The ninth edition of Fintech Abu Dhabi, the cornerstone event of Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW) 2025, has concluded, solidifying the UAE capitalโs position as a pivotal hub for global finance and technology. Hosted by Abu Dhabi Global Market, the event convened a premier league of financial leaders, innovators, and policymakers to discuss the disruptive forces shaping a new era of finance.
In his opening remarks, Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei, Undersecretary of the Department of Economic Development Abu Dhabi & Chairman, ADGM Academy, stated, โThe future of finance will not be written by algorithms alone, but by people with vision, courage, and purpose. Through platforms like Fintech Abu Dhabi, we are not only anticipating whatโs next for the sector but actively building it.โ
A Convergence of Global Financial Leaders
The event drew an influential lineup of speakers, reflecting the regionโs growing gravitational pull in the fintech ecosystem. High-impact dialogues featured prominent figures including Brian Armstrong, CEO of Coinbase; Jeremy Allaire, CEO of Circle; Richard Teng, CEO of Binance; Jennifer Johnson, CEO of Franklin Templeton; and Ambareen Musa, CEO of GCC at Revolut.
Their presence underscored the global significance of the discussions, which ranged from the volatility of crypto markets to the strategies for scaling fintechs in a climate demanding both agility and regulatory clarity.
Key Discussions Shaping the Sector
Core sessions at Fintech Abu Dhabi delved into the seismic shifts impacting financial services. Topics like tokenisation, the integration of artificial intelligence, digital banking, and the future of stablecoins dominated the agenda.
One key panel examined whether cryptocurrencies could mature into trusted financial infrastructure, while another explored how fintech founders are balancing speed, trust, and compliance. Legacy institutions were also in focus, with senior leaders from State Street and Al Hilal Bank discussing how they are embracing AI and digitisation to redefine the customer experience within traditional banking architecture.
Landmark Announcements and Strategic Partnerships
Beyond thought leadership, the event served as a platform for major business announcements that signal growing confidence in Abu Dhabiโs ecosystem. NASDAQ-listed Galaxy Digital, a global leader in digital assets, announced it is establishing an office in ADGM to expand its global footprint. The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) also revealed plans to set up an office to facilitate an investment platform for GCC investors.
The day saw a total of 24 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed between local and international entities, including powerhouse names like Blackrock, Crypto.com, Swiss Re, and Lulu Financial Group, further cementing Abu Dhabiโs role as a nexus for global financial collaboration.
About Abu Dhabi Finance Week
Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW) is a flagship event hosted by Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) that convenes global financial leaders, policymakers, investors, and innovators. Under the overarching theme of โEngineering the Capital of Capitalโ, the week-long event features a series of forums and discussions on topics ranging from fintech and sustainable finance to asset management and regulatory innovation, showcasing Abu Dhabiโs ambition as a leading international financial centre.
Source: Zawya
