Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), a leading financial institution, has partnered with StartUp Academy on an event to apprise small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) of how they can harness the latest FinTech developments to support the growth of their business.

Held in Dubai, the event was the third StartUp Academy forum of the year, with ADIB’s Mahdi Kilani, Head of ADIB Business, and Haytham Elamaayergi, Global Head of Transaction Banking, sharing their expertise on disruptive FinTech developments, blockchain, and how can entrepreneurs and small business owners use financial technology to effectively run their business.

“Developments in the FinTech industry should continue to be at the forefront of SME owners’ minds as they can use the technology to facilitate their financing processes, secure better credit assessments and maintain proper data for the onboarding process. ADIB is playing a major role in fostering the development of the UAE’s FinTech industry through a range of initiatives and partnerships. We feel that it is particularly important for ADIB to continue supporting the SME sector, and providing technological solutions which can help businesses flourish is at the heart of this strategy,” said Mahdi Kilani, Head of Business Banking at ADIB.

Haytham Elamaayergi, Global Head of Transaction Banking at ADIB, added, “A secure and efficient trade and payment framework which links businesses and clients is an essential component of a thriving SME sector. Blockchain technology continues to transform transaction banking, with SMEs expected to be one of the main beneficiaries of the disruptive power of FinTech. As pioneering FinTech solutions come to market, ADIB will play a major role in allowing SMEs gain access to relevant and convenient technology which can support their business objectives.”

Speakers joining ADIB representatives for the forum included: Omar Chihane, CEO of SellAnyHome.com; Craig Moore, Founder & CEO of Beehive; Neil Patch, Chairman of Virtuzone; and Kat Budd, CEO of Now Money.

ADIB has introduced and offers a number of innovative technologies that can help SMEs grow, while also providing key advisory services for entrepreneurs and business owners on how they can think critically about strengthening their business in an increasingly competitive environment.

The bank has partnered with Fidor to launch the region’s first ‘community-based digital bank. The new platform is designed to fit the lifestyle of millennial consumers also known as Generation Y, as well as those looking for a digital offering that matches their banking needs. This year, ADIB also launched its new generation of digital branch called ‘ADIB Express’, providing customers with access to an array of digital services within the branch environment.*

ADIB has sponsored three Arabian Business StartUp Academy events in 2017 and is the programme’s Financial Education Partner this year.

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