Pakistani fintech companies are intensifying their focus on Saudi Arabia, capitalizing on the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 digital transformation agenda and the broader strengthening of Pak-Saudi ties. The expansion marks a significant chapter for Pakistan’s IT and fintech ecosystem, as firms look to embed themselves in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets for digital financial services.
Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja, speaking at the opening session of the 26th ITCN Asia in Karachi, stressed that Pakistan’s growing IT sector has the potential to become a key regional player and a data transshipment hub for countries ranging from China to Central Asia. She underscored the role of Saudi Arabia as a natural partner, given the recent strengthening of bilateral strategic and commercial cooperation between the two nations.
Saudi Arabia’s global fintech event, Money 20/20, recently provided Pakistani fintechs a platform to showcase their capabilities. Fifteen companies from Pakistan presented their services and solutions in Riyadh, where they signed multiple joint ventures and business deals with regional and international partners. The event allowed them to build credibility, attract investors, and establish pathways into Gulf markets.
“Pakistani fintechs are capable of competing at a global level,” said Fahad Sajjad, CEO of the Pakistan Fintech Network. “The trade fair has proven to be a launchpad for these entities to secure partnerships, attract investors, expand into Gulf markets, and strengthen their credibility on a global scale.”
Among the notable agreements, Pakistan-born fintech ABHI, which already operates in the MENA region, partnered with Saudi-based TRAY, a leading cloud-based POS and business management platform. Together, they will introduce Earned Wage Access services tailored for Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing food and beverage sector.
“Partnering with TRAY enables ABHI to bring Earned Wage Access directly into the heart of Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector,” said Omair Ansari, CEO and Co-founder of ABHI. “By integrating our solution into TRAY’s platform, we provide SMEs with a tool to improve workforce retention while advancing financial inclusion across the Kingdom. This collaboration aligns with Vision 2030’s goals of sustainable growth and digital transformation.”
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Investment (MISA) has further smoothed the path for Pakistani companies by establishing a dedicated help desk to fast-track business registration. This facilitation has already enabled more than 100 Pakistani tech entities to enter the Saudi market, highlighting the Kingdom’s openness to international players aligned with its digital transformation ambitions.
Industry experts argue that this moment represents a turning point. Ibrahim Amin, a financial analyst, described the participation of Pakistani firms in Money 20/20 as a smart strategy, noting that Gulf countries are channeling significant investments into fintech and digital innovation. “Pakistani fintechs showcased themselves on the same stage as global leaders like Mastercard, Visa, and Stripe, which is critical for their visibility and credibility,” he said.
Saad Shah, CEO of Hexalyze, noted that Saudi Arabia presents unique opportunities through mega-projects such as NEOM. He added that the market is particularly accessible for Pakistani IT and fintech firms due to the facilitation measures extended by Saudi authorities and the availability of a skilled Pakistani workforce eager to contribute to operations within the Kingdom.
In recent years, several Pakistani fintech operators have established offices or subsidiaries in Saudi Arabia, cementing their presence in a market that offers scale, resources, and strategic relevance. As Vision 2030 advances, Pakistan’s fintech ecosystem is positioning itself as a valuable partner in driving innovation, financial inclusion, and digital transformation across Saudi Arabia.
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