Edinburgh Business School and Mena Fintech Association sign MoU

The collaboration between the university and the fintech industry will help increase engagement among students and leaders, drive innovation, accelerate the adoption of new technologies and prepare the next generation of fintech and sustainability professionals.

Awarded ‘Best University’ by Forbes Middle East and rated five stars by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), the digital-friendly campus is a satellite of the UK’s Heriot-Watt University which carries over 180 years of world-renowned education with specialized programs ranging from management, engineering, built environment, to food science, which will now be extended to fintech and sustainability subjects.

The MENA Fintech Association (MFTA) – ranked among the leading fintech bodies globally, is an inclusive, not-for-profit association that fosters an open dialogue for the MENA Fintech community, shaping the future of financial services in the region. It is dedicated to promoting and supporting the growth of the fintech industry in the MENA region. The association is organized across several committees, from open banking, payments, sustainability and regulation, where the brightest minds in the industry come together to study critical industry issues and engage with peers and authorities.

This agreement is in line with EBS’s vision to expand its partnership with the fintech industry to leverage the ideas and resources available to both parties and to enhance the student learning experience. The agreement calls for cooperation and partnership in a wide range of areas, including:

– Exchange of knowledge and expertise
– Development and delivery of educational programs in fintech and sustainable finance
– Joint research projects
– Seminars and conferences
– Students’ internship and mentorship with MENA Fintech members

This MoU comes at critical times where the fintech industry is gaining momentum in the Middle East, a region that wants to be at the forefront of innovation, including in fintech and sustainability. A recent study by Saudi technology venture capital fund STV predicts that MENA will see 45 unicorns worth over US$100 billion by 2030, creating a pool of new jobs in the region. On the sustainability front, the United Arab Emirates will host the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP 28, with organizations accelerating efforts to drive green and inclusive workplaces and cities. Among them, Fintechs that stand out for their potential to create a more sustainable world by promoting financial inclusion, green finance, digital payments, blockchain and data intelligence.

This MoU was signed today in the presence of university officials and MENA Fintech representatives who shared their views on this partnership.

Dr Jelena Janjusevic, Associate Professor of Finance and Academic Head of Accounting, Economics and Finance (Dubai), EBS, commented: “The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between our institution and MFTA represents a milestone in our commitment to provide students a comprehensive education that meets the demands of today’s fast and constantly developing economic landscape. This partnership gives our students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in fintech, sustainable finance and other current business trends, as well as to learn from the field’s leading experts.”

Nameer Khan, Chairman, MFTA, concluded: “The fintech ecosystem would not be complete without a learning chapter. Education has changed drastically over the years and with the growing importance of fintech in our economy and their role in sustainability, it is important to share real issues and the latest best practices. We are proud today to promote mutual engagement between fintech leaders, managers and students. We are convinced that this partnership will unlock a range of opportunities to think, co-innovate and create jobs in an industry that constantly needs new talent.”