Today, in another episode of the MENA series hosted by Dorra Mahbouli, we have the privilege of hosting Faraz Amjad, an industry leader in FinTech with an impressive trajectory in payments, technology consulting, and venture building. Over 25 years of experience, he has architected 12+ ventures, served in 7+ corporate leadership roles, and delivered 6+ successful M&A deals.

Today's discussion promises to be enlightening as we dive deep into the FinTech scene of the MENA region, with a spotlight on the rapidly evolving Saudi Arabian market.

The podcast delved into the FinTech landscape in Saudi Arabia and the MENA region, particularly within Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. The discussion encompassed the current state and potential of the market, addressing regulatory challenges faced by startups and offering navigation strategies. We drew comparisons between the FinTech ecosystems of the UK and the MENA region, extracting valuable lessons from both. The conversation also focused on the challenges of entering the MENA market, highlighting key players in the Saudi FinTech scene and their unique attributes. Corporate innovation was a notable topic in response to FinTech advancements, including collaborations and initiatives. The podcast explored opportunities and challenges in the Kingdom's rapidly digitalizing landscape, investors' perspectives on the Saudi FinTech market, and the trends attracting investment. Looking forward, we discussed predictions for the market's future trajectory over the next 5-10 years, influencing corporate innovation. Finally, considering its unique market dynamics, we explored strategies for supporting FinTech startups in Saudi Arabia. We concluded by thanking your guest, Faraz, for his deep insights into these sectors and acknowledging his contributions to the field.