The 19th IsDB Global Forum in Algiers focused on digital transformation and financial inclusion in Islamic finance. Key initiatives like the Medikids Project and AI Hackathon highlighted innovation, while discussions emphasized fintech, Sukuk, and sustainable development’s role in advancing the $4+ trillion Islamic finance industry.
Mohammed Al-Othman, CEO of NBK, discussed the bank’s digital transformation and innovations at the Dubai FinTech Summit 2025. He highlighted NBK’s leadership in AI-driven banking solutions, the success of Weyay Bank, and the collaborative role of fintech firms in driving Kuwait’s digital future, backed by strategic investments and regulatory support.
Pakistan’s insurance penetration remains low at 0.8% of GDP, leaving many vulnerable to financial shocks. However, fintech innovations by companies like Jazz and JazzCash are helping bridge the gap, with millions of policies distributed daily. By leveraging digital infrastructure, Pakistan can move closer to universal insurance coverage.
Teammates.ai won the Mastercard and FAB AI Startup Challenge, securing $150K and access to global fintech growth opportunities. The competition, focused on AI-driven solutions, aimed to enhance innovation in sectors like cybersecurity and fintech. Teammates.ai’s win also provides entry to Mastercard’s Start Path program for global scaling.
F1Soft, Nepal’s leading fintech company, celebrates its 21st anniversary and announces a leadership transition, with Siddhant Thakuri becoming the new President. F1Soft has been a pioneer in digital financial solutions, including mobile banking and digital wallets. Thakuri aims to accelerate the company’s next phase of growth and innovation.
bKash and Huawei received the GSMA GLOMO “Best FinTech Innovation” award at MWC Barcelona 2025 for their ‘Pay Later’ service. This solution provides microloans to Bangladesh’s unbanked, supporting financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, and reducing poverty. The partnership leverages Huawei’s mobile money platform to expand digital financial services in Bangladesh.
EazyPay has partnered with Receiptable to integrate digital receipt solutions into its payment ecosystem in Bahrain. The collaboration aims to enhance customer experiences with seamless, eco-friendly, and secure digital receipts, aligning with both companies’ commitment to innovation and sustainability in the financial sector.
Qi has launched its groundbreaking 3rd Generation App, SuperQi, in Iraq, integrating digital banking and a super app. The app, developed with Ant International and powered by Alipay+, offers diverse services such as payments, transfers, and loans. SuperQi aims to drive financial inclusion and modernize Iraq’s economy.
ADIB, in collaboration with Emirati fintech company Lune, has launched the region’s first personal finance management tool, the ADIB Money Management Tracker. This tool offers users insights into their financial activities by tracking income and expenses, empowering them to make informed decisions and plan for short-term and long-term goals.
Paymob has integrated Apple Pay for Egyptian merchants, marking a milestone in Egypt’s digital payments transformation. The partnership enhances consumer convenience and security, enabling contactless payments via Apple devices. This integration aligns with Egypt’s Vision 2030, promoting financial inclusion and boosting the digital economy as the nation embraces fintech innovation.
