Mike Cowen, Mastercard on new payment methods

How could AI agents search, compare and pay for things? What makes stablecoins a game-changer for cross-border digital commerce? Why are local Alternative Payment Methods (APMs) crucial for any business wanting to enter and scale in emerging markets?

Day two of Money20/20 Middle East in Riyadh brought together global leaders in fintech, banking, and financial services to discuss the future of money and finance in the region.

United Gulf Financial Services (UGFS North Africa), a leading venture capital firm offering innovative companies and startups with financial support and mentoring services, has announced a partnership with The Hashgraph Association, a Swiss non-profit organization driving global adoption of Hedera-powered solutions by funding innovation, training, certification, and venture building programs, and Exponential Science Foundation, a not-for-profit foundation accelerating responsible tech adoption, via research, education, and innovation activities, for Hedera Africa Hackathon 2025, the biggest hackathon in Africa aimed at enabling the next generation of Web developers and empower economic inclusion in Africa with a digital future for all.

Payhawk announced set of AI agents that complete everyday finance work as part of its product launch

Ant International will launch cross-border QR code payments between the Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) national payment scheme, mada, Alipay+, during 2026 to drive digitisation and inclusive growth for local merchants.

The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) announced the launch of Google Pay through the Kingdom’s national payment network, Mada