Saudi Arabia’s open banking strategy a game-changer

Saudi Arabia’s open banking strategy a game-changer
In May 2022, SAMA went live with its open banking initiative, transforming the future of financial technology in the Kingdom and the wider region. (File)
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Updated 27 May 2024
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Saudi Arabia’s open banking strategy a game-changer

Saudi Arabia’s open banking strategy a game-changer
  • Initiative enables customers to securely share their data with third parties

CAIRO: Saudi Arabia’s embracing of open banking has transformed the region’s financial ecosystem, according to a top fintech CEO.

In an interview with Arab News, Abdulla Al-Moayed, head of Tarabut, praised the Kingdom’s central bank for its inclusive regulatory impact on the financial sector. 

In May 2022, the institution, also known as SAMA, went live with its open banking initiative, which has altered the future of financial technology in the Kingdom and the wider region.

Open banking is a technological innovation that enables customers to securely share their data with third parties.

“Open banking changes the very nature of relationships across the financial ecosystem for Saudi Arabia and for the region as a whole. This is only a good thing,” said Al-Moayed.

Echoing those sentiments, CEO of US-based fintech MoneyHash Nader Abdelrazik, told Arab News: “Open banking (in Saudi Arabia) will significantly catalyze the relationship between banks and fintech, and it will open up a multitude of business use-cases.” 

He added: “Banking and finance innovation is highly dependent on access and adoption of open data frameworks. Once these frameworks are in place, not only the existing banks and fintechs will collaborate more, but it will also attract more banks and fintechs to expand to the market and embed their solutions.” 

Abdelrazik believes this will increase the economy’s digital sophistication and competitiveness, “but the real winner here is the consumer.”  

In its Open Banking Policy report, SAMA said its initiatives focus on “nurturing the rise of digital technologies and their impact on the new financial services enabled by them, as well as building the regulatory framework needed to adopt these initiatives.” 

The release further stated: “This opens the door to create and offer new financial services. Therefore, SAMA sees open banking as a pivotal role in the further development of the Kingdom’s financial sector.”

Al-Moayed explained that SAMA’s efforts to standardize application programming interfaces or APIs, are enhancing the country’s monetary platforms, which aim to broaden financial inclusion by facilitating secure, seamless, and affordable access to services and advice. 

APIs allow different software applications to communicate with each other, facilitating the integration and sharing of data and functions. 

“Standardized APIs enable interoperability between providers, leading to a more cohesive financial ecosystem,” Al-Moayed said. 

Open banking changes the very nature of relationships across the financial ecosystem for Saudi Arabia and for the region as a whole.

Abdulla Al-Moayed, Head of Tarabut

“This allows for the development of innovative financial services and products that can cater to a wider range of customer needs. By opening access to financial data, these APIs are fostering an environment of innovation, allowing fintech startups to focus on end-user problems; away from the worries of connectivity and access to data,” he added. 

Being one of the region’s leading providers of APIs, Tarabut has set a prime example for others to follow. 

“Our mission is to enable the connections necessary to expand financial inclusion for everyone, by building the infrastructure that enables secure, seamless, and inexpensive financial services and advice. As with all financial and personal data, we should be clear that trust, security, and safety are a non-negotiable part of the process,” Al-Moayed stated. 

Regarding security, the CEO highlighted: “At Tarabut, we take a series of continuous steps to ensure security, such as ensuring that all transactions and data access requests are authenticated using multiple factors to enhance security, as well as the requirements to also employ state-of-the-art encryption standards to protect data during transmission and storage.” 

He further explained: “Data access controls, such as implementing strict controls on who can access specific data and for what purpose, ensure that customer data is not misused.” 

Al-Moayed adde: “There are also continuous and regular compliance checks and audits to ensure that all participants in the open banking ecosystem adhere to the highest security standards and regulatory requirements.” 

He also underscored the collaborative effort with SAMA during the regulatory sandbox period, which showcased the potential of open banking to transform financial accessibility.

Fostering symbiotic relationships 

“Looking at Saudi Arabia, we see a nationwide ambition to promote a symbiotic relationship between banks and fintechs, by enabling data sharing and the adoption of innovative technology solutions,” Al-Moayed said. 

“Banks provide fintech companies with access to valuable financial data with customer consent, and the fintechs and the banks can work together to create more personalized and innovative financial products,” he added.    

Al-Moayed explained that banks looking to partner with a fintech company could lead to new revenue streams and open up customer segments, enhancing their market reach and product offerings — as well as ensuring adaptability and innovation for the young, digitally-native population
of the Kingdom.  

