, clarity up.

Automation that compounds

Automated reconciliation is more than convenience. It compounds into stronger decision-making because the books stay current. With fresher data, founders can approve hires with confidence, negotiate supplier terms, and plan inventory with fewer assumptions. Furthermore, advisors can deliver forward-looking guidance instead of spending billable hours cleaning transactions.

Independence and control

Because the connection is direct, businesses keep ownership of their data pathways. There’s no rekeying, no CSV juggling, and no waiting for middleware to sync. Therefore, finance teams can standardize processes, document controls, and scale with fewer manual touchpoints. That discipline pays off during funding rounds, audits, and rapid growth phases.

Getting started

Setup takes minutes. In Wio Business, navigate to integrations, select Xero, and authorize the secure connection. Then map your accounts, confirm the start date for feeds, and turn on reconciliation rules inside Xero. From there, keep an eye on unmatched items, refine rules weekly, and enjoy the calm that comes with clean, current books.

Ultimately, the Wio Xero integration gives UAE SMEs what they need most: time and visibility. With direct bank feeds, automated reconciliation, and real-time insight in one workflow, teams spend less energy on admin and more on the work that moves the business forward.

Check out our previous post on Whish Money Mastercard Move: seamless Lebanon remittances

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How it works—built for real life

Through the Whish Money app, users in Lebanon can initiate international transfers in near real time. Depending on the receiving market, beneficiaries can take funds into a bank account, a mobile wallet, or in cash. Additionally, senders in Lebanon can choose how to fund the transfer: cash remains available, yet they can now use cards to fund their Whish Money wallet as well. Because the service sits on Mastercard’s money movement capabilities, it benefits from reach, compliance rigor, and operational visibility across corridors.

First mover in Lebanon’s wallet space

This is Mastercard’s first collaboration with a mobile wallet in Lebanon to facilitate remittances, which matters in a market where international transfers are essential to household finances. Moreover, the timing aligns with a long-standing reality: remittances are a vital lifeline. The World Bank estimates Lebanon received US$6.4 billion in inflows in 2022, ranking third in MENA by absolute volume. Therefore, any improvement in speed, safety, or convenience can meaningfully affect day-to-day life.

Speed and trust—why Mastercard Move

Mastercard Move is the company’s portfolio of domestic and cross-border money-movement solutions. In practice, that means access to 200 markets, 150+ currencies, and coverage for more than 95% of the world’s banked population. Consequently, Whish Money can scale its cross-border business faster, while users gain dependable time-to-funds. Toufic Koussa, Co-founder and CEO of Whish Money, summed it up clearly: families rely on remittances, so the experience must be fast, efficient, and secure. Likewise, Mastercard’s regional leadership highlights the collaboration’s ability to deliver reach, transparency, and speed across inbound and outbound flows.

A choice that fits every corridor

Because each country handles payouts differently, flexibility is key. Some recipients prefer bank credits; others rely on mobile wallets; certain corridors still require cash pickup. Accordingly, Whish Money’s interface lets senders select what works best for their beneficiaries. Meanwhile, card-to-wallet funding adds convenience at origin, complementing cash top-ups and reducing friction for first-time users. As adoption grows, more customers can move from cash dependence toward digital rails without losing access to familiar options.

Near real-time in practice

“Near real-time” isn’t just marketing language. On many corridors, funds are available within minutes, subject to standard compliance checks. Because the platform integrates verification, screening, and routing underneath a simple consumer flow, customers see clear status updates and faster settlement. Furthermore, the combination of network reach and local partners helps keep fees competitive and delivery predictable.

Why this matters now

Lebanon’s diaspora spans the GCC, Europe, North America, and beyond. Therefore, send-home corridors must be reliable, transparent, and flexible. By pairing Whish Money’s local presence and agent network with Mastercard Move’s global rails, this collaboration lowers barriers for both inbound and outbound transfers. Notably, it also gives senders better control—choose the receive method, choose the funding method, and track the transfer with confidence.

What users can expect

Getting started is straightforward: download the Whish Money app, onboard, and choose a destination. Then select the payout method—bank account, mobile wallet, or cash—and fund the transfer via card or cash. Finally, confirm and track. As corridors expand, users should see additional options and features; however, the core promise will stay the same: faster, safer, near real-time remittances supported by global infrastructure.

In short, Whish Money Mastercard Move brings modern cross-border capabilities to a market that truly depends on them. With speed, flexibility, and trusted rails, the service helps families bridge distance—one transfer at a time.

Check out our previous post, AlRayan Bank Digital Banking Boost with Finastra

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The bank modernized its trade finance and cash management systems while upgrading to the latest Finastra Trade Innovation release. This ensures compliance with the ISO 20022 MX messaging standard. It also strengthens AlRayan Bank’s Shariah-compliant services and enables faster product launches, improved retention, and greater operational agility.

