ADIB Secures UAE Open Finance TPP License Under AlTareq Initiative
ADIB Becomes First UAE Bank Licensed as Open Finance Third-Party Provider Under AlTareq Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) has become the first bank in the United Arab Emirates to receive a Third-Party Provider (TPP) licence under the Central Bank of the UAE’s AlTareq open finance initiative. The approval marks a notable development in the country’s […]
Read MoreLegacy Systems Hinder Financial Innovation in Saudi Arabia, the UAE
Legacy Systems Continue to Slow Financial Innovation in Saudi Arabia and the UAE Financial institutions in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are still grappling with legacy technology that is limiting innovation, increasing costs and reducing execution speed, according to new research commissioned by Stitch and conducted by YouGov. The study found that outdated […]
Read MoreVisa Opens Applications for Africa Fintech Accelerator Cohort 6
Visa Opens Applications for Africa Fintech Accelerator Cohort 6 Visa has opened applications for Cohort 6 of the Visa Africa Fintech Accelerator, inviting Africa-based fintech startups to apply before May 17, 2026. The announcement comes as the company continues to expand its startup support programme across the continent and the wider Middle East and North […]
Read MorePakistan Virtual Asset Act of 2026 Ends 8-year Block on Crypto Banking
Pakistan Ends Eight-Year Banking Ban for Licensed Crypto Firms Under New Virtual Asset Framework The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has allowed commercial banks to open accounts for licensed digital currency businesses, ending an eight-year restriction that had kept the sector outside the formal banking system. The move follows the enactment of the Virtual Assets […]
Read MoreUAE Central Bank e-KYC Platform to Launch Nationwide with Norbloc
UAE Central Bank to Launch Nationwide e-KYC Platform with Norbloc The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has announced the development of a nationwide unified electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) platform in partnership with Swedish technology firm Norbloc. The initiative is part of the UAE’s Financial Infrastructure Transformation (FIT) Programme and is designed to improve […]
Read MoreCareem Pay Partners with Adyen for UAE Digital Remittance Expansion
Careem Pay Expands UAE Digital Remittance Services Through Adyen Partnership Careem Pay has expanded its international money transfer capabilities through an extended partnership with global payments platform Adyen, as the company looks to scale its digital remittance services in the UAE. The collaboration is aimed at improving settlement, reporting, and authorization performance for users sending […]
Read MoreBain Capital Opens Abu Dhabi Hub to Scale Fintech Investments
Bain Capital Opens Abu Dhabi Hub to Expand Fintech and Digital Infrastructure Investments Bain Capital has opened an office in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), establishing a new regional hub aimed at supporting its Middle East expansion and assessing direct investments in the financial technology sector. The move is designed to connect Bain Capital’s global […]
Read MoreMENA Funding Slips to US$941M in Q1 2026 Amid Regional Tensions
MENA Startup Funding Falls to US$941 Million in Q1 2026 as Regional Tensions Weigh on Investment Startup funding across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) declined sharply in the first quarter of 2026, dropping to US$941 million, according to a report by Wamda. The total represents a 37% year-on-year fall, reflecting weaker investor sentiment […]
Read MoreAtradius Expands into DIFC to Grow MENA Trade Credit Insurance Presence
Atradius Expands into DIFC to Strengthen MENA Trade Credit Insurance Presence Atradius, the Netherlands-based global trade credit insurer and risk management company, has established operations in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) as part of its broader expansion in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The company said the new base will support […]
Read MoreCapitec Taps Wise Platform to Expand Cross-Border Payments in South Africa
Capitec partners with Wise Platform to enhance cross-border payments in South Africa South African bank Capitec has partnered with Wise Platform to strengthen its international payments offering, giving customers access to faster and lower-cost cross-border transfers directly from their bank accounts. The collaboration is designed to support both individuals and businesses that send money abroad, […]
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