Saudi Arabia retained its 30th spot in the Global Financial Inclusion Index 2025, with major gains in digital payments, financial reforms, and employer support.
Saudi Arabia has maintained its 30th position globally in the Global Financial Inclusion Index 2025, published by Principal Financial Group in partnership with the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr). The Kingdom’s overall score rose by 0.9 points over the past year, marking a cumulative gain of 9.3 points since 2022, underscoring continued progress in its financial inclusion efforts.
The index evaluates how effectively governments, financial systems and employers enable access to financial services for individuals and businesses. It covers 42 markets worldwide, with Singapore, the United States and Hong Kong leading the 2025 rankings.
Saudi Arabia recorded one of the strongest improvements globally in the financial system support category, rising four places to 35th, driven by rapid growth in digital payments, open banking frameworks, and financial literacy programs led by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) and the Capital Market Authority (CMA).
In the government support pillar, the Kingdom held steady at 22nd place, reflecting sustained policy initiatives to enhance financial accessibility through regulatory modernization, fintech licensing, and SME funding programs. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s employer support ranking improved to 9th globally, highlighting the role of private-sector firms in advancing financial well-being through digital payroll access, savings plans, and employee benefit platforms.
The consistent improvement across all three pillars mirrors Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation and financial sector reforms under Vision 2030, which targets a diversified, cashless, and innovation-driven economy. According to SAMA, digital payments accounted for over 70 percent of retail transactions in 2024 — achieving Vision 2030’s target six years ahead of schedule.
The Kingdom’s position in the index places it among the most improved emerging markets for financial inclusion. Analysts cite the ongoing expansion of digital banks, fintech start-ups, and cashless infrastructure as indicators of the country’s evolving financial ecosystem.
Saudi Arabia’s progress comes amid a regional push toward financial digitalization, with the Gulf Cooperation Council economies collectively investing in payment systems, financial literacy, and inclusive banking frameworks. The Index findings reinforce the Kingdom’s position as a regional leader in regulated digital finance adoption.
