DIFC attracts top 200 FinTech CEOs, innovators

Dubai: Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading financial hub in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia region (MEASA), has made great strides in the FinTech space, cementing Dubai’s position as one of the world’s top 10 FinTech hubs and a preferred growth platform for startups and SMEs.

Most recently, DIFC has hosted the 6th annual International Finance Corporation (IFC) FinTech CEO Summit. This is the first time IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, has held the event outside its Washington DC headquarters, and gathered close to 200 of the world’s leading CEOs and innovators in the world of FinTech to discuss the latest developments and most critical, strategic issues that are facing the industry today.

The event was hosted by Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC and during his welcome remarks highlighted that the IFC’s decision to bring the Summit to Dubai was testament to the city’s growing significance on the global FinTech stage, driven by the Centre’s world-class ecosystem. He also reinforced the DIFC’s commitment to FinTech and the sector’s positive impact on the future of financial services in the region.

Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority, said, “We are pleased be working with the IFC to bring their FinTech CEO Summit to Dubai. It reflects the importance of FinTech sector in region and how it is increasingly becoming a key pillar in the future of financial services. The potential that this sector has for greater financial inclusion in the region is unprecedented, and we have taken in it on ourselves at DIFC to ensure that this potential is unlocked. DIFC will continue to work with partners to enhance our ecosystem, allowing for more cohesive innovation and entrepreneurship culture to be instilled across the region.”

Paulo de Bolle, Senior Director, Financial Institutions Group, IFC commented “IFC has been investing in the FinTech industry for over a decade, it is a powerful force transforming the financial landscape, opening up new markets, and putting banking and services in the hands of unreached millions worldwide.

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