10 March 2026
Headlines

Fintech

Visa Establishes New Regional Hub Covering Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman

Shahzaib03 mins

Visa has launched a new regional hub объединяющий Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman under one leadership structure as part of its CEMEA growth strategy. Led by Group Country Manager Ali Bailoun from Riyadh, the hub aims to accelerate digital payments, strengthen collaboration with banks, fintechs, and merchants, and support national transformation agendas such as Saudi Vision 2030. The move enhances Visa’s agility and regional impact.

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Abu Dhabi Launches FIDA Cluster to Drive Next-Generation FinTech, Digital Assets and Insurance Growth

Shahzaib05 mins

Abu Dhabi has launched the FinTech, Insurance, Digital and Alternative Assets (FIDA) cluster to accelerate growth in next-generation financial services. Approved by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed and unveiled at Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2025, the initiative is projected to add AED56 billion to GDP by 2045, create 8,000 jobs, and attract AED17 billion in investment. The cluster will strengthen digital assets, fintech, insurance, ESG finance, and alternative investments while reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global financial innovation hub.

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Rostro Group Enters UAE Market with New SCA Licence

Shahzaib03 mins

Rostro Group has entered the UAE fintech market after receiving a Category 5 licence from the Securities and Commodities Authority. The approval enables the group to expand its institutional and retail trading services across the GCC through its Scope Prime and Scope Markets brands. Backed by a fast-growing fintech ecosystem and strong regulatory support, Rostro’s move reinforces the UAE’s position as the leading fintech hub in the MENA region.

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FasterCapital Selects Uganda’s MAM Telecom for EquityPilot Program to Raise $5 Million for Digital Liquidity Platform

Shahzaib03 mins

MAM Telecom, a Ugandan fintech focused on solving mobile money float shortages, has been selected for FasterCapital’s EquityPilot program to raise $5 million in seed funding. The startup is building East Africa’s first 24/7 digital liquidity platform to provide instant mobile money float to agents and merchants. The funding will support licensing, technology, reserves, hiring, and nationwide rollout starting in 2026. The initiative addresses a major gap in Uganda’s fast-growing mobile money economy.

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PayPal’s Entry Poised to Open Global Markets for Bangladesh’s Small Entrepreneurs

Shahzaib03 mins

PayPal’s planned launch in Bangladesh is expected to transform the country’s digital commerce by enabling SMEs, freelancers, and startups to receive global payments securely and efficiently. The platform could boost exports, improve cash flow, enhance transparency, and expand global market access, positioning Bangladesh for a new era of digital-led economic growth.

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Pakistan Emerges as South Asia’s New Fintech Powerhouse as Funding Rebounds and Digital Asset Framework Takes Shape

Shahzaib05 mins

Pakistan has emerged as South Asia’s fastest-rising fintech market, backed by a sharp funding rebound, supportive regulations and a shift toward formal digital-asset oversight. With nearly 450 startups, new digital banks, bank–fintech partnerships and global engagement in crypto governance, Pakistan now leads regional fintech momentum ahead of Bangladesh and Nepal.

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Beyon Solutions and Bahrain FinTech Bay Form Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Cloud Adoption

Shahzaib02 mins

Beyon Solutions and Bahrain FinTech Bay have signed an MoU to accelerate cloud adoption and strengthen digital transformation across Bahrain’s financial sector. The partnership focuses on supporting fintech startups and scale-ups with digital services, workshops, and ecosystem engagement, reinforcing Bahrain’s ambition to become a leading regional hub for innovation and technology growth.

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Oman Launches ‘Maal’ – Its First National Payment Card to Strengthen Local Payments Ecosystem

Shahzaib03 mins

The Central Bank of Oman has launched Maal, the Sultanate’s first national payment card, offering free debit and prepaid cards and lower processing fees for banks and merchants. The initiative aims to strengthen local payment sovereignty, reduce reliance on international schemes, cut transaction costs, and advance Oman’s broader digital economy goals.

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Tokenisation and Digital Sukuk Poised to Transform GCC Capital Markets

Shahzaib02 mins

Digital transformation is accelerating across GCC capital markets, with tokenised sukuk, smart sukuk platforms, and blockchain-based settlement gaining momentum. Fitch says adoption will rise gradually as regulators and Shariah bodies define clear frameworks. Strong market activity, rising fintech participation, and new retail platforms position the GCC to lead the next era of Islamic finance.

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BENEFIT and Ant International Partner to Bring Alipay+ to Bahrain in 2026

Shahzaib03 mins

BENEFIT and Ant International have partnered to launch Alipay+ cross-border QR payments in Bahrain starting in 2026. The initiative will allow over 15,000 merchants to accept international wallet payments and will later enable outbound payments for Bahraini consumers. The partnership supports Bahrain’s digital economy strategy and strengthens its position as a regional fintech hub.

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