“Together, banks and fintech can reach underserved segments of the population, as well as those who could benefit from improved awareness and access to different services, providing each with the many benefits and impacts that are inaccessible by traditional means,” he said.

Safeguarding consumer data 

According to Al-Moayed, SAMA has established a robust legal framework essential for safeguarding consumer data, which mandates explicit consent before sharing financial information with third-party providers. 

“SAMA have rightfully identified consumer data protection and privacy as crucial for consumer trust and participation,” stated Al-Moayed.  

He elaborated that this approach not only provides consumers control over their personal information but also “gives consumers control over their data, including the right to know how their information is being used and the ability to revoke access at any time, builds trust and encourages participation in the open banking ecosystem,” which is vital for building trust within the banking sector. 

“We believe this is a critical part of the trust-building process for banking customers across Saudi Arabia. By making it clear to people that every person is the true owner of their data, they can feel empowered to make the best access decisions for their personal needs,” he added.

A smooth transition 

As the Kingdom transitions toward open banking, traditional banks are seizing the opportunity to redefine their roles.  

“We have been hugely impressed by the vision and appetite for transformation from banks across the Kingdom,” Al-Moayed expressed.  

He explained that financial institutes are transitioning from being mere custodians of customer funds to becoming more integral participants in their customers’ financial lives. 

“The banks we partner with truly see open banking as so much more than a new series of regulations to comply with,” he said. 

“Recognizing the value of innovation brought by fintech startups, like ours, many banks are forming partnerships and collaborations to leverage the best available technology to enhance their offerings,” Al-Moayed added. 

MoneyHash’s Abdelrazik stated that traditional banking will continue to thrive and be active, at least in the short term.  

“But with the rise of open banking and numerous opportunities in the fintech sphere, banks implementing a robust digital strategy, and leveraging strategic alliances with fintechs, can be much more competitive and agile to this dynamic market,” he added.


NEOM partners with GMT Robotics to revolutionize construction

NEOM partners with GMT Robotics to revolutionize construction
Updated 12 December 2024
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NEOM partners with GMT Robotics to revolutionize construction

NEOM partners with GMT Robotics to revolutionize construction

RIYADH: NEOM has signed a landmark investment agreement with GMT Robotics, one of Europe’s leading innovators in advanced construction technology, to accelerate the delivery of its capital projects, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.

The deal, spearheaded by the NEOM Investment Fund, seeks to integrate robotics in construction. This collaboration highlights NEOM’s role as a trailblazer in modern construction techniques, including automation and robotics.

GMT Robotics, based in Copenhagen, specializes in robotic systems designed for the rebar market. Its robotic rebar cage assembly and handling systems significantly improve both productivity and safety in construction.

By reducing onsite workforce requirements by up to 90 percent through offsite prefabrication, GMT Robotics enhances efficiency while maintaining high safety standards.

Majid Mufti, CEO of NEOM Investment Fund, commented: “Our investment in GMT Robotics reflects NEOM’s commitment to advancing transformative technologies that will unlock next-generation industries. By localizing these cutting-edge technologies, we are laying the foundation for sustainable development, creating high-skilled jobs, and fostering the growth of commercially viable sectors. Partnerships like this are critical to turning NEOM’s visionary goals into reality, solidifying its position as a global innovation hub.”

As part of the agreement, the technology will be localized within NEOM, with rebar cages to be produced in local factories. This initiative also opens up new opportunities for Saudi engineers to apply robotics to other areas of construction.

Bandar Ashrour, sector head of design and construction at NEOM, added: “Aligning construction technology startups with NEOM’s ambitious goals is essential to our strategy. GMT’s expertise in robotics offers unprecedented efficiency, consistency, and sustainability in construction. We look forward to a dynamic collaboration that will contribute to safer, more sustainable infrastructure and enhance the next generation of NEOM-built assets.”

This partnership is yet another milestone in NIF’s strategic investment efforts, which focus on supporting NEOM’s sector strategies by fostering innovative technologies, establishing new businesses, and creating jobs to drive economic growth in the region.

The global market for construction robotics, valued at $168.2 million in 2022, is projected to grow over 360 percent to reach $774.6 million by 2032.


‘Uplifting’ Gulf development model will return to US, Eric Trump predicts

‘Uplifting’ Gulf development model will return to US, Eric Trump predicts
Updated 12 December 2024
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‘Uplifting’ Gulf development model will return to US, Eric Trump predicts

‘Uplifting’ Gulf development model will return to US, Eric Trump predicts
  • Security and stability make Saudi Arabia a safe bet
  • ‘Sky’s the limit’ in GCC, says Trump

RIYADH: The mindset in the Gulf region that fosters the development of iconic projects is “uplifting” and will make its way back to the US under Donald Trump’s next presidency, Eric Trump told Arab News on Thursday.

