• Over 300 applications were created in 2018, compared to over 100 applications in 2017
  • Diverse international geographies represented in the applications, including UK, India, USA and Nigeria
  • Number of financial institution partners has doubled to 22, with number of programme participants increased from 11 to 15
  • Over 25% of applicants are UAE-based, in line with the Centre’s efforts to support the UAE National Innovation Strategy 

United Arab Emirates, Dubai- FinTech Hive, the first and largest financial technology accelerator in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, is gearing up to start its 2018 edition in September, in partnership with Accenture. FinTech Hive has received an overwhelming response of over 300 applications that were created from all around the world – triple the number of applications received in 2017.

Of all applications received, 50% were for FinTech solutions, while the remaining 50% were divided amongst InsurTech (20%), Islamic FinTech (15%) and RegTech (15%). The applications covered a wide range of technical and functional solutions including Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning, Blockchain, Crowdfunding, Lending & Payments, Trading & Investment as well as Financial Advisory.

The additional partners for the 2018 programme are First Abu Dhabi Bank, National Bank of Fujairah, Riyadh Bank, Arab Bank, MasterCard, ADNIC, Zurich Insurance, AIG Insurance, Takaful Emarat, Noor Takaful and Noor Bank. Throughout the 12-week programme, all the partners will work closely with the startups to help them create solutions that address the evolving needs of their respective industries.

The diversity of geographies represented in the application process is the result of DIFC’s collaboration with its network of strategic partners across international FinTech hubs, such as New York, London and Hong Kong. The Centre’s ongoing focus is on attracting UAE-based and home-grown companies to leverage the FinTech ecosystem it offers to develop their businesses. Over 25% of the applications received by the programme were from UAE-based applicants. The programme also attracted considerable interest from the UK, India, USA, and Nigeria.

Raja Al Mazrouei, Executive Vice President of FinTech Hive at DIFC commented: “FinTech Hive at DIFC is a great platform for ambitious startups who are looking for growth opportunities. The overwhelming number of applications we received, together with the diversity of their countries of origin, is not only testament to the success of the programme, but also to the increasing demand for disruptive technologies in the region and beyond. Through tripling our commitment to include new thematic programmes, FinTech Hive at DIFC continues to bridge the gap between creative entrepreneurs and well-established financial institutions looking for innovative solutions to their everyday challenges.”

Al Mazrouei added: “All of the programmes and efforts we are leading at DIFC are closely aligned with the UAE National Innovation Strategy, as well as governmental agendas such as Dubai Plan 2021 and UAE Vision 2021, which look to progress the growth and development of the country. These efforts feed into the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and the exceptional model that the Emirate represents globally. Building on Dubai’s position as one of the world’s top 10 FinTech hubs, we remain focused on expanding our efforts to support the rise of smart, creative solutions in the region.”

DIFC and the partnering financial institutions will assess the applications based on whether the proposed innovation is unique, feasible and meets industry demands. The top applicants will be shortlisted and interviewed, from which 15 finalists will be selected on 4 September 2018.

-Ends-

About Dubai International Financial Centre

The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is one of the world’s top ten financial centres, and the leading financial hub for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia.  The Centre provides a world-class platform connecting the region’s markets with the economies of Europe, Asia and the Americas and facilitates growth in South-South trade and investment. An onshore, international financial centre, DIFC offers a stable, mature and secure base for financial institutions to develop their wholesale businesses.

The Centre offers all the elements found in the world’s most successful financial industry ecosystems, including an independent regulator and judicial system with a common-law framework, a global financial exchange, inspiring architecture, powerful, enabling support services and a vibrant business community. The infrastructure within the district features ultra-modern office space, retail outlets, cafes and restaurants, art galleries, residential apartments, public green areas and hotels.

Located midway between the global financial centres of New York, London in the West and Singapore, Hong Kong in the East, DIFC (GMT +4) fills a vital time-zone gap with a workday that bridges the market and business hours of financial centres in both Asia and North America.

In 2015, DIFC launched its 2024 growth strategy, a blueprint for the next decade of growth of the financial hub. This strategy aims to stimulate trade and investment flows along the South-South economic corridor encompassing the Middle East, Africa, Southern Asia and Latin America.

Currently, 1,853 active registered companies operate from the Centre, with a combined workforce of 22,338 professionals.

DIFC continues to pursue expansion into new services and sectors within the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region, an area comprising over 72 countries with an approximate population of 3 billion and nominal GDP of US$7.4 trillion.

For further information, please visit our website: difc.ae, or follow us on Twitter @DIFC.

For media enquiries, please contact: 

Manal Shaikh

Dubai International Financial Centre Authority

Senior Manager, Communications

Tel: +971 4 362 2453

Email: manal.shaikh@difc.ae 

Joudi Issa

Brunswick Group

Tel: +971 4 560 9600

Email: DIFC@brunswickgroup.com

© Press Release 2018

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