The numbers are quite simply staggering both in terms of the challenge and the size of the potential reward. Around the world there are 2 billion ‘unbanked’ people – individuals without access to formal financial services.

There are also 200 million micro, small and mid-size businesses in growth markets that lack access to savings and credit, while those that do have access often pay high fees for a limited range of products. Fintech can help in expanding access to finance and equalise the opportunities.

The Arab Fintech Forum (#ArabFTF) will address the challenges and opportunities of the global fintech ecosystem.