The 4th edition of the MENA Fintech Awards, a cornerstone event of Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW), has concluded at the ADQ Arena, spotlighting the most influential innovators and trailblazers shaping the region’s financial technology sector. Held by the MENA Fintech Association in collaboration with ADFW by Abu Dhabi Global Markets, the ceremony celebrated companies delivering transformative solutions in AI, blockchain, digital lending, and embedded finance.
A Celebration of Regional Excellence
The awards serve as a key platform for recognizing excellence, innovation, and impact within the rapidly evolving fintech landscape. Chaired by PK Gulati, the jury conducted a comprehensive evaluation of submissions from across the region, assessing each nominee on their impact, scalability, and overall contribution to the industry.
Nameer Khan, Chairman of the MENA Fintech Association & Founder of Fils, commented on the significance of the event, stating, “The MENA Fintech Awards recognise the companies and innovators who are not only advancing financial technology within our region but also positioning MENA as a leading hub on the global fintech stage. These winners exemplify excellence, innovation, and vision, driving transformative solutions that enhance financial inclusion, foster sustainable growth, and elevate the region’s impact in the global financial ecosystem.”
The 2025 Winners Circle
The following companies were recognised for their outstanding achievements:
- Fintech of the Year: Checkout.com
- Best AI in Fintech: Smart Bricks
- Best Banking Partner: Ruya Bank
- Best Blockchain-Based Solution: Crypto.com
- Best Corporate Solutions: Aquanow
- Best Cybersecurity / Fraud Prevention Solution: Black Cell Middle East
- Best Digital Lending Platform: Tamara
- Best Embedded Finance Solution: Paymentology
- Best Financial Education Initiative: Centre for Finance, Technology and Entrepreneurship (CFTE)
- Best Fintech Marketing: Paysky
- Best Fintech Onboarding: Azakaw
- Best Innovative Payment Technology: Geidea
- Best KYC Solution: Sumsub
- Best Mobile Payments Solution: Yalla Super App
- Best Open Finance / API Ecosystem Solution: Ozone API
- Best Payments Solution: Tap Payments
- Best RegTech Solution: Uqudo
Esteemed Jury Panel
This year’s winners were selected by a distinguished jury panel comprising:
- Prashant K. (PK) Gulati | Chairman Emeritus | TiE Dubai
- Sherine Kabesh | Co-Founder | Flash
- Ajay Chaudhary | Senior Information Technology Advisor | Jeel
- Ronit Ghose | Head of Future of Finance | Citi
- Hasan Sami Bayansar | Deputy CEO | insha Ventures
About The MENA Fintech Association
The MENA Fintech Association (MFTA) is the premier not-for-profit organization dedicated to fostering a collaborative and innovative fintech ecosystem across the Middle East and North Africa. It brings together a diverse network of startups, financial institutions, technology vendors, regulators, and investors to drive the growth and development of financial technology in the region. The MENA Fintech Awards is its flagship platform for celebrating excellence and impact in the sector.
Source: TahawulTech
