Building on the success of my earlier article, Spending Your Events Budget: From Europe to North America, it’s now time to take a look at the event options for doing business in the Eastern part of the world.
Remember, if you’re stepping into the fintech world for the first time, a smaller, curated event might be your best entry point. But if you’re looking to make waves, raise capital, or meet the right people at scale, a large-scale fintech expo could be your golden ticket.
In a nutshell…
Both MENA and Asia regions are rapidly evolving into dynamic fintech hubs, with 2025 poised to be a landmark year for financial technology enterprises and institutions aiming to penetrate emerging markets. From the UAEs burgeoning financial districts to the expansive fintech ecosystems of Singapore, India and China these regions are cementing their status as pivotal players in the global fintech arena.
To break this down even further, MENA is witnessing swift developments in regulatory frameworks with governments actively promoting innovation and fostering collaborations among fintechs, banks and regulators. Conversely, Asia’s fintech landscape is vast and varied, offering unparalleled scale, infrastructure, and technological advancements.
To ape a well-known TikTok sketch, if you’re not in ‘insert one of the regions above’ then where the F are you?
The early-stage fintech or tech startup
You need: Exposure to regional venture capitalists (VCs), early partnerships and fintech adoption.
Ideal networking style: Investor matchmaking, pitch competitions and startup showcases.
Best events:
Fintech Surge / Future Blockchain Summit (Dubai): Taking place this October at Dubai Harbour, this four-in-one event represents the best bang for your buck. Fintech Surge is crucial for fintechs aiming to scale in the Middle East. It features regulatory panels, partnerships with regional banks, and in-depth discussions. While Future Blockchain Summit is an ideal platform for Web3 startups seeking visibility and early-stage investment in the blockchain and fintech sectors. With over 300 investors set to attend, it’s a prime venue for securing seed or early-stage funding.
Singapore Fintech Festival (Singapore): Held in November, this festival is Asia’s largest and most diverse fintech event, showcasing the latest innovations and providing investment opportunities and startup competitions. It’s an international platform where early-stage fintechs can connect with investors from around the globe. Be pro-active in scheduling your own meetings, the energy on-site is frenetic and you’ll want to make the most of your time if travelling.
TOKEN2049 (Dubai): Taking place 30 April to 1 May at Madinat Jumeirah, this event is dedicated to the crypto and blockchain ecosystem but draws a significant fintech presence. Attendees can expect keynote speeches from top Web3 leaders, deep-dive panel discussions on trends like DeFi, tokenisation and digital assets, as well as hands-on workshops and networking lounges. The event also features side events, hackathons, and afterparties across the city, creating a week-long ecosystem of deal-making and community building.
Networking reality check:
Investor-driven events: These gatherings are characterised by a fast-paced pitch environment with minimal downtime. Be prepared with a compelling elevator pitch to capture attention quickly.
High competition: Given the influx of startups, standing out can be challenging. Pre-scheduled meetings and targeted networking sessions can enhance visibility and engagement.
The scaling fintech looking to expand regionally
You need: Regional partnerships, insights into market specifics and understanding of regulatory landscapes.
Ideal networking style: Structured networking, regulatory discussions and market expansion insights.
Best events:
Money20/20 Middle East (Riyadh): Debuting in September, Money20/20 Middle East will build on the success of its predecessor, 24 Fintech, which attracted over 300 exhibitors and 37,000 visitors. Utilising its signature format this event will offer a diverse line-up of keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking opportunities designed to foster collaboration and innovation within the financial ecosystem.
Hong Kong Fintech Week (Hong Kong): Planned for 3 to 7 November 2025 this event is ideal for those looking to expand into China, Hong Kong, or the broader ASEAN region. Attendees can expect comprehensive sessions on payments, blockchain, and digital banking with a large presence from FintechHK and Hong Kong Monetary Association and other government agencies.
India FinTech Forum (Mumbai): While 2025 dates are still to be announced, this forum offers fintechs access to India’s booming market, connecting them with VCs and banks at the forefront of the country’s significant fintech adoption.
Networking reality check:
Structured networking and regulatory focus: These events facilitate in-depth discussions with regulators, making them ideal for fintechs aiming to understand market entry and compliance intricacies.
Region-specific challenges: Conversations often centre on local regulatory environments, market-entry tactics, and scaling challenges. Be prepared for detailed compliance discussions tailored to each region’s nuances.
The established fintech leader or corporate executive
You need: Engagement with regulators, formation of large-scale partnerships and participation in high-level policy discussions.
Ideal networking style: Private networking sessions, VIP roundtables and executive discussions.
Best events:
Abu Dhabi Finance Week (Abu Dhabi): Scheduled for December 2025, this event is MENA’s premier gathering for C-suite executives and regulators. It convenes government bodies and fintech leaders to deliberate on the region’s fintech ecosystem and regulatory landscape.
Seamless Middle East (Dubai): Scheduled for 20 to 22 May 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, this regional event focuses on payments, banking innovation, and digital finance. It’s particularly beneficial for fintechs targeting the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the broader Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets.
Networking reality check:
Exclusive, intimate events: These gatherings often operate on an invite-only basis or feature VIP lounges, providing C-suite access for policy discussions or high-value partnership negotiations.
Time-sensitive networking: Opportunities often arise during private dinners, exclusive roundtables, and tailored one-on-one meetings, making it crucial to seize moments for meaningful connections.
Final thoughts: where should you start?
Events in MENA and Asia have one key thing in common: they combine innovation with regulation. If your goal is global expansion, there’s no better way to meet fintech leaders, investors, and regulators than attending these events. From Dubai to Singapore, the opportunity to expand into new markets begins with the right connections.
If you’re a fintech startup looking for funding or exposure, events such as Fintech Surge / Future Blockchain Summit (Dubai) will give you access to global VCs and regional investors. However, for those deeply involved in payments, banking infrastructure or international financial markets, Abu Dhabi Finance Week should not be missed as it offers the best high-level networking with C-suite executives and financial industry leaders.
If you’re scaling into MENA or Asia, start with Seamless Middle East (Dubai) or Money20/20 Middle East to tap into regional partnerships and meet local leaders. Hong Kong Fintech Week can also provide valuable exposure if you’re looking to work within the global financial ecosystem and build cross-border partnerships.
If you’re an established fintech or bank looking for high-level discussions then most of these events should be on your calendar with the aim to utilise your own dedicated spaces as meeting grounds that fit around the main content and networking initiatives.
After all, these events connect you with policymakers and regulatory bodies at the top of the fintech and financial services industry so make sure you’ve got them fully incorporated into your events strategy and opportunities across MENA and Asia continue to develop.
Expanding globally? Let event tech work for you
No matter your growth stage, fintech events are no longer just about showing up, they’re about leveraging AI-driven networking tools to connect with the right people before you even arrive. See my previous article on how to decipher your event personality to make the most out of your time.
So, if global expansion is on your roadmap, start where the best apps are and if size really does matter start with an event that offers targeted, mid-sized networking. These are often a great alternative to massive expos, with structured but less overwhelming networking for growth-stage fintechs.
Most of all, pack your sneakers, hydrate and get networking. If I’ve missed a fintech-based event where you feel your business gained value from attending please let me know, I’d love to hear your feedback.
Happy eventing!
The post Spending Your Events Budget: From MENA to Asia appeared first on The Fintech Times.
