We sit down with Maha Alsadi, the Head of Regulatory Affairs of the QFC Authority, to discuss the exciting developments in the fintech landscape of Qatar and the broader Middle East region. Discover how Qatar is positioning itself as a hub for fintech innovation, with initiatives like the Qatar Investment Authority’s Fund of Funds program, which has allocated over a billion dollars to support startups and venture capital in the fintech space.
Maha also shares insights into the various fintech categories currently thriving in Qatar, including Buy Now, Pay Later, crowdfunding, insurtech, and the use of blockchain technology. We delve into the challenges regulators face in keeping pace with rapidly evolving technologies and how Qatar is adopting a collaborative approach with local and regional regulators to ensure a balanced regulatory framework. Learn about the importance of international standards and the principle-based, risk-based approach that Qatar is taking to foster innovation while ensuring consumer protection.
As we look to the future, we explore the potential impact of emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing on the financial services sector. Maha emphasizes the need for ongoing dialogue between regulators and the industry to navigate these changes effectively.