FINANCIAL-SECTOR
18.3.2023 10:24:25 CET | Business Wire | Press release
The second edition of the Financial Sector Conference (FSC 2023) has concluded in Riyadh, with a mood of optimism and energy to overcome market challenges to build a stronger, technology driven and sustainable economy of the future.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230317005086/en/
Courtney Powell, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Partner, 500 Global (Photo: AETOSWire)
Over 3200 participants from 82 countries, and 180 media, assembled in the Saudi capital to discuss the way ahead for the global financial community under the conference theme of “Promising Financial Prospects.”
Representatives from some of the biggest global financial institutions joined Government Finance Ministers met to identify the most effective road map for future growth and prosperity for the sector – enabling greater use of technology, diversification, cross border cooperation and embracing the green economy.
The conference also saw multiple MOUs and agreements signed to support real estate development; FinTech development and digital financing solutions worth billions of dollars and the National Bank of Iraq announced the start of operations in Saudi Arabia.
Concluding the conference, Saudi Central Bank Governor HE Ayman Mohammed Alsayari highlighted the Kingdom's efforts to provide an attractive environment for FinTech companies in line with the goals of Vision 2030 goals, and the vital role they play to support the growth of the private sector, to diversify the economy, and to stimulate saving, financing and investment.
Debating the important role of Venture Capital, Courtney Powell, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Partner, 500 Global, said: “Since we made our first investment in the Middle East in 2012, we have seen incredible growth and we have 14 companies today valued at over $100 million. The willingness of the government to support entrepreneurs combined with the opening up of the Kingdom shows it has the potential of becoming a leading global hub for entrepreneurship.”
In discussion about the future of global money flows, HE Giancarlo Giorgetti, Italian Minister of Economy and Finance stated: “In the financial sector, fragmentation induced by geopolitical tension will have strong implications by affecting global and financial stability, the cross-border allocation of capital, international payment systems, and asset prices.”
Financing for the SME sector was a key debating point on the final day of the conference with the enormous growth of the sector both in the Middle East and internationally. Tala Al Jabri, Board Member, Middle East VC Association (MEVCA) identified a major financing gap for the sector. He said: “95% of enterprises in the region are SMEs and the loan profile that goes to them is only 7% – which is the lowest in the world, indicating a massive gap.”
The FinTech sector in Saudi Arabia meanwhile is flourishing as Ziad Alyousef, Deputy Governor for Development and Technology, Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) explained: “In 2018, there were less than 10 companies operating in the FinTech community. Now, there are over 155 companies operating in the space in Saudi Arabia and this has led to increased investments and job creation."
*Source: AETOSWire
To view this piece of content from cts.businesswire.com, please give your consent at the top of this page.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230317005086/en/
About Business Wire
Subscribe to releases from Business Wire
Subscribe to all the latest releases from Business Wire by registering your e-mail address below. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Latest releases from Business Wire
SES Brings Satellite Connectivity to Refugees in Chad4.3.2026 08:50:00 CET | Press release
First Medium-Earth Orbit (MEO) deployment of the emergency.lu platform for refugees and their host communities’ use provides dependable broadband for humanitarian responders, classrooms and community connectivity centers SES, a space solutions company, is expanding humanitarian connectivity at the Farchana refugee settlement in Chad in cooperation with emergency.lu, the public-private partnership led by Luxembourg’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade and the UN Refugee Agency. In the framework of the Connectivity for Refugees initiative, the deployment uses SES’ O3b mPOWER satellite network to provide dependable, high-speed internet for humanitarian teams and essential services for refugees. This is the first emergency.lu deployment using O3b mPOWER satellites in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), an expansion beyond the program’s previous use of geostationary (GEO) satellites for rapid disaster-response missions. It also marks a new app
Travel Smarter: Thales and Airalo Unlock a Seamless Global eSIM Experience4.3.2026 08:00:00 CET | Press release
Powered by Thales’ secure technology in eSIM connectivity management, this new solution ensures fast connection to local networks worldwide, delivering a smoother, more intuitive eSIM experience. For travellers, this means a simple eSIM installation for a seamless experience across 200+ destinations, making global connectivity as effortless and accessible as booking a flight or hotel. International travellers have increasingly relied on travel eSIMs to avoid high roaming fees, the hassle of searching for a local SIM card or relying on Wi-Fi hotspots. While this has improved connectivity access for millions, the process in the travel space remains cumbersome, still requiring manual configuration for each trip. By integrating Thales’ eSIM capabilities into its global platform, Airalo, the world’s largest travel eSIM platform, is further enhancing its technical architecture to provide its over 20 million users with a smoother travel experience. This press release features multimedia. View
Kao’s Laurier Launches New Brand Communication Initiative across Asia: Strengthening Global Integration as a Core Brand in Kao’s Asian Business4.3.2026 03:10:00 CET | Press release
Starting on International Women’s Day, March 8, Kao Corporation (TOKYO:4452) will launch new brand communication campaign in nine Asian countries and regions for its feminine sanitary product brand, Laurier, which is the core of its Asian business. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260303996141/en/ Laurier Campaign Key Visual Laurier aims to help create more supportive and understanding environments around menstruation, so that women can feel more at ease, both physically and emotionally, under the key message “Comfort, Made Together,” which will be implemented simultaneously across Asia. Kao aims to further develop Laurier as a global brand. Laurier, one of the core brands supporting Kao’s consumer care business in Asia, has been promoting globally integrated operations since 2023. Across all nine Asian countries and regions including Japan, Laurier has been working to unify product specifications and consolida
FIFA World Cup 2026™ Mascots and Representatives from the New York New Jersey Host Committee, U.S. Soccer Federation, Mexico Football Federation and Canada Soccer Light the Empire State Building to Celebrate 100 Days to Go Until the FIFA World ...3.3.2026 23:06:00 CET | Press release
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260303105064/en/ FIFA World Cup 2026™ Mascots and Representatives from the New York New Jersey Host Committee, U.S. Soccer Federation, Mexico Football Federation and Canada Soccer Light the Empire State Building to Celebrate 100 Days to Go Until the FIFA World Cup 2026™ FIFA World Cup 2026™ Mascots and Representatives from the New York New Jersey Host Committee, U.S. Soccer Federation, Mexico Football Federation and Canada Soccer Light the Empire State Building to Celebrate 100 Days to Go Until the FIFA World Cup 2026™ On Tuesday, March 3, the Empire State Building will rotate in the colors of the flags of the three host countries – the United States, Canada, and Mexico – to mark 100 days to go until the FIFA World Cup 2026™. Earlier today, the Empire State Building hosted a special tower lighting ceremony with Alex Lasry, CEO of the FIFA World Cup 26™ New York New Jersey Host C
SES Publishes 2025 Annual Report3.3.2026 21:41:00 CET | Press release
SES S.A. has today published its 2025 Annual Report, following the announcement of the company’s full year financial results for the 12 months ended 31 December 2025. Follow us on: Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | LinkedIn | Instagram Read our Blogs > Visit the Media Gallery > About SES At SES, we believe that space has the power to make a difference. That’s why we design space solutions that help governments protect, businesses grow, and people stay connected—no matter where they are. With integrated multi-orbit satellites and our global terrestrial network, we deliver resilient, seamless connectivity and the highest quality video content to those shaping what’s next. Following our Intelsat acquisition, we now offer more than 100 years of combined global industry leadership—backed by a track record of bringing innovation “firsts” to market. As a trusted partner to customers and the global space ecosystem, SES is driving impact that goes far beyond coverage. The company is headquartered
In our pressroom you can read all our latest releases, find our press contacts, images, documents and other relevant information about us.
Visit our pressroom