Writing the next chapter of payments innovation

Money20/20, the largest global fintech event that took place this October in the Saudi capital Riyadh, has become one of the most important forums for the global payments and fintech community. This year’s edition once again lived up to that reputation. Bringing together leading voices from across the financial ecosystem, from entrepreneurs and investors to established financial institutions, the event explored how technology, policy and partnerships are redefining the future of money. Mastercard was proud to be part of the dialogue, sharing perspectives on growth, trust and inclusion in the digital economy.

It was a privilege for me to contribute to this conversation at the Executive Summit, where I joined a fireside chat on the role of banks in enabling SME growth. Small and medium-sized businesses remain the backbone of economies across the Middle East, yet many still encounter barriers to financing, digital adoption and market expansion. Our discussion focused on how banks can evolve from traditional lenders into strategic partners, using embedded payments, tailored credit and data-driven insights to help SMEs scale with confidence.

That theme of building stronger connections ran through many of the sessions. On the NextGen Money Stage, Andras Kovacs, senior vice president of Services Business Development for the EEMEA region, examined how fintech companies and financial service providers can earn lasting loyalty in an increasingly crowded market. 

Inclusion was another area where Mastercard had a strong voice. At the Bridge Stage, Saud Swar, country manager for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan and other Levant, joined a fireside chat on women at the helm of AI and fintech. He highlighted Mastercard’s leading role in advancing women’s participation in the digital economy.

Mastercard also brought its innovations to life through demos of solutions such as Ethoca, Identity Theft Protection, Digital Human, Product Express, Mastercard Prepaid Management Service and SME Digital Onboarding. The team further hosted engaging sessions, including a roundtable on stablecoins and agentic commerce, and the “Fintech Power Hour” with the MENA Fintech Association, which spotlighted the next wave of innovation and collaboration shaping the future of finance.

Money20/20 was more than an industry gathering – it was a moment to reflect on where our industry is headed and the opportunities we can create together. Hearing perspectives from across the ecosystem drove home the message that collaboration, innovation and inclusion remain the cornerstones of building a prosperous financial future that works for everyone.