The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Innovation Hub is expanding its flagship Dubai FinTech Summit to Pakistan for the first time, in partnership with the Pakistan Digital Authority. Scheduled for August 18 and 19, 2026, in Islamabad, the Pakistan FinTech Summit positions the country as a strategic growth market within the global FinTech ecosystem and is expected to be one of the largest gatherings focused on financial innovation in Pakistan, attracting over 10,000 participants and up to 150 sponsors and exhibitors.
This marks the inaugural international expansion of the Dubai FinTech Summit, a globally recognized platform for financial and technology leaders organized by DIFC, one of the leading financial centres across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region. The Pakistan FinTech Summit aims to bring together policymakers, investors, financial institutions, technology leaders, and innovators to accelerate Pakistan’s digital economy and strengthen its position as a regional FinTech hub.
His Excellency Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority, said, “We are pleased to expand the Dubai FinTech Summit to Pakistan, a rapidly emerging FinTech hub. The Pakistan FinTech Summit is a powerful reflection of DIFC’s ambition to lead the global dialogue on financial innovation and FinTech, underpinning Dubai’s commitment to enabling growth and unlocking cross-border innovation opportunities between the UAE, Pakistan, and South Asia. By lending expertise and thought leadership to such impactful gatherings, we are charting the future of finance.”
Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Federal Minister of IT and Telecommunication, highlighted the importance of innovation, regulatory clarity, and institutional trust in building a credible FinTech ecosystem. She emphasized that Pakistan’s disciplined reforms and institutional support reflect a strategic partnership with DIFC, signaling global confidence in the country’s emerging digital financial sector and reform trajectory.
The summit aligns with Pakistan’s broader Digital Nation agenda, positioning FinTech as foundational economic infrastructure. By integrating sovereign digital systems, responsible regulation, and cross-border capital connectivity, Pakistan is strategically preparing to engage regional and international partners at scale. The summit will showcase strategic agreements, investment announcements, product launches, start-up programmes, and curated sessions with regulators from both countries, fostering sector-wide collaboration and long-term ecosystem development.
Pakistan has seen rapid growth in its digital finance market, with FinTech funding reaching USD 52.5 million in the first half of 2025 and 450 companies raising USD 391 million in venture capital by late November 2025. While structural constraints and cash dominance continue to pose challenges, FinTech companies are driving digital adoption, financial inclusion, and trust in financial services even in rural areas.
The international expansion of the Dubai FinTech Summit in Pakistan is expected to further elevate the country’s profile in the APAC FinTech landscape. By combining DIFC’s global expertise and thought leadership with Pakistan’s reform-driven agenda, the summit will provide a unified platform for innovation, investment, and cross-border collaboration, shaping the future of digital finance in the region.
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