The much anticipated inaugural FinTech Abu Dhabi event will kick-off tomorrow with distinguished regional and international leaders from the world of FinTech flying in and gathering at Abu Dhabi for a two-day event on 22nd to 23rd October 2017. FinTech Abu Dhabi, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, comprises an exciting agenda of lively panel discussions, keynote speeches, demo-sessions, and workshops for the local and global FinTech community.

Over the course of the two days, the invitation-only event will provide the opportunity for new ideas to be exchanged and business relationships to be fostered, as the industry gets set to discuss the most pressing issues that will help drive forward developments in FinTech that will transform financial services.

On the first day of the FinTech Abu Dhabi Summit, some of the key focuses include “Abu Dhabi’s Role in the Global FinTech Narrative”, “Entrepreneurship in a Global FinTech Ecosystem” and “Rules for Disruptors.” In addition, 11 selected finalists will compete in the FinTech Abu Dhabi Innovation Challenge and present their innovative solutions for some of the industry’s looming problems. 

With a stellar line-up of speakers, FinTech Abu Dhabi Summit – which is a first for the region - is hosting international leaders including several regional and industry experts and entrepreneurs: Fadi Ghandour, Executive Chairman, Wamda Capital, will be part of the “Transforming the MENA Region into an International Innovation Hub” panel session. Furthermore, internationally renowned FinTech commentator, Elizabeth Lumley, fondly known as 'The Godmother of FinTech', will speak at the “Thriving Ecosystems: Global FinTech Update” panel session, and Yobie Benjamin, co-founder & CTO of Token, will take part a fireside session on  “Connectivity of The Future”, which will focus on open APIs and distributed ledger technology.  FinTech trail-blazers such as Saeed Amidi, Founder and CEO of Plug & Play; Sopnendu Mohanty, Chief FinTech Officer, Monetary Authority of Singapore and many others will also be in attendance.

Richard Teng, Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of ADGM said, “We are excited and look forward to welcoming all our FinTech leaders and guests. FinTech Abu Dhabi Summit is a catalyst event that provides immersion and discussions that will challenge the stakeholders to think ahead of the ecosystem needed to support FinTech innovation. I trust that it will be a lively two days where ideas are shared, friendships are built, and hopefully businesses are made.”

Updates of the FinTech Abu Dhabi programme and speakers available at www.fintechabudhabi.com