Asia House signs MoU with KAFD to explore fintech in Saudi Arabia

Asia House has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) to explore bringing high-level business and fintech dialogues to Riyadh.

The MoU will see KAFD and Asia House work together to bring leading business and policy figures from across the world to Saudi Arabia as KAFD develops as a prime business and lifestyle destination. The partnership will see Asia House and KAFD hold a major Riyadh conference in 2022 focusing on Saudi Arabia’s fintech potential.

The MoU lays the groundwork for a range of events, discussions and research activities highlighting KAFD’s status as the prime business and lifestyle destination in the region. It follows Asia House’s highly successful 2020 Global Trade Dialogue in Riyadh, and builds on the organisation’s engagement across the Gulf through its Middle East Programme and wider research output focusing on economic trends in the region.

The MoU was signed by Gautam Sashittal, Chief Executive, KAFD, and Michael Lawrence, Chief Executive, Asia House, during a digital ceremony on Monday 7 February.

KAFD Chief Executive Gautam Sashittal said: “This is an important agreement set to bring out the best ideas to move forward and create a competitive business ecosystem. We at KAFD are happy to build bridges of cooperation with the world’s top organisations to foster a culture of creativity and innovation.”

Asia House Chief Executive Michael Lawrence said: “We are pleased to be working with KAFD as Saudi Arabia broadens its role in the world economy alongside its Vision 2030 agenda. As an organisation committed to driving economic engagement between Asia, the Middle East and Europe, we are excited to support KAFD’s development as an open and outward-looking business and lifestyle destination.”

Asia House and KAFD plan to hold their initial conference at KAFD in 2022.