In brief
During Dubai Future Finance Week, leaders from Standard Chartered’s SC Ventures, Payten, and Avaloq underscored the UAE’s role as a hub for AI‑powered financial services. Rapid venture creation, instant payments, and robust cybersecurity were key themes.
Dubai, November 3, 2026 – Executives from Standard Chartered’s SC Ventures, Payten, and Avaloq revealed that the United Arab Emirates has become the most influential center for artificial‑intelligence‑driven financial products, according to a report by the Emirates News Agency (WAM).
SC Ventures, the investment arm of Standard Chartered, said it has opened more than ten new ventures in the UAE in roughly two and a half years, a pace unmatched in any of its other global markets.
"The company has established more than 10 ventures headquartered in the UAE in around two and a half years, out of more than 33 ventures created globally," said Mohamed Fairooz, Middle East Lead at SC Ventures.
Fairooz noted that these ventures focus on digital banking, digital assets and support for small‑to‑medium enterprises, and that the UAE’s specialized talent and clear regulatory frameworks make it a launchpad for expanding into regional markets.
Payten’s Global CEO, Saad Karim, said the financial‑technology company holds four primary licenses that enable it to deliver instant payments and wealth‑management solutions across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.
Avaloq highlighted the country’s integrated digital infrastructure and its central focus on cybersecurity and governance, which it says are essential for sustaining growth and maintaining customer confidence.
The gathering, held during the second day of Dubai Future Finance Week, also covered the rapid expansion of the UAE’s FinTech ecosystem, the rollout of instant payment networks, and the use of AI to improve risk assessment and personalize banking services.
Industry experts stressed that the UAE’s regulatory environment encourages experimentation while protecting consumers, a combination that is attracting investors worldwide.
By positioning itself as a global hub, the UAE not only draws new capital but also outputs technology that could shape banking practices across the Middle East and beyond.
As AI continues to transform financial services, the UAE’s continued investment in regulatory clarity, digital infrastructure, and cybersecurity will be key to maintaining its competitive edge.
