Fintech has become one of the fastest-moving industries in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia, under its Vision 2030 agenda, is at the center of this transformation — making Riyadh the perfect stage for the first ever Money20/20 Middle East, happening on September 15-17, 2025.
This event isn’t just another fintech conference. It’s where founders, investors, regulators, and tech executives gather to shape the next wave of innovation. Here’s why everyone is talking about it, what to expect, and how to prepare.
Money20/20 Riyadh isn’t just a fintech event — it’s where the future of money in the Middle East gets negotiated, challenged, and re-imagined.
Abdullah Al
For years, the Middle East has been seen as an emerging fintech ecosystem. But hosting Money20/20 in Riyadh changes the narrative. It signals that MENA is not just catching up — it’s leading in several areas:
- Massive adoption of digital payments → Saudi has one of the fastest-growing cashless ecosystems in the world.
- Regulatory innovation → With open banking frameworks, fintech sandboxes, and digital banks, Saudi is moving faster than many mature economies.
- Youthful demographics → Over 60% of the population is under 30, making digital-native financial services mainstream.
- Global partnerships → Giants like Visa, Mastercard, and global VCs are increasing their presence in the region.
For startups and investors, Money20/20 Riyadh is the chance to plug into this momentum.
What to Expect at Money20/20 Riyadh 2025
Regulation Meets Innovation
Money20/20 Riyadh will feature regulators side by side with fintech innovators. Expect panels led by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), Capital Market Authority, and other policymakers discussing:
- Cross-border payments and compliance
- Digital identity & e-KYC frameworks
- Stablecoins and tokenized assets
- Consumer protection in digital-first ecosystems
For founders, this is gold — you get clarity on where the rules are heading, and you can tailor your growth strategy accordingly.
Embedded Finance at the Forefront
Globally, embedded finance is one of the fastest growing verticals, and in the Middle East it’s even more powerful because:
- Retail and e-commerce adoption is booming
- Super apps and marketplaces are integrating credit, wallets, and insurance
- Merchants want seamless payments without expensive integrations
In Riyadh, you’ll see real case studies from BNPL pioneers, insurance providers, and new bank-fintech collaborations.
AI & Data as Infrastructure
AI is no longer just a buzzword. In fintech, it’s powering fraud detection, AML monitoring, credit scoring, and hyper-personalization. Saudi Arabia has invested billions into AI infrastructure, positioning itself as a global leader.
Expect key discussions on:
- Responsible AI and ethical frameworks
- Using AI in compliance and risk management
- Customer data privacy and trust
- AI’s role in building scalable financial products
Global Meets Local
Money20/20 Riyadh will bring together:
- Founding partners like AlRajhi Bank, STC Bank, Riyad Bank, and Visa
- Regional unicorns such as Tamara and Tabby
- Global giants from payments, cloud, and cybersecurity
- Early-stage fintech startups hungry for scale and exposure
This mix of local insight + global capital is what makes the Riyadh edition so unique.
Focus on Financial Inclusion
One of the most important conversations in Riyadh will be about inclusion. With large underbanked populations across the region, fintech is uniquely positioned to bring access to credit, payments, and savings tools to millions. Expect sessions on:
- Microfinance powered by mobile
- Women in fintech leadership
- Serving rural and unbanked communities
- Financial literacy as part of national strategy
Key Trends to Watch in Riyadh
| Trend | Why It Matters | What to Watch For |
|---|---|---|
| Embedded Finance | Default model for payments and lending | BNPL, insurance, and wallets inside retail apps |
| AI & Data | Infrastructure for scale & compliance | Fraud detection, credit scoring, predictive analytics |
| Regulatory Clarity | Opens doors for regional scaling | New frameworks from SAMA & CMA |
| Financial Inclusion | Vital for Vision 2030 & MENA growth | Women-focused fintech, literacy programs |
| Payments Innovation | Core to commerce & trade | Real-time payments, cross-border remittances |
Preparing for Money20/20 Riyadh
To truly win at Money20/20, preparation is everything. Here’s your playbook:
Set 3 clear goals → Funding, partnerships, market entry, or visibility.
Map your agenda → Focus on 3–5 themes instead of trying to cover it all.
Pre-book meetings → Use the networking app and LinkedIn to lock in high-value conversations.
Polish your story → Keep your pitch sharp, data-backed, and relevant to Saudi.
Network everywhere → Side events, lounges, even hallway chats are valuable.
Create content → Share live updates, LinkedIn posts, and post-event insights to amplify your presence.
Follow up → Send personal messages and solidify partnerships within 48 hours.
Why everyone in fintech is talking about Money20/20 2025