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Tenity Launches "KSA Fintech Opportunity Report 2025," Highlighting Kingdom’s Rapid Ascent as a Global Fintech Hub

September 15, 2024

New publication highlights Saudi Arabia’s leadership in MENA fintech, outlines key opportunities in SME finance, WealthTech, and InsurTech.

Riyadh,Saudi Arabia – 15 September 2025 – Tenity, a global innovation powerhouse, today announced the release of the inaugural KSA Fintech Opportunity Report 2025. The report, in collaboration with The Majlis Podcast, provides a comprehensive, data-driven analysis of Saudi Arabia's fintech ecosystem, drawing from proprietary research and 30 exclusive interviews with top policymakers, investors, and founders in theKingdom, the report identifies high-potential growth areas and outlines the structural enablers that are driving transformation.

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"The Kingdom is moving at remarkable speed, shaping an ecosystem where fintech can thrive at scale. With the right mix of regulation, investment, and talent, Saudi Arabia has all the ingredients to become a global fintech hub — and the momentum is only just beginning”, said Andreas Iten, CEO and Co-Founder at Tenity.

Key findings highlighted in the report include:

Unprecedented Growth

The number of active fintechs inSaudi Arabia has surged from just 10 in 2018 to over 261 by the end of 2024, surpassing its 2025 target of 230 a full year ahead of schedule.

A New Era of Digital Payments

The Kingdom has successfully accelerated its transition to a cashless society, with non-cash retail transactions reaching 79% in 2024, exceeding the Vision 2030 target.

Massive Financing Gaps

The report identifies a significant financing gap for SMEs and corporates, estimated at $80 billion. Fintechs are stepping in to fill this void, with the debt crowdfunding sector more than doubling its funding to SAR 3.4 billion in 2024.

High-Potential Verticals

While payments and lending remain dominant, the report highlights WealthTech, Insurtech, and new B2B solutions as high-growth areas poised for significant disruption in the coming 24-36 months.

A New Era of Collaboration

The report details the evolving relationship between incumbent banks and fintechs, moving from a competitive dynamic to one of strategic collaboration. Banks are increasingly establishing Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) arms and accelerator programs, while fintechs are focusing on solving high-value business problems for these established institutions.

Strategic Imperative for International Players

Success for foreign entrants hinges on a "boots on the ground"strategy, deep local partnerships, and a localized approach that respects cultural nuances and Sharia-compliant principles. The report also provides a playbook for navigating the ecosystem's challenges, such as the acute talent deficit and complex regulatory environment.

Emerging White Spaces

The report identifies new high-potential opportunity zones, including Corporate & B2B Solutions, PropTech & RentTech, and dedicated financial services for foreign workers, all underpinned by the imperative of Sharia compliance.

Maximilian Plank, Venture Partner at Tenity and Author, commented,“The Saudi market is a critical bridge between Asia and Europe. We are committed to building a lasting presence by fostering international collaboration and leveraging our global network to support founders and investors on the ground here in the Kingdom. This report is a testament to the powerful trajectory of Saudi Arabia’s fintech ecosystem.”
Yasmin AlKhowaiter, Founder of The Majlis Podcast and Co-Author, added, “Our collaboration provides a unique lens into the Kingdom’s economic transformation. Beyond the impressive numbers, we wanted to capture the stories and strategic insights that drive this growth. We hope this report empowers stakeholders to make informed decisions and participate in this exciting journey.”

The launch of the report reflects Tenity’s ongoing commitment to supporting innovation across the Kingdom and broader GCC region.