Fintech’s Next Frontier: MENA Growth Trends

Q1. Could you start by giving us a brief overview of your professional background, particularly focusing on your expertise in the industry?

I am Mohammed Azim Ansari, currently serving as the Global Strategy and Excellence Lead at stc. Previously, I worked as a Market Research and Strategy Consultant at IDC and served as a Business Advisor to the Group CEO's office at ABHG, one of the largest investment companies in Saudi Arabia, specializing in fintech and emerging technologies.

Prior to that, I held the position of Project Manager at e& Digital (Etisalat) in the UAE, where I was involved in end-to-end planning and execution of digital transformation projects across the country. I have experience in market research, strategy development, business analytics, financial modelling, project management, and entrepreneurship within fintech, IoT, AI, cybersecurity, and emerging tech. I also co-founded two startups in the fintech and edtech space and am highly self-motivated, with leadership qualities that complement my innovative mindset.

Q2. Which are the most significant fintech market segments in MENA today contributing to rapid growth, and which segments hold the greatest potential over the next 3–5 years?

The fintech market in the MENA region is continuously growing and evolving. Over the…