MENA startups recorded a total investment amounting to over USD 1 billion in 2020, indicating a 13 per cent increase year-on-year. In September 2021 alone, startups in MENA raised nearly $338 million across 37 deals, a 111 per cent rise month on month. Similarly, Saudi Arabia’s startup investment has increased from 14 percent in 2019 to 17 percent in 2020, despite the onset of the pandemic. This reform in the market, combined with the growing interest of entities to work with startups, intensifies the need to support them with strong corporate governance frameworks. As the business environment develops and continues to adapt technology as an integral function of their daily operations, there is greater accountability that is required. This can be done through improved disclosure of governance policies, development of best practice tools and more transparency. The PI governance in tech programme aims to empower tech companies to adapt corporate governance frameworks, based on their short, medium, and long-term needs. The programme will achieve this by providing trainings, practical tools, and guidelines, and facilitating discussions and showcasing best practices.

The focus group session titled, ‘Developing and Implementing good Corporate Governance for Fintech companies, Gulf region’ will focus on raising awareness on the importance and benefits of strong and innovative governance and accountability principles, for Fintech companies in the Gulf region. Participants will get an opportunity to:

• Share their thoughts, ideas, and best practices on implementing governance in MSME’s
• Learn, discuss, and ask questions relevant to the topic
• Network with leaders in the region and collaborate on driving corporate governance practices
• Create/Engage with a community of practice on corporate governance practices and policies

This focus-group session on ‘Developing and Implementing good Corporate Governance for Fintech companies’ is a hybrid event. Once you register, you will have the choice of attending the event in-person in Dubai, UAE or through a live stream.