Report

Saudi Arabia Islamic fintech market is projected to witness a CAGR of 17.75% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 15.5 billion in 2023 to USD 57.28 billion in 2031. Multiple factors have led to the growth in Saudi Arabia Islamic fintech market such as increase in smartphone penetration, growth in digital payments, government initiatives, consumers' adoption of digitalization, changing consumer preferences, and technological advancements.
Financial technology seeks to improvise and automate the delivery and use of financial services for consumers. It has specialized software that can be used on computers and smartphones to provide hassle-free financial services. Various companies in the finance industry which use fintech have expanded financial inclusion and use technology to cut down on operational costs. The large population in the country relates to fintech companies and has helped the companies reach out to a vast range of customers by making financial services more accessible and convenient.
Governments and financial authorities are introducing policies to promote competition, reduce entry barriers, ensure data security, and encourage the development of new financial technologies together with changing consumer preferences, increasing the adoption of fintech. In 2023, the fintech sector in Saudi Arabia perceived a notable increase in funding with total deal value reaching USD 791 million which is approximately 231 percent from USD 239 million in 2022. Startups are innovatively handling issues such as the SME funding gap, financial literacy, and financial inclusion disclosing the sector's critical role in the broader economic framework.
Rise in Smartphone Penetration and Internet Usage
The rate of adoption of smartphones in Saudi Arabia has significantly increased in the past few years. The proliferation of 4G and 5G connectivity has enabled customers to have hassle-free access to conduct payments through smartphones leading to digitalization. Furthermore, comprehensive growth in the distribution of smartphone companies has made smartphone devices readily available for end-users. Saudi Arabia had 36.31 million internet users at the start of 2023 and the internet penetration stood at 99 percent. Furthermore, the increase in the use of smartphones and the expansion in faster connectivity have enabled retailers and customers to receive and make payments through their smartphones, which is propelling the growth of the fintech industry. Recently, the Saudi Central Bank announced that electronic payments have accounted for more than 70 percent of Saudi Arabia which indicates that consumers are adopting the digital payment method for most payments leading to a digital economy.
Government Initiatives for Digital Transformation to Drive the Market
Saudi Arabia's lasting digital transformation promotes a favorable environment for fintech startups to establish and develop. The increasing number of digital payment and banking solutions gained quick popularity among consumers. The development of the fintech sector is supported by the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) to encourage innovation and hassle-free solutions for its consumers to boost the economy. The Fintech SAMA and Capital Market Authority (CMA) have led to an increase in fintech startups to 207 in 2023, which is an increase of 20.7 times since its establishment. Various initiatives such as the FinTech Hub by Monsha'at, which connects FinTech startups with service providers, and a new program called Makken by FinTech Saudi is a program that aims to permit entrepreneurs and startups in the FinTech industry by providing support for technology, cloud, and cybersecurity. The government's active approach to providing strong support through regulatory frameworks, financial incentives, and strategic programs has significantly contributed to the growth of Islamic fintech market in Saudi Arabia.
Riyadh to Dominate Saudi Arabia Islamic Fintech Market
The fintech market has grown remarkably in Saudi Arabia with Riyadh dominating the market. Riyadh is situated in the central region and has the highest number of fintech startups. It is the political and economic center of the country and a hub for financial services and technology. Other factors include increasing usage of smartphones and the internet by the tech-savvy population leading to an increase in online payment methods indirectly boosting the growth of Saudi Arabia Islamic fintech market.
Jeddah, situated in the west of Saudi Arabia is the fastest-growing region as it is the commercial capital of Saudi Arabia and has several fintech startups developing in the region.
Payments and Currency Exchange is Dominant in the Market
Payments and currency exchange is the largest segment in the fintech services sector, dominating the Saudi Arabian market. Owing to the large population, there is a rise in online payments, largely indirectly leading to growth in the fintech market. According to The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) consumers make payments mostly through cards with e-payment transactions reaching nearly 10.8 billion in 2023. The rise in electronic payment underlines the growing confidence and preference for digital payment methods among consumers and merchants alike.
Online payment systems have become a core part of the modern economy as they offer users accessibility, speed, and ease everywhere. They have changed how individuals and businesses perform their financial transactions by modifying the process of transferring money, making purchases, and remotely managing accounts. Recently, Stc Pay partnered with Mastercard to launch the first Mastercard World prepaid card in Saudi Arabia, Stc Pay Mastercard Elite card. It will help consumers manage their finances and enjoy premium benefits with the ability to select a card which best suits their preferences. It includes a wide range of facilities such as unlimited cashback of up to 6 percent, comprehensive travel insurance, and purchase protection with 180 days of complimentary insurance against theft.
Future Market Scenario (2024 - 2031F)
Fintech has a transformative impact on the economy, enhancing financial inclusion, streamlining transactions, and promoting investment opportunities. Through collaborations between fintech startups and traditional institutions, the Kingdom can continue to leverage the potential of fintech and drive economic growth towards digitalization.
In 2023, Payllion was founded which is a fraud detection and prevention platform designed to help online businesses reduce time and cost on manual tasks and challenges faced by fraud. Moreover, technological advancements such as the use of AI tools will boost the growth in the Islamic fintech market in Saudi Arabia.
Key Players Landscape and Outlook
Saudi Arabia Islamic fintech market is competitive as partnerships with local banks and international fintech companies. The market players are working hard to boost innovation by building a solid fintech ecosystem for the growth of the country. They are aiming for new product launches together with advancements in technologies, such as AI and MI tools, promoting the growth of the fintech market in the country.
PayTabs LLC in November 2023 launched PayTabs Issuance, a prepaid card issuing solution aimed to scale the business operations regionally. It allows banks, retailers, and corporate companies to issue cobranded cards together with local cards in multiple currencies.
Tamara, a leading fintech startup in December 2023 created a milestone of becoming the Kingdom's first homegrown fintech unicorn securing USD 340 million in a Series C equity funding round. Such developments by leading market players in the country will boost the growth of the fintech market.