Edinburgh Business School (EBS) at Heriot-Watt University and the MENA Fintech Association sign an MoU to drive fintech and sustainability collaboration

Edinburgh Business School (EBS) at Heriot-Watt University in Dubai – UAE, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the MENA Fintech Association (MFTA) to collaborate on a wide range of initiatives and programs related to fintech and sustainability. 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.

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’ internships and mentorships 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.

• Ronit Ghose, Chairman of Future of Finance, MENA Fintech Association
• Dr Jelena Janjusevic, Associate Professor of Finance and Academic Head of Accounting, Economics and Finance (Dubai), EBS
• Nameer Khan, Chairman, MENA Fintech Association
• Dr Rofayda ElHout, Assistant Professor of Accounting and Finance and Program Director of the MSc International Accounting and Finance (Dubai), EBS
• Dr Mercedes Sheen, Interim Head of School of Social Sciences (Dubai), EBS
• Nadia Benaissa, Co-Chair Payments Committee (SHIFT) and member of the Sustainability Group (SFA), MENA Fintech Association
• Akshay Chopra, Advisory Board Member, MENA Fintech Association

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 with a comprehensive education that meets the demands of today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving economic landscape. This partnership provides our students with a unique opportunity to to acquire practical 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 pride ourselves today in fostering 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 is constantly in need of new talent.”