The president-elect’s second son, who serves as executive vice president of the Trump Organization, praised the region for its innovative approach, which he believes defies common misconceptions held by Western nations.

During a visit to the Saudi capital following an official launch event in Jeddah for a new Trump Tower, Eric Trump suggested that the Gulf’s no-limits mentality is something that the incoming US president will adopt.

“It’s a different mindset in the Gulf, and that mindset is going to return to America, believe me, in the next four years under my father. But that mindset really, it’s uplifting. It’s almost empowering. It makes you want to come over here and do something really great. And it kind of makes you want to say no to those other countries where it’s just impossible to navigate the political system. They’re just too cumbersome. They’re too lethargic.”

Trump went on to explain that Gulf countries actively encourage developers to realize their grand visions, offering not just permits but also support for larger, more ambitious projects.

 

“They tell you, ‘not only are we going to give you the permits, but we actually want you to make your project bigger. We want you to make it even more iconic. We want you to make it more luxurious. We want you to attract the greatest restaurants and the greatest amenities. Sky’s the limit.’ And that's a beautiful thing for a developer,” he said.

He also revealed that the Trump Organization is planning additional projects in Riyadh, though he did not disclose further details.

The Trump Organization has lent its branding to several properties across the Gulf region, including a hotel and golf club in Oman, a golf club and tower in Dubai, and most recently, the Jeddah hotel. Trump Tower Jeddah is being developed in partnership with Saudi developer Dar Global, with the two companies having previously collaborated on projects in Oman and Dubai.

Praising Saudi Arabia’s safety and political stability, Trump said: “Obviously, the people in this country love us, love our company, love our brand, love what we stand for. We have so much unbelievable support in this amazing country.”

Dar Global CEO Ziad El Chaar speaks to Arab News during an interview on Thursday. AN photo

Ziad El Chaar, CEO of Dar Global, told Arab News that the Trump brand is synonymous with success. “The Trump name is a global brand that people attach to it always a very big sense of success,” he said.

“You can see the projects of Trump; they always feature the best material, the best design, and are really created for a great living experience and customer experience.”

Eric Trump’s visit to the Kingdom came after attending a cryptocurrency conference in Abu Dhabi earlier in the week.

 

The Trump family has ties to a new cryptocurrency called World Liberty Financial, and Donald Trump has pledged to launch a strategic national crypto stockpile during his second term.

Bitcoin’s value surged following Trump's election win in November, and this week it surpassed the $100,000 mark for the first time.


Islamic Trade Finance Corp. allocates $566m to back Uzbekistan’s local banks

Islamic Trade Finance Corp. allocates $566m to back Uzbekistan’s local banks
Updated 12 December 2024
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Islamic Trade Finance Corp. allocates $566m to back Uzbekistan’s local banks

Islamic Trade Finance Corp. allocates $566m to back Uzbekistan’s local banks

RIYADH: Thirteen banks in Uzbekistan have secured a combined $566 million in financing through a key initiative by the International Islamic Trade Finance Corp., a member of the Islamic Development Bank Group.

The funding aims to foster job creation, drive economic development, and empower local communities, according to a report by the Saudi Press Agency.

ITFC is committed to using these funds to support the private sector’s import and pre-export requirements, with a particular focus on small and medium-sized enterprises, which are vital to the country's economic growth and resilience.

This initiative aligns with the ITFC's broader mission to provide integrated trade solutions to member countries of the Islamic Development Bank. The institution, which currently has 57 member states, is primarily funded by Saudi Arabia, the largest shareholder with a 22.5 percent stake in the corporation.

The funds will specifically target SMEs, which are globally recognized as key drivers of economic growth. The ITFC has already provided over $69 billion in financing to the member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, solidifying its position as a leading provider of trade solutions within the OIC community.

In addition to financial support, ITFC also focuses on improving access to trade finance and offering technical assistance programs. These efforts equip member-state entities with the tools they need to compete successfully in the global marketplace.


Closing Bell: Saudi main index sheds 50 points to 12,099

Closing Bell: Saudi main index sheds 50 points to 12,099
Updated 12 December 2024
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Closing Bell: Saudi main index sheds 50 points to 12,099

Closing Bell: Saudi main index sheds 50 points to 12,099

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index continued its downward trend for the second consecutive day on Thursday as it shed 49.86 points or 0.41 percent to close at 12,099.33. 

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR4.77 billion ($1.27 billion), with 101 of the listed stocks advancing while 123 declined. 

