MFTA launches Saudi Chapter, co-chaired by Mona Alsemayen and Sophie Guibaud
Riyadh — The MENA Fintech Association (MFTA), one of the world's leading fintech organizations, has officially launched its Saudi Chapter — a pivotal move to accelerate innovation, collaboration, and fintech growth across the Kingdom.
The MFTA Saudi Chapter will be co-chaired by two globally recognised fintech leaders: Mona Alsemayen, a strategic force in digital transformation and regulatory advancement in the GCC, and Sophie Guibaud, a prominent European fintech executive with deep expertise in embedded finance and digital banking.
'This launch marks a new era of opportunity for the Kingdom,' said Mona Alsemayen, Lead of MFTA Saudi.
'Saudi Arabia is poised to be a regional fintech powerhouse. By aligning MFTA's global network with Vision 2030 and the Kingdom's fintech strategy, we will unlock new synergies between innovation, policy, and ecosystem development.'
Mona Alsemayen brings decades of cross-sectoral leadership experience, having held senior roles at the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), Gulf Payments Company, and Amazon Payment Services. She played a central role in launching AFAQ, the first cross-border payment system in the GCC, and has represented Saudi Arabia at global forums including the Bank for International Settlements (BIS).
Joining her as Co-Chair, Sophie Guibaud adds a global perspective to MFTA Saudi's mission. 'Saudi Arabia's fintech landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace. I'm honored to support this next wave of growth, where embedded finance, open banking, and inclusive design can deliver real-world impact,' said Guibaud.
Sophie has led digital banking and embedded finance strategies across major European fintechs. Her expertise in innovation-driven transformation will be instrumental in aligning Saudi's fintech ecosystem with emerging global trends.
MFTA Saudi will serve as a convening platform for fintech companies, regulators, banks, investors, and technology leaders to collaborate, co-create, and shape the future of finance in the Kingdom. The chapter will focus on key areas including:
Policy & regulation dialogue
Digital payments and embedded finance
Open banking and cross-border innovation
Ecosystem development and talent empowerment
With Riyadh fast becoming a fintech hub, MFTA Saudi's launch signals growing momentum for industry-wide transformation. The chapter will host high-level roundtables, regulatory working groups, and strategic forums throughout the year.
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