Money20/20 Middle East is bringing its global RiseUp programme to the region for the first time, creating a new platform for women leaders working across fintech and financial services.
The programme will launch during Money20/20 Middle East, taking place from September 14 to 16, 2026, at the Riyadh Exhibition & Convention Centre (RECC) in Malham. The initiative comes as Saudi Arabia continues to expand its digital economy and strengthen its position as a hub for financial technology and innovation.
Supporting women in fintech
RiseUp was launched globally in 2018 to support women working in fintech and financial services by providing greater access, visibility and career opportunities.
According to Money20/20, the programme has supported more than 600 women worldwide. Around 85% of participants say they feel better prepared for promotion, while more than 70% have moved into more senior positions. In addition, 95% say the RiseUp community has helped them progress in their careers, while 99% would recommend the programme to their peers.
Its alumni network includes women from companies such as Visa, Deutsche Bank, Adyen, Revolut, Uber, JPMorgan Chase, EY, Accenture, Booking.com and Standard Bank.
The first Middle East cohort will bring together 30 senior women leaders from organisations including Verto, Network Global, Visa, Sharaka Capital, Safqah, Samsung Electronics and TikTok.
Scarlett Sieber, Chief Strategy & Growth Officer at Money20/20, said bringing RiseUp to Saudi Arabia represents an important step for the programme and creates opportunities for women who are helping shape the region’s financial sector.
A programme focused on leadership and opportunity
The Middle East edition will feature a curated programme designed around the opportunities and challenges facing women leaders in the region.
Rather than focusing only on networking, the programme will cover leadership, confidence, career development and building the skills needed to take on greater responsibility.
The programme will also connect participants with women leaders from the wider global RiseUp community, creating opportunities for collaboration that can continue beyond the three-day Money20/20 event.
Annabelle Mander, Executive Vice President at Tahaluf, said the launch would help highlight the contribution women are already making to Saudi Arabia’s and the region’s financial ecosystem.
Key sessions at RiseUp Middle East
The programme will feature several sessions focused on technology, leadership and financial inclusion.
Women Who Are Driving AI Innovation in the Middle East will highlight women leading AI development and technological change across the region.
The Compass Within: Women-Driven Leadership for the Middle East, moderated by Mary Ann Francis, Executive Consultant, Global Payments & Strategic Initiatives, will explore how women leaders are navigating cultural expectations, building their own leadership paths and leading with confidence and purpose.
Another session, Empowered by Design: Women Leading the Fintech Revolution, will be moderated by Joy Adams, COO of Digital Assets at Deutsche Bank and a RiseUp alumna. The discussion will focus on the impact of fintech and digital financial inclusion, including access to capital, financial independence and opportunities for communities.
Haifa Al Obaid, Senior Expert in the Credit Relationship Department at the Saudi Industrial Development Fund (SIDF), will also participate in The Compass Within session, bringing a Saudi perspective to the discussion around women’s leadership.
Al Obaid highlighted the importance of continued support for women in the workplace and said RiseUp provides an opportunity for women leaders from Saudi Arabia and other regions to connect and increase their visibility.
Plans to expand across the GCC
The launch of RiseUp in Saudi Arabia is expected to be the beginning of a wider regional strategy.
As Riyadh continues to attract global fintech companies, investors and industry leaders, Money20/20 plans to expand RiseUp across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), strengthen partnerships with regional organisations and create a larger pipeline of women leaders in fintech.
Susan Elmesslamy, Founder of ZTS and a RiseUp Asia alumna, said her experience with the programme helped build her confidence and expand her professional network. She added that bringing RiseUp to the Middle East could increase collaboration and visibility for women leaders across the region.
With its first Middle East cohort launching in Riyadh, RiseUp is set to become part of Money20/20’s broader effort to connect the people and ideas shaping the future of financial technology.
