The Saudi Fintech Industry : A new Era of Financial Innovation

Abstract

The Saudi Financial Technology (FinTech) industry, in recent years, has undergone a transformative evolution, heralding a new era of financial innovation. This paper provides an in-depth exploration of the journey, trajectory, and growth of the Saudi fintech sector. A comprehensive sectoral analysis sheds light on the dominant fintech fields, highlighting the leading fintech companies paving the way in the kingdom. To further delve into the experiential aspects of the industry, a quantitative research approach was adopted, capturing the lived experiences and challenges faced by fintech entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia. A target sample of 400 entrepreneurs from diverse regions in Saudi Arabia was sought, and an impressive response rate of 92% was achieved, with 368 complete responses. Notably, among the myriad of challenges identified, "Talent and Recruitment" was discerned as a pivotal concern for the majority, closely trailed by issues related to "Regulation" and "Access to Customers". Interestingly, the "Technology/Product Development" facet wasn't as concerning as the aforementioned. Envisioning the future of the industry, we outline a forward-thinking trajectory and present a tailored set of solutions and recommendations to address the prevalent challenges, equipping stakeholders with strategic insights to navigate this dynamic industry landscape.