OpenTrade secures $7M in strategic funding to scale its RWA-backed stablecoin yield platform, targeting global retail access to dollar- and euro-denominated yields.

Stripe, Shopify, and Square prove that compelling storytelling isn’t just for B2C. Discover how these fintech giants use brand, mission, and community-driven narratives to win trust, grow users, and drive innovation in the connected ecosystem economy.

Bank al Etihad teams up with Visa and ecolytiq to launch a carbon tracking tool in its app, helping customers monitor their environmental impact and make greener choices.

Tesla’s stock tumbles amid political risks, while global markets face trade uncertainty. UAE markets outperform with strong earnings and foreign investment, and gold remains a vital long-term hedge in volatile times.

Brink’s partners with Meedaf to launch a transformative joint venture, enhancing cash management, ATM services, and digital retail solutions across the UAE and GCC through cutting-edge technology and operational expertise.

The UAE Space Agency remains the only space agency globally to earn the CIPS Ethics Kitemark, reinforcing its commitment to ethical procurement, transparency, and global best practices.

Emirates becomes Official Partner of Al Ain FC, supporting the club’s FIFA Club World Cup™ journey and the 25/26 season, reinforcing the UAE's growing role in global football.

AI-native ERP platform Rillet secures $25M Series A led by Sequoia to modernize accounting workflows with real-time automation, helping finance teams close books faster and make smarter decisions.

Greenlite AI secures $15M Series A to expand its AI agents for KYC, AML, and compliance. Trusted by major financial institutions, its platform is reshaping how firms handle regulatory operations.

In episode 10 of Born to Disrupt, hosts Grant Niven and Mark Walker are joined by Ahmed Amer, CEO of EMURGO Labs, to discuss how Web3, stablecoins, and tokenisation are shaping the future of digital economies, particularly across Africa and the Middle East. With a background in investment banking, venture capital, and e-commerce, Ahmed offers both strategic and practical insights into how blockchain technologies are being applied in real-world contexts—beyond the hype and towards measurable impact.

Airwallex raises $300M at a $6.2B valuation to expand into Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia, strengthening its global fintech infrastructure and enabling borderless banking for 150,000+ businesses.

The Abu Dhabi Investment Office unveils new talent programmes to equip Emiratis with AI and Industry 4.0 skills, supporting industrial growth and leadership in Abu Dhabi’s manufacturing sector.

Fintech Fringe introduces Marketplace, a new platform feature offering UK fintechs direct access to expert support across compliance, talent, and fundraising—accelerating growth with AI-powered insights and trusted connections.

Neo Space Group secures top honors at BroadcastPro Awards for its cutting-edge In-Flight Connectivity solution, redefining passenger experiences with global, high-speed satellite internet.

eToro teams up with Generali to offer digital life insurance and retirement savings products in France, marking a key expansion through its local subsidiary, eToro Patrimoine.

LuLu Financial Holdings teams up with Abhi Middle East to offer UAE workers instant wage access and flexible remittance solutions. This partnership empowers expatriates with greater financial control and supports families through innovative fintech services.

Abu Dhabi’s CarbonSifr becomes the only climate tech startup invited by Meta to present its AI-powered Scope 3 emissions platform, advancing sustainability and innovation from the UAE to Silicon Valley.

In this episode of Born to Disrupt, hosts Simon Hardie and Grant Niven are joined by Ciku Mugambi, a seasoned investor and operator, to explore the complex realities of building and investing in startups across Africa. Drawing from her diverse experience in audit, consulting, private equity, and startup leadership, Ciku offers a grounded and candid perspective on what it takes to build sustainable, impactful businesses in volatile environments.

In this episode of Born to Disrupt, hosts Grant Niven, Simon Hardie, and Mark Walker welcome Sophie Guibaud, a fintech entrepreneur and co-founder of Radsody, to discuss her personal and professional journey from Europe to Saudi Arabia. The conversation explores themes of self-disruption, innovation, the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Riyadh, and how AI and cloud are shaping the region’s digital future.

Fintech Week London partners with Trescon to launch the London Fintech Summit, uniting global financial leaders and innovators on October 6–7, 2025, to shape the future of finance through investment, regulation, and technology.

eToro now supports UAE PASS for user onboarding, enhancing security and ease of access. This marks a major step in localizing services and supporting the UAE’s digital-first fintech landscape.

Money Fellows secures $13M in funding to enhance its digital platform, aiming to revolutionize savings, borrowing, and investing in Africa, with plans for expansion into new markets and boosting financial inclusion.

ADIO and Alpheya join forces to drive fintech innovation, create skilled Emirati jobs, and expand digital wealth management capabilities in Abu Dhabi through AI-powered solutions and strategic investments.

Riyadh-based alternative financing platform erad secures $16M in Pre-Series A to scale operations, enhance SME access to capital, and support Saudi Vision 2030 goals.

Innovation Zero World Congress 2025 gathers global leaders in London to accelerate the UK’s shift to a low-carbon economy through innovation and collaboration.

ADNOC Distribution partners with noon to enhance last-mile delivery in the UAE through AI-powered logistics, transforming service stations into smart retail hubs.

eBay brings Klarna’s flexible, AI-powered payment options to U.S. shoppers, enhancing affordability and supporting sustainable, conscious commerce.

Vodafone and Zinia offer German customers new smartphone payment options, separating device and tariff costs for greater flexibility and transparency.

Abu Dhabi's Hub71 achieved record-breaking growth in 2024, with $2.17B in startup funding and rising global recognition, reinforcing its role as a key tech and innovation hub.

Ethio telecom and Visa reaffirm collaboration to expand international digital financial services in Ethiopia, boosting financial inclusion and innovation through joint initiatives like the Virtual Visa Card and telebirr Remit.