Key Takeaways from Money20/20 Middle East: Building Financial Literacy, AI Readiness, and Inclusive Leadership in Riyadh

As the global financial ecosystem evolves, Money20/20 Middle East became a powerful stage for dialogue, collaboration, and reflection on the future of finance — and CFTE was proud to be at its centre.

 

Over three days, CFTE’s Co-founder and Chairwoman of Global Women in AI (GWAI), Tram Anh Nguyen, participated in pivotal conversations exploring how financial literacy, innovation, and inclusion are shaping the next chapter of growth across the region.

1. Financial Literacy is Becoming National Infrastructure

The first conversation, “From Oil to Ownership: Financial Literacy as the Cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Fintech Revolution”, highlighted a major shift in perspective: financial literacy is no longer a social good — it’s an essential layer of economic infrastructure.

Joined by Naif AbuSaida (Hakbah), Abdullah Alandas (Wadaie), and Turky Kabarah (Saudi Central Bank), Tram Anh explored how Saudi Arabia is embedding financial literacy into fintech, regulation, and youth engagement.

“Financial literacy is not optional. It is the foundation of innovation, inclusion, and resilience.”

 

From gamified savings platforms to Sharia-compliant digital products, the discussion showcased how the Kingdom is redefining access to finance — creating a generation of financially capable citizens ready to lead in a digital economy.

2. Women’s Leadership is Redefining AI and FinTech

In “Code, Capital, and Confidence: Women at the Helm of AI and FinTech”, Tram Anh led a conversation with Amira Abdelaziz (Central Bank of Egypt, GWAI Executive Committee) and Saud Swar (Mastercard) on how confidence, collaboration, and inclusion drive transformation.

The session made clear that women are not just participating in AI-driven finance — they’re designing its ethical, innovative, and human-centred future.

“Inclusion is not just a value. It’s a strategy — and women are leading the way.”

 

By fostering mentorship, representation, and policy collaboration, the conversation reinforced that inclusive leadership is a competitive advantage, not a checkbox.

3. From Awareness to Access: Scaling Financial Inclusion

The final discussion, “From Awareness to Access: Building Financial Literacy as Core Infrastructure for Emerging Economies”, brought together voices including Gabriel Nussbaum (The Money Guy), Tunji Andrews (Awabah/PenPay), and Larry Campbell (Digital Cooperation Organization).

Together, they examined how awareness must be paired with access — through public-private partnerships, localised education, and storytelling that builds trust.

“Without financial literacy, even the most advanced innovations risk being underutilised.”

 

The exchange underscored that collaboration between regulators, fintechs, and educators is the key to sustainable financial participation across emerging markets.

4. A Defining Moment: The Launch of Global Women in AI (GWAI)

Money20/20 also marked a milestone for inclusion and AI readiness — the Saudi Opening Celebration of Global Women in AI (GWAI).

 

Launched by Tram Anh Nguyen, GWAI is a movement to ensure women are at the centre of shaping the future of artificial intelligence. The celebration featured voices from across the region, including Amira Abdelaziz and Reem Aljasser, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a global hub for responsible innovation and inclusive growth.

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