Categories

Money 20/20 Middle East Key Takeaways: Embracing AI and Strategic Partnerships  September 23, 2025

Saudi Arabia’s fintech sector is experiencing rapid growth, driven by the nation’s Vision 2030 initiative. With over 260 licensed fintech firms and $860 million in venture capital funding in the first half of 2025, the Kingdom is positioning itself as a regional leader in financial technology. 

It’s no surprise that Money20/20 Middle East 2025 drew thousands of innovators, investors, and financial leaders, sparking three days of collaboration. The event buzzed with new ideas, partnerships, and strategies that are shaping the future of finance in the region. 

Here’s what stood out. 

  1. Saudi Arabia: A Fintech Powerhouse 

Unlike other editions, this year’s conference was centered on the Saudi market, where cross-border payments are becoming a major focus. Global names like Visa, Amex, Worldpay, and Habib Bank Limited were present, signalling strong international interest. 

With robust investor backing and government support, fintechs in Saudi Arabia are driving change across payments, regtech, governance, and risk. This momentum cements the Kingdom as one of the most exciting and fast-moving fintech ecosystems worldwide. 

  1. AI Integration: Transforming Financial Services 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) was a core topic of many panels. The financial sector is projected to invest $28.3 million in AI technologies, contributing $135.2 billion to Saudi Arabia’s economy by 2030.  

Agentic AI was also highlighted as a technology revolutionising how financial institutions operate. A common challenge for many Money Service Businesses (MSBs) is upgrading systems to adopt AI without disrupting existing operations. We’ve resolved this issue with our new AI bolt-on tools, including Agentic AI, designed to grow revenue without system migration. 

👉 Explore how RemitONE’s AI bolt-ons can transform your operations. 

  1. Strategic Partnerships: Accelerating Growth 

Key partnerships are playing a huge role in accelerating fintech adoption in Saudi Arabia. This was clear at the event with several major collaborations: Visa expanded digital acceptance, Google Pay and Alipay teamed up with Saudi banks, and alliances like MoneyGram & D360 Bank and Thunes & Barq were taking cross-border payments to the next level. 

These collaborations are streamlining digital payments, expanding access to global wallets, and enabling real-time cross-border transactions across hundreds of corridors. For MSBs, these partnerships are golden opportunities to scale faster and reach new markets. 

Unlock the future of fintech in Saudi Arabia 

Saudi Arabia’s fintech sector is set for strong growth, fuelled by AI integration and strategic partnerships. With the market projected to reach $4.5 billion by 2033, MSBs must embrace innovation, leverage AI, and forge strategic partnerships. 

Our AI-powered tools make it simple to tap into Saudi Arabia’s fintech boom—unlock new revenue streams, scale your business, and stay ahead without operational disruption. 

👉 See how AI can fuel your growth – book a free call to find out how 

Share this article: