Global Financial Community Optimistic to Overcome Market Challenges and Build Stronger, Tech-Driven, Sustainable Future Economy
18.3.2023 12:23:00 EET | 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/
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
Umios and Wah Kong Complete Strategic Pet Food Joint Venture in Southeast Asia; Japan Corporate Advisory Institute Advised on the Transaction1.10.2026 03:00:00 EEST | Press release
Umios Corporation (TOKYO Prime: 1333; formerly Maruha Nichiro) and Wah Kong Corporation have completed the establishment of a strategic joint venture centered on Pet World International Sdn. Bhd. (“PWI”), one of Malaysia’s leading pet food companies. Under the transaction, Umios invested approximately JPY 11.4 billion to acquire a 51% interest in PWI through a newly established holding company. PWI holds the No. 2 share of Malaysia’s pet food market — No. 1 among local companies (NielsenIQ) — and operates the country’s only BRC-certified pet food plant. The company has approximately 350 employees, sells through more than 10,000 physical stores and its own e-commerce channels, and posted consolidated sales of approximately JPY 12.4 billion in the year ended September 2025. The joint venture combines Umios’s strengths in wet pet food with PWI’s dry-food capabilities, creating comprehensive coverage across dogs and cats, wet and dry. The partnership is expected to integrate the parties’ s
INNIO Completes Acquisition of Enerflex APAC Aftermarket Operations1.10.2026 00:02:00 EEST | Press release
INNIO N.V. (Nasdaq: INIO) today announced the completion of its acquisition of Enerflex Ltd.’s aftermarket business operations in Australia, Thailand, and Indonesia. The transaction strengthens INNIO’s presence in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region and expands its ability to serve customers through enhanced local service capabilities and greater customer proximity. The acquired business operates principally across three countries and eight locations and brings extensive workshop and office facilities, a highly experienced workforce, and a strong installed base supported by long-term service agreements with major oil and gas companies in the region. Through the transaction, INNIO further strengthens its ability to deliver responsive, high-quality service and lifecycle support to customers throughout APAC. Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Textron Aviation Builds Future Workforce With Kansas’ First Aviation Youth Apprenticeship Program.30.9.2026 21:55:00 EEST | Press release
Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, is further bolstering the company’s efforts to build the next generation workforce as the first aviation company in Kansas to offer state-registered youth apprenticeships through the Kansas Office of Apprenticeships. The program expands career opportunities for high school students beginning at age 16 by providing paid, hands-on learning experiences that develop industry knowledge and career-ready skills while they complete their education. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260930818829/en/ Textron Aviation builds future workforce with Kansas’ first aviation youth apprenticeship program (Photo Credit: Textron Aviation). Textron Aviation is launching three state-registered youth apprenticeship programs to include: Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) in collaboration with WSU Tech in Wichita, Kansas Avionics in collaboration with WSU Tech in Wichita, Kansas Engine
Thales and Landis+Gyr Enable Smarter, Remotely Managed Connectivity for Smart Meter Fleets30.9.2026 21:00:00 EEST | Press release
As utilities modernize their infrastructure, smart meters are becoming an increasingly important part of the connected energy ecosystem. Landis+Gyr serves more than 2,000 utilities worldwide and has more than 180 million connected intelligent devices in the field. In North America alone, the installed base of smart electricity meters is expected to grow from 152.4 million in 2024 to 180.9 million by 2030, according to Berg Insight. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260930715193/en/ This is where the latest generation of Thales eSIM technology is supporting the increasing need for cellular IoT. Compliant with the GSMA's SGP.32 specification, it enables remotely managing connectivity on IoT devices, allowing network profiles to be provisioned, changed or managed over the air. By reducing reliance on physical SIM replacement and supporting interoperability across the IoT ecosystem, it provides a foundation for more
135 Global Thought Leaders, Decision-Makers and Experts to Speak at World Green Economy Summit 202630.9.2026 18:45:00 EEST | Press release
Under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO) will organise the 12th World Green Economy Summit (WGES) on 21-22 October 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260930106199/en/ World Green Economy Summit 2025 (Photo: AETOSWire) Held under the theme ‘From Success to Scale: Showcasing the Green Economy’, the summit will host 135 speakers, including ministers, business leaders, government officials, decision-makers, experts and innovators from around the world. They will exchange insights and expertise while highlighting successful initiatives and models that can be scaled up to accelerate the transition to a green economy. “The World Green Economy Summit brings together gl
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