Arab Financial Services (AFS), a leading payment processing company in the Mena region, will host the first edition of the Middle East & Africa FinTech Forum in Bahrain on March 29.

The event, sponsored by Bank ABC and the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), will examine the latest trends and will see a discussion of both the challenges and opportunities in the Fintech sector. It will also provide an in-depth analysis of ways in which the financial industry in Mena can adapt to the dynamic technological changes driving the sector forward.

The Middle East & Africa FinTech Forum will see participation from a wide range of stakeholders including government officials, regulators, leading professionals and industry experts recognised locally and regionally.

Themed ‘“Fintech Disruption in the Financial Industry”, the forum will provide an excellent networking opportunity for industry experts and key stakeholders, and is expected to be attended by individuals and organizations that will have a direct impact on the immediate future of FinTech within the region.

The forum will be opened by Rasheed Mohammed Al Maraj, Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain, and will include panel discussions on the move towards a cashless economy; the regional FinTech opportunity; signs and measures of success; disruptive innovations in the financial industry; and more.

Sael Al Waary, chairman of AFS, said: “FinTech aims to deliver innovative solutions in a rapidly evolving world while disrupting the financial industry. The regional financial sector has developed considerably over the past two decades and with this forum, we are hoping to bring the FinTech ecosystem together, helping connect start-ups, technology companies, investors, financial institutions and regulators to build stronger relationships and create opportunities for everyone.”

B Chandrasekhar, chief executive officer of AFS, said: “FinTech is an innovative and fast-growing sector presenting tremendous opportunities. This event will allow us to understand and analyse the FinTech revolution and help us position Bahrain as a leader in the journey towards a digital, cashless economy.

“AFS is already a key player in providing new FinTech services and we have already introduced several innovations such as the first frictionless payment solution, in partnership with Batelco and Ithmaar Bank, in addition to Data Analytics, Loyalty, m-Commerce and e-Commerce solutions. We look forward to working with other local and regional organizations to introduce FinTech based solutions in the region.”

The forum will be held at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay. – TradeArabia News Service