The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu also slipped by 0.57 percent to 31,100.89, while the MSCI Tadawul Index shed 7.37 points to close at 1,519.01. 

Sumou Real Estate Co. was the best-performing stock of the day. The company’s share price soared by 9.98 percent to SR44.65. 

Zamil Industrial Investment Co. was another top gainer, as the firm’s share price increased by 6.62 percent to SR33.80.

Meanwhile, the share price of Al-Baha Investment and Development Co. increased by 6.45 percent to SR0.33, and Saudia Dairy and Foodstuff Co. also advanced by 5.88 percent to SR360.

Conversely, Makkah Construction and Development Co.’s share price slipped by 3.04 percent to SR114.80. 

The best performer on the parallel market was Riyadh Steel Co., as its share price increased by 17.37 percent to SR2.50. 

Other top performers on Nomu were Dar Almarkabah for Renting Cars Co. whose share prices increased by 12.90 percent to SR70 while Watani Iron Steel Co.’s share prices grew by 12.20 percent to SR3.03.

On the announcements front, Almasane Alkobra Mining Co. revealed that it received a license from the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources to explore chromium, manganese, copper, and nickel in the Al-Baha region. 

In a statement to Tadawul, the mining firm said the license is valid until Dec. 10, 2029. 

The company added that the timing of any potential development of this license will become clear after the completion of exploration work and studies within the legal period. 

AMAK’s share price, however, slipped by 2.49 percent to SR70.40. 


Saudi Green Building Forum achieves permanent observer status with UNCCD

Saudi Green Building Forum achieves permanent observer status with UNCCD
Updated 12 December 2024
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Saudi Green Building Forum achieves permanent observer status with UNCCD

Saudi Green Building Forum achieves permanent observer status with UNCCD

RIYADH: The Saudi Green Building Forum SGBF has been granted permanent observer status by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.

This recognition underscores the Forum’s substantial contributions to advancing sustainable building practices and the Kingdom’s leadership in global environmental efforts.

The decision follows the forum’s prior pending status, which was resolved with the announcement of the final decision at COP16, held in Riyadh.

“This process takes months leading up to COP, during which the organization must demonstrate its engagement with clear justifications, specific goals, and evidence of its work within the community,” Faisal Al-Fadl, secretary-general of SGBF, told Arab News.

The SGBF’s involvement aligns with the provisions outlined in the UNCCD’s internal regulations, specifically concerning observer status, as defined in Article 22 and the COP rules, according to a press release.

SGBF was among the 473 organizations officially accredited during COP16, reflecting the international collaboration and commitment to combating desertification showcased at the conference.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy to integrate scientific and community-based approaches to environmental management.

Al-Fadl explained that under the UNCCD’s processes, rules, and regulations — agreed upon by its member states — any organization seeking observer status must participate in the COP.

The COP, hosted by the member state, is responsible for deciding whether to approve or deny the request for observer status.

“We set up a pavilion dedicated to the event, where each day highlighted a specific sustainable development goal. At SGBF, we actively promote SDGs as part of our consultative status with the United Nations,” Al-Fadl said.

He continued: “Green building is all about renewable energy, clean water, eco-friendly materials, and green infrastructure that supports the human experience. This concept is applied not just to buildings, but to neighborhoods and cities.”

Al-Fadl emphasized that SGBF’s work closely aligns with the SDGs, which encompass social, environmental, and economic sustainability. This is also in harmony with Saudi Vision 2030, which serves as the foundation for the Kingdom’s national SDGs.

“We capitalized on our accreditation, bringing more than 100 delegates and speakers, including high-level representatives, youth, and women. We are incredibly proud of this opportunity to engage on such a meaningful platform,” Al-Fadl said.

He added: “This has also provided an opportunity for many consultants, who might not have had the chance otherwise, to participate. Our accreditation is especially significant for the nonprofit and non-governmental sector, enabling us to engage with civil society, whether private entrepreneurs or young individuals.”

Al-Fadl further highlighted the chance to showcase the Forum’s partnerships with various entities, including government organizations. “For example, we signed agreements with the Ministry of Environment and nonprofit organizations, as well as achieving accreditation across Gulf states,” he noted.

The UNCCD also extended its accreditation to other organizations, including the Environment and Desertification Association and the Weather and Climate Association, after a thorough evaluation of their submitted documents.

Dedicated to combating land desertification, the UNCCD fosters partnerships between developed and developing nations, focusing on technology and knowledge-sharing for effective land management.

With 195 member states, the UNCCD aims to improve living conditions, enhance land productivity, and mitigate the impacts of drought while promoting public engagement in combating desertification and advancing sustainable development.