MENA FinTech Association Formally Constitutes Policy & Regulation Working Group
Following its high-profile debut at Investopia 2023, the MENA FinTech Association (MFTA) has officially announced the formal constitution of its Council for Policy & Regulation Working Group.
This move marks a significant evolution for the invitation-only body, shifting from a high-level dialogue platform to a dedicated engine for regulatory harmonization across the Middle East and North Africa.
The Council was originally unveiled under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Economy during Investopia 2023. Conceived as a bridge between the private sector and governing bodies, its formalization in 2026 signals a new phase of structured collaboration aimed at tackling the complexities of modern finance.
The formal constitution of this Working Group transforms the initiative into a dedicated platform for regulatory harmonization. By focusing on the integration of emerging financial technologies, digital assets, and open banking, the Council aims to bridge the gap between innovation and oversight. This evolution is designed to foster cross-border collaboration and ensure that compliance frameworks keep pace with the rapid digital transformation occurring within the region’s financial services sector.
The Working Group is set to be co-led by Zain Umer, Managing Director of CFC MENA, and Christine Abou Assali, Partner and Head of Corporate – Banking & Finance (UAE) at Alem.
They will oversee a founding cohort of industry heavyweights, representing a diverse cross-section of the financial ecosystem.
The initiative continues to receive strong backing from government leaders. H.E. Abdullah Ahmad Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Economy, noted that the Council reinforces the UAE’s status as a premier destination for digital technology.
Nameer Khan, Chairman of the MFTA, emphasized the necessity of this collaboration “As fintech continues to play a critical role in economic growth… this platform enables meaningful collaboration between industry and regulators to shape the future of the ecosystem.”
The Council for Policy & Regulation Working Group will meet on a quarterly basis. While the current membership is elite and invitation-only, the MFTA has indicated plans to expand the Council in phases as the region’s regulatory mandate continues to evolve.
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