The inaugural Saudi-Swiss Fintech Forum, which took place in Riyadh at the end of November, was a significant step in fostering collaboration between the fintech sectors of Saudi Arabia and Switzerland.
The event was organized by the Swiss Embassy in Saudi Arabia in partnership with Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE), the Swiss Financial Innovation Desk (FIND), and Fintech Saudi. It attracted 47 participants from 40 Swiss companies, including start-ups, private banks, and investors, showcasing Switzerland's fintech expertise and exploring opportunities in the Saudi market.
The forum featured various activities such as an investor panel, thematic workshops, and visits to key institutions. Participants praised Saudi Arabia's advancements in central bank digital currencies and asset tokenization.
The success of the forum has laid a strong foundation for future initiatives aimed at enhancing collaboration between the two countries. Plans are already underway for additional initiatives in 2025, which will promote cooperation in the fintech sector and provide platforms for exchange and networking between Swiss and Saudi companies.
This partnership between Saudi Arabia and Switzerland has the potential to serve as a model for other nations seeking to enhance their fintech ecosystems.