Global Financial Community Optimistic to Overcome Market Challenges and Build Stronger, Tech-Driven, Sustainable Future Economy
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/
Contact information
Nawied Jabarkhyl
njabarkhyl@apcoworldwide.com
About Business Wire
For more than 50 years, Business Wire has been the global leader in press release distribution and regulatory disclosure.
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
Court Finds That Two Advanced Cell Diagnostics Patents Are Not Infringed by Molecular Instruments’ Proprietary HCR™ RNA-ISH Technology25.11.2025 18:30:00 EET | Press release
Molecular Instruments, Inc. announced today that the Unified Patent Court (UPC) of the European Union has found that Molecular Instruments’ HCR™ RNA-ISH technology does not infringe two patents owned by Advanced Cell Diagnostics, Inc. (a Bio-Techne group company). In a 2024 lawsuit filed in the UPC (proceedings no. UPC CFI 187/2024), Advanced Cell Diagnostics alleged that Molecular Instruments’ HCR™ RNA-ISH technology infringes European patents (EP) 2,500,439 and 1,910,572. The Court in its judgment of 18 November 2025 has rejected that claim and dismissed all of Advanced Cell Diagnostics' lawsuit, ruling that the patents are not infringed either literally or by equivalence (UPC Judgment). This 2025 UPC judgment follows on the heels of an April 2024 UK judgment in which the High Court of England and Wales had already dismissed an earlier infringement lawsuit by revoking the UK parts of the same two Advanced Cell Diagnostics patents (proceedings no. HP-2022-000026), ruling that they wer
Andersen Consulting Bolsters Capabilities with BMA25.11.2025 16:30:00 EET | Press release
Andersen Consulting broadens its sustainability and business transformation capabilities through a Collaboration Agreement with BMA, a South Africa-based firm advancing manufacturing competitiveness and inclusive industrial growth. Established over two decades ago, BMA works across manufacturing value chains—from producers to their clients—alongside government and development agencies to drive sustainable industrial competitiveness. Through its sector-focused industrial clusters, the firm delivers integrated services spanning industrial policy and strategy development, value chain strategy, manufacturing competitiveness and lean consulting, decarbonization and SME development—aligning stakeholders around shared priorities and scalable, long-term solutions. “Sustainable manufacturing goes beyond efficiency. It’s about creating ecosystems that are regenerative, resilient, and strategically aligned with long-term growth,” said Rob Stewart, CEO of BMA. “Many of the organizations we work wi
Pure Lithium Receives Saudi Patent for Vertically Integrated Lithium Metal Battery Technology25.11.2025 15:20:00 EET | Press release
Pure Lithium Corporation, a disruptive lithium metal battery technology company, is pleased to announce that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has granted the company a foundational patent titled “Vertically Integrated Pure Lithium Metal Production and Lithium Battery Production.” This broad patent covers technology that combines lithium extraction, anode production and battery manufacturing. Pure Lithium’s Brine to Battery™ is a registered trademark in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, planting a strong base of intellectual property in the region. “The technology is particularly relevant to Saudi Arabia because it is one of the places in the world with lithium-containing brines, and even has an abundance of vanadium, which is used in our second-generation battery,” said Founder, Chairman and CEO Emilie Bodoin. “In order to displace today’s lithium-ion battery, our vision is to create global battery hubs with closed loop supply chains, not just in the U.S., but in the many places in the world whe
‘BLUE LOCK - TOKYO EGOIST -’ kicks off on Saturday, November 2225.11.2025 15:07:00 EET | Press release
In its efforts to promote nighttime tourism, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government is developing new attractions that illuminate the capital after dark. As part of this initiative, projection mapping is being presented year-round on the iconic Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building No. 1, transforming its façade into a canvas of light and sound. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251121922505/en/ ©Muneyuki Kaneshiro, Yusuke Nomura, KODANSHA/BLUE LOCK Production Committee. A brand-new production inspired by the internationally popular soccer anime“BLUE LOCK”, titled BLUE LOCK – TOKYO EGOIST –, began screening on Saturday, November 22. On the first day of the screening, a mini-event was held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Plaza, where voice actors Kazuki Ura (voice of Yoichi Isagi) and Hiroshi Kamiya (voice of Jinpachi Ego) joined fans in celebrating the premiere. Scenes from the Opening Day of the New Production
Henderson Municipal Power & Light builds multigigabit FTTH network with Adtran fiber access technology25.11.2025 15:00:00 EET | Press release
Adtran today announced that Henderson Municipal Power & Light (HMP&L) is expanding broadband services across Henderson, Kentucky, using its open, intelligent fiber access platform. The highly scalable network leverages Adtran’s AI-powered insights to boost performance and reliability, enabling HMP&L to deliver fast, dependable multigigabit fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) services to residents and businesses. Fully integrated with Mosaic One and GLDS BroadHub® platforms, the solution simplifies network management and elevates the customer experience. The strong partnership between Adtran and HMP&L is enhancing access to digital resources, providing support to local businesses and driving regional economic growth. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251125416908/en/ Adtran’s fiber access technology is helping HMP&L drive multigigabit connectivity to homes and businesses throughout Henderson. “We’re committed to providing t
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