The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) are pleased to collaborate, jointly host, and organise the fourth annual FinTech Abu Dhabi Festival (FinTech Abu Dhabi) which will be held from 24 to 26 November 2020.
Celebrating its fourth edition, the much-anticipated FinTech Abu Dhabi has become the MENA’s most impactful and largest dedicated FinTech-focused event. Bringing together international and local thought leaders and policy-makers, financial and technology institutions, FinTech startups, unicorns, investors, academia and innovators, the event promises a deep-dive into trending topics and business issues that will shape the digital economy of the future. The event will be held in the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
As CBUAE continues to play a critical role in shaping the future of financial services and innovations in the UAE, the FinTech Abu Dhabi partnership between CBUAE and ADGM reinforces the ongoing national focus and efforts in the financial sector and further accelerates the introduction of financial innovations and related technologies to better serve the UAE and the wider MENA region.
His Excellency Abdul Hamid Saeed, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE, said: “We are pleased to collaborate with ADGM to co-host FinTech Abu Dhabi 2020. ADGM’s goals are in line with the Central Bank of the UAE efforts solidifying our position as the regulatory body responsible for promoting healthy development of the financial services sector and market behaviour.”
H.E. added: “Through the establishment of the CBUAE FinTech Office, we aim to create an enabling and tech-friendly environment to facilitate financial technology innovations in the UAE, while continuing to enhance the concept of financial innovation. We look forward to working with ADGM and other strategic partners to achieve our common goals of advancing technological innovation and raising the level of customer experience and financial inclusion in the UAE.”
To help build a mature FinTech ecosystem in the UAE, CBUAE has developed a FinTech Strategy and Roadmap which comprises five key pillars. The five key pillars include:
- research and the application of potential FinTech solutions to address the needs of the financial services sector;
- development of an effective regulatory interface between market participants and regulatory functions of the CBUAE;
- establishment of a liaison platform to facilitate exchange of FinTech ideas and joint projects among key authorities and stakeholders;
- formulation of a FinTech Talent Development Program; and
- building a cross-border partnership model with key overseas regulatory authorities and stakeholders.
Commenting on the partnership, His Excellency Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State (UAE) and Chairman of ADGM, said: “We are honoured to co-host and organise the much- anticipated FinTech Abu Dhabi this year, alongside our partner, the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE). CBUAE plays an instrumental and significant role in the development of the financial services industry and the successful growth of the UAE economy. Together, we can better support FinTech innovation and strengthen the robustness of the FinTech ecosystem in the UAE and the wider MENA region.”
Since its inception in 2017, FinTech Abu Dhabi has introduced transformational initiatives that support the growth of start-ups, innovations and financial services in Abu Dhabi and the wider region. FinTech Abu Dhabi has become the leading and principal FinTech platform in demonstrating the UAE and Abu Dhabi’s position as the MENA hub and partner for FinTech innovation, research, talent development and collaboration.
FinTech Abu Dhabi 2020 is expected to be the most exciting yet. ADGM and CBUAE will continue to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation as we look to ensure the safety of our attendees, speakers, sponsors and exhibitors. Any resulting updates on the event will be communicated accordingly on our website, newsletters and social channels.
His Excellency Abdulhamid Saeed is the Governor of UAE Central Bank, and is a Board Member of First Abu Dhabi Bank, Managing Director of Reem Investments, and a member of the Board of Directors of Sky News Arabia and Abu Dhabi Development Holding Company. He is a member of Mubadala Investment Company’s Board Executive Committee and Audit, Risk & Compliance Committee. His Excellency previously held various key positions at Citibank and has more than 35 years of experience in the financial and banking sectors. His Excellency holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from University of Arizona, USA.
