Technology

The year 2025 is emerging as a pivotal moment for the global FinTech industry, driven by the rapid rise of agentic artificial intelligence (AI)—systems capable of autonomous decision-making that are fundamentally reshaping how financial services are designed and delivered. Across Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC, regulators, banks and FinTech firms are rethinking frameworks and operating models to prioritise agility, trust and embedded intelligence.

Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom continues to accelerate digital transformation and financial inclusion. Globally, the FinTech market is projected to reach USD 1.5 trillion by 2030, underpinned by advancements in AI, blockchain, biometrics and progressive regulatory reforms. In this evolving environment, success increasingly depends on combining contextual decision-making, customer-centric design and AI-driven intelligence.

A clear shift is taking place in payment behaviour worldwide. Consumers are moving away from one-size-fits-all solutions in favour of localised payment preferences, such as bank transfers in Europe, UPI in India, Pix in Brazil and M-PESA in East Africa. This diversification is reshaping how payment platforms are built and scaled across regions.

To navigate growing regulatory complexity and cross-border activity, FinTech firms are turning to AI-powered orchestration to automate currency conversion, enhance fraud detection and ensure compliance. At the same time, partnerships between blockchain and stablecoin networks are expanding. Notable developments include Circle’s stablecoin-powered cross-border payment network, which supports supplier payments, payroll and remittances.

Real-time payments are also gaining significant momentum. According to Plaid’s FinTech Spotlight, the sector is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 33% by 2032, with real-time transaction values forecast to increase by nearly 289% between 2023 and 2030. Systems such as the U.S. FedNow platform illustrate how real-time capabilities could scale across the GCC.

AI and machine learning are already transforming financial services operations. Global investment in AI for FinTech is expected to reach USD 62 billion by 2032, with AI agents acting as financial advisers, fraud detection engines, reporting tools and real-time credit underwriters—significantly enhancing productivity and operational efficiency.

Another major trend is the acceleration of embedded finance, which integrates banking, lending, payments and insurance directly into non-financial platforms. The embedded financial services market is projected to grow from USD 146 billion in 2025 to USD 690 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 36.41%. This shift is already evident, with platforms enabling SMEs to access financing directly within their operational ecosystems. As Banking-as-a-Service expands, collaboration—and competition—between banks and FinTechs is intensifying.

Cryptocurrencies continue to draw attention due to their decentralised structure and potential for fast, secure global payments. What began 15 years ago as a single experimental asset—Bitcoin, with a market capitalisation of around USD 1 million—has evolved into a market worth approximately USD 3 trillion. Clearer regulatory frameworks across major economies are supporting deeper integration between public blockchains and traditional finance. Use cases such as the Avalanche Visa Card and charitable platforms accepting multiple cryptocurrencies demonstrate growing mainstream adoption.

At the same time, cybersecurity remains a top priority. The World Economic Forum has warned of increasingly sophisticated, AI-driven cyber threats. As a result, biometric authentication, behavioural analytics and intelligent fraud-prevention tools are becoming central to FinTech security strategies. Examples include platforms achieving significant reductions in crypto-related fraud through real-time monitoring and enhanced KYC processes.

Beyond payments and infrastructure, financial wellness is emerging as a key focus area. New tools emphasise budgeting, sustainability and values-based finance, enabling users to better understand and manage their financial impact.

Ultimately, the future of FinTech in Saudi Arabia and the GCC will be shaped not only by technological innovation, but by how responsibly organisations deploy AI, build trust and develop adaptable strategies. Those that combine innovation with collaboration, regulatory alignment and long-term purpose are set to lead the next phase of financial services transformation.

• Tags
• #Business
• #Magazine
• #Lifestyle