The seventh edition of Fintech Abu Dhabi, ADGM’s flagship event, welcomed major financial institutions, start-ups, innovators, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, scientists and academics this week.
Conducted in partnership with Huawei, it focused on the central theme of the event – ‘The Convergence of Finance and Technology’.
The event kicked off with a debate on the financial crime economy and brought together prominent AI institutions in Abu Dhabi to discuss the city’s early commitment to AI.
Participants also delved into the maturity of the crypto industry.
Dr. Alexander Lipton, Global Head of Research & Development at ADIA provided insights on how social media is reshaping the global banking landscape, while the CEO of Circle outlined strategies for harnessing digital assets to enhance global financial stability.
Sessions also included ‘Decoding a “Skandal” – Inside Wirecard’s Investigation discussed by Financial Times Investigative Reporter – Dan McCrum and Themis Founder and CEO – Dickon Johnston and another on ‘Finding an Entrepreneurial Mindset with VaynerX Chairman and CEO – Gary Vaynerchuk.
During the event, ADGM, in collaboration with its partners, unveiled initiatives to “redefine regulatory practices.” The Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) also outlined its “Regulation as a Service” strategy through its Digital Lab, which is aimed at co-creating innovative solutions for the licensing and supervision of firms.
Linda Fitz-Alan Registrar and Chief Executive at ADGM Courts said: “In its staggering 7th edition, Fintech Abu Dhabi started as a pioneer, awakening our imagination, guiding the disruption of our norms and making innovation our constant. This is no longer an annual event; this is a pivotal marker to test the temperature and tap into the thoughts of global leaders in financial technology. The insightful discussions at Fintech Abu Dhabi do not just shape the future of the fintech landscape, but also create its landscape while opening our minds to the endless possibilities for the future of the financial sector.”
Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed during the event, including between CPX Holding, a provider of digital-first cybersecurity solutions and services and ADGM, who signed a strategic collaboration that will aim to elevate the overall resilience of companies operating within ADGM’s expanding jurisdiction while reinforcing its cybersecurity regulations.
ADGM and Cisco also signed an MoU with ADGM to accelerate digital transformation initiatives via Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) Program while also benefitting from their Cisco Academy program that educates about the latest technologies.
Another MoU between dU and ADGM will explore a joint initiative to secure exclusive discounted offers from the UAE’s telecom giant for start-ups based in ADGM’s international financial centre.
Elsewhere, Masdar Green REIT received the ADGM Green Fund Designation from ADGM FSRA under its new Sustainable Finance Regulatory Framework.
The Global Financial Regulators Summit, a closed-door gathering of key global financial regulatory leaders, was conducted parallel to Fintech Abu Dhabi and discussed the role regulators play in shaping the sustainable finance landscape of the future.
The outcomes of the summit will be announced during the R.A.C.E (Regulation, Awareness, Collaboration & Ecosystem) Sustainability Summit.