Visa, the global leader in electronic payments, has announced its partnership with the first edition of the Arab Fintech Forum- a series of keynotes, panel discussions, and workshops aimed at addressing challenges and opportunities faced by Fintechsamid the current economic landscape.

With two billion unbanked people worldwide and 200 million micro and small businesses that lack access to financial services, streamlining the digitization of cash, enabling contactless payments and innovating new payment solutions have become crucial as we seek to drive financial inclusion for those in need.

The Arab Fintech Forum will feature keynote speeches and panel discussions led by regional and international industry experts and professionals who will share their insights and present solutions for the payment ecosystem. Fintechs provide innovative solutions that meet evolving consumer needs and give more individuals and companies access to payments, thereby driving financial inclusion.

Commenting on this announcement, President and Founder of the Arab Fintech Forum, Mr. Malik Shishtawi, said:“We are delighted to have Visa, the leading global payments technology company, as a platinum sponsor as we introduce the first edition of the Arab Fintech Forum. In today’s world, the demand for innovative and secure digital commerce solutions has accelerated,requiring Fintechs to evolve and grow faster than ever due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Working alongside startups, financial companies and leading payments technology companies such as Visa will ensure we can address these challenges and innovate new solutions that will drive financial inclusion across the GCC region."

Head of Product & Solutions for Central & Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa at Visa, Otto Williams, commented: "As the world quickly shifts to digital, the need for new ways to pay and be paid is ever more important. Innovators and fintechs are at the center of this shift, building the tools and resources needed to accelerate the growth of fast, secure, and reliable digital payments. We are proud to be a sponsor to the first edition of the Arab Fintech Forum and very much looking forward to working together and providing real-time solutions to meet the needs of individuals and business across the region.”

The first edition of the forum will take place on the 10thof October 2021 at Park Hyatt Doha Hotel in Qatar and will focus on the pivotal role that financial inclusion will play in achieving global economic stability, recovery and growth.

To register your attendance and learn more about the forum,please visit the official website: www.arabfintechforum.com