Tagged: saudi arabia

December 17, 2023 @ 3:11 pm By Michael Wong  |  

The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has officially introduced a set of rules aimed at regulating “Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) services, marking a significant step in overseeing and controlling this rapidly growing sector. This development, as stated in a recent SAMA press release, is part… Read More

December 10, 2023 @ 4:55 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Lendo, a Saudi Arabia-based Shariah-compliant debt crowdfunding marketplace, has announced raising about $28 million in its Series B funding round anchored by Public Investment Fund (PIF)’s Sanabil Investments. The round also saw participation from Shorooq Partners, AB Ventures, and other investors, according to the announcement…. Read More

November 30, 2023 @ 4:33 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) is pleased to welcome the listing of Asia Pacific’s first ETF to “track Saudi Arabian equities – the CSOP Saudi Arabia ETF (Stock code: 2830 / 82830).” This ETF, which tracks the FTSE Saudi Arabia Index, “provides investors… Read More

November 23, 2023 @ 7:40 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Lending platform Dnaneer Financing Co, has reportedly received authorization from the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) to operate a crowdfunding platform in Saudi Arabia. The authorization gives the company the go signal to offer debt-based crowdfunding solutions in the Kingdom, making it the eight fintech firm… Read More

October 22, 2023 @ 12:12 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) signed a cooperation agreement with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) in Riyadh, in the field of Fintech and innovation. The agreement was signed by Ayman Al-Sayari, Governor of SAMA, and Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of… Read More

October 15, 2023 @ 11:21 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) issued its semi-annual performance report of the finance companies sector and real estate refinance for H1 2023. According to the report, most of the indicators in the finance companies sector “grew at varying rates in H1 2023.” The paid-up share… Read More

September 30, 2023 @ 11:01 am By Michael Wong  |  

The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) has agreed to contribute $10 million to the Special Fund Window for Less Developed Members (SFW) of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), according to an announcement. The agreement was signed by Sultan Abdulraham Al-Marshad, CEO of SFD, and… Read More

September 19, 2023 @ 6:12 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) licensed “Al-tizam for electronic insurance brokerage” and “Altheqa Insurance Brokers” in order to “provide insurance aggregation services (soft launch).” With Al-tizam and Altheqa, there will “be five authorized insurance aggregation companies operating in Saudi Arabia.” This decision reflects SAMA‘s endeavor… Read More

September 17, 2023 @ 2:46 pm By Michael Wong  |  

In a landmark move to fortify commercial ties between Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Arabia-China Entrepreneurs Association (SCEA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). The MoU was inked during the eighth Belt and Road Summit…. Read More

September 3, 2023 @ 4:48 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has reportedly licensed “Alhulul AlMubassatah Financial Company (SiFi)” to provide E-wallet solutions. With SiFi, there are now 25 licensed companies “offering payment services in Saudi Arabia, in addition to 7 companies that have obtained initial approval to operate within SAMA’s… Read More

August 29, 2023 @ 1:01 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Ecosystems in the East and West are to promote startups and investments in AI, Web3, and crypto currencies have taken measures to add new life in a sector that has been facing headwinds from risk aversion and rising inflation rates, a review compiled by The… Read More

August 14, 2023 @ 8:49 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) licensed “Loan” to provide consumer microfinance solutions through financial technology. With Loan, there are now six authorized companies “offering consumer microfinance solutions in Saudi Arabia.” This decision reflects SAMA‘s endeavor “to support the finance sector, increase efficiency of financial transactions,… Read More

August 4, 2023 @ 11:57 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

flynas, the Saudi air carrier and the leading low-cost airline in the Middle East and the world, and Tabby, the MENA region’s shopping and financial services app, have announced a partnership “to provide travelers with flexible payment solutions, allowing flynas’ customers to pay for their… Read More

July 25, 2023 @ 9:20 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) issued the Annual Performance Report of the Saudi Finance Companies Sector 2022. The report outlines the sector’s key developments and financial results in 2022. According to the report, most indicators in the finance companies sector “grew at varying rates in… Read More

July 16, 2023 @ 7:32 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Sustainability is a fundamental aspect of Vision 2030, and Saudi Arabia is committed to achieving its net-zero target by 2060; however, “the adoption of sustainability considerations remains its initial stages in Saudi Arabia.” As the concept of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) gains momentum in… Read More

July 15, 2023 @ 6:33 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Mastercard (NYSE: MA) and Nirvana Travel and Tourism – which claims to be one of the UAE’s leading travel and tourism management companies – have joined forces in a collaboration aimed at providing a payment solution “to customers who book travel services in the UAE,… Read More

July 9, 2023 @ 1:02 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) announces the issuance of the Implementing Regulations for the Law of Payments and Payment Services “to support the objective of enhancing soundness and efficiency of the payment systems infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.” The relevant regulatory and supervisory frameworks enable SAMA… Read More

June 19, 2023 @ 11:24 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Mastercard (NYSE: MA) is partnering with Bankiom, a UAE-based lifestyle banking app, to introduce digital payment cards across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman. This partnership marks “a significant stride in Mastercard‘s ongoing commitment to advancing digitalization in the payments landscape throughout the… Read More

May 31, 2023 @ 10:56 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Tarabut Gateway, MENA’s open banking platform, announces a strategic partnership with Qarar, the region’s credit analytics technology provider and technology arm of SIMAH, the first and largest credit bureau in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This strategic partnership is set to enhance the financial landscape… Read More

May 25, 2023 @ 10:00 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

D360 Bank, Saudi Arabia’s innovative new digital bank is pleased to announce its partnership with Thunes, a global cross-border payment infrastructure platform. This collaboration will “empower D360 Bank’s customers in Saudi Arabia to make fast and cost-effective B2B business payments and international remittances worldwide.” Additionally,… Read More