Driving Growth in Islamic Digital Banking

The implementation, led by IBC Solutions, reflects a commitment to seamless, mobile-first corporate banking. The upgrade improves time-to-funds, streamlines integration, and delivers more transparent services. These benefits align with evolving client expectations and market demands.

Omar Al Emadi, Acting Group CEO of AlRayan Bank, said this move supports the bank’s goal to be “the most trusted, Shariah-compliant financial institution at the forefront of innovation in Islamic banking.” The platform’s flexibility ensures the bank can meet customer needs while maintaining efficiency and security.

Secure, Modular, and Client-Centric

Finastra’s Corporate Channels unifies trade, supply chain finance, cash management, financing, and treasury services in one platform. Its built-in security features and real-time analytics help the bank adapt quickly to opportunities. Additionally, the API-enabled workflows allow easy integration and fast customization.

Houssam Itani, Group Chief Transformation Officer, said the solution “transforms banking into a smoother, more efficient, and personalized experience.” He added that it also accelerates the launch of new products.

Strengthening a Long-Term Partnership

AlRayan Bank’s collaboration with Finastra spans over 16 years. The bank also uses Finastra’s Essence core banking solution and Opics treasury management platform. This latest go-live reinforces a partnership focused on co-innovation and long-term digital transformation.

Manish Joshi, Vice President, APAC and EMEA, Lending at Finastra, highlighted the speed and quality of the implementation as “a shared achievement with IBC Solutions” and a milestone in advancing Islamic finance technology.

Strategic Value for the GCC

This launch highlights the GCC’s strong push into digital banking innovation, particularly in Shariah-compliant finance. Corporate clients are increasingly seeking secure, integrated, and mobile-ready services. AlRayan Bank’s transformation sets a standard for others in the region.

By combining Finastra’s technology with deep expertise in Islamic finance, the bank is enhancing its global competitiveness while meeting the specific needs of local clients. This positions it as a leader in the evolving digital banking landscape.

Check out our previous post GCC Assets Under Management Reach $2.2 Trillion in 2024

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SC Ventures fintech growth in the Middle East is gaining strong traction, with the firm ramping up its presence through regional partnerships, venture creation, and digital asset innovation. As the venture arm of Standard Chartered Bank, SC Ventures is driving transformation by combining entrepreneurial thinking with global banking scale.

At the 2025 Dubai FinTech Summit, we spoke with Mohamed Fairooz, SC Ventures Lead for the Middle East, to explore the company’s strategy, recent expansion, and why the region is central to its innovation agenda.

A Distinctive Innovation Engine SC Ventures

Q: Can you start by giving us an overview of SC Ventures and what sets it apart?
Mohamed Fairooz: SC Ventures is the innovation and venture arm of Standard Chartered. Although we’re backed by the bank, we operate independently with a dedicated team, mandate, and entrepreneurial mindset. Since 2018, our goal has been to go beyond traditional banking to create impactful solutions that solve emerging financial needs.

Key Areas of Focus when it comes to SC Ventures

Q: What areas does SC Ventures focus on when building or backing ventures?
Mohamed: We concentrate on four key themes: online economies and lifestyle, SMEs and trade, digital assets, and financial inclusion. Whether the ideas come from internal teams or external collaborators, we remain open to innovation from any source.

Building From Within — and With Others

Q: What’s your approach to venture creation versus investing in existing fintechs?
Mohamed: We do both. Some ventures we build from the ground up; others we support through investment or co-creation. Our approach always emphasizes solving real-world problems. Ultimately, we’re ecosystem participants — not just investors.

A Region on the Rise

Q: You’ve expanded significantly in the region. What does that growth look like?
Mohamed: In just 18 months, we’ve scaled from two to seven ventures across the region, created over 150 jobs, and launched our Digital Asset Fund in the UAE. It’s a signal of our long-term commitment and belief in the MEASA region’s potential.

The Allure of MEASA

Q: What makes the MEASA region such an attractive market right now?
Mohamed: The shift is clear — there’s more capital, stronger regulatory support, and exceptional talent emerging locally. These conditions make the region a compelling launchpad for innovative financial solutions.

Aligning with DIFC

Q: Tell us more about your partnership with DIFC. What does that involve?
Mohamed: At the Dubai FinTech Summit, we announced a strategic partnership with DIFC. SC Ventures is now their official venture-building partner. This isn’t just symbolic — we’re working hand-in-hand to strengthen the local fintech ecosystem.

The Power of Collaboration

Q: Any other strategic partnerships you’re excited about?
Mohamed: Yes, we’ve signed over eight major partnerships with regional banks, family offices, and ecosystem players. Each collaboration enables us to scale faster and deliver more tailored, impactful solutions.

Final Thoughts

From venture building to co-creation, SC Ventures is helping to redefine the fintech narrative in the Middle East. As more partnerships take shape and the region opens up to experimentation, one thing is clear — innovation here is just getting started.

For more news, check out Stride Ventures Doubles Down on Saudi Arabia

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