Fintech Ecosystem Advancement in EEMEA: Amnah Ajmal, Executive Vice President of Market Development at Mastercard
“Driving Fintech Growth in EEMEA: Amnah Ajmal, Executive Vice President of Market Development at Mastercard, Leads Innovation and Collaboration”
The Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (EEMEA) fintech ecosystem is thriving. The sector is poised to surpass $2.5 billion this year, and startups across the region are securing substantial investments. Driving the fintech ecosystem in EEMEA is Mastercard, a global leader in payments and technology. Through acquisitions, partnerships and its commitment to fostering innovation, Mastercard is shaping the fintech ecosystem in EEMEA.
Mastercard is investing in its internal capabilities to stay current with fintech innovations. However, the organization understands that buying other companies strategically is crucial to keeping pace in fintech and better serving customers’ evolving needs across EEMEA. Mastercard’s recent buys include SessionM, a loyalty provider for companies like Starbucks and L’Oreal that personalizes experiences in real-time, and cryptocurrency intelligence firm CipherTrace, which provides insights into 900 cryptocurrencies. Mastercard’s EVP of Market Development for EEMEA Amnah Ajmal discussed how these capabilities will drive digital transformation and inclusion when integrated with Mastercard’s data, network and infrastructure.
Along with buying companies, Mastercard collaborates with retailers, telcos, governments, banks, and established fintech players to address the needs of startups and SMEs. Mastercard provides fintech companies with assets like loyalty solutions, artificial intelligence that can assist with data monetization, and cyber risk assets, supporting the growth of the fintech community. The organization is helping startups and SMEs scale their business by connecting them with larger companies and incorporating them into Mastercard’s products and capabilities.
Mastercard’s commitment to collaboration in the fintech space is also evident in its upcoming event, “Collaborate to Innovate,” on September 28th and 29th, 2022. The event will bring together leaders from a variety of sectors across Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa to discuss leadership, digital landscapes, and business opportunities. Startups will also have the chance to pitch their ideas to a panel of judges. Winners can expect to gain access to Mastercard’s product suites as well as a network of experts.
Within EEMEA’s fintech industry, Mastercard is helping to connect people to possibilities and businesses to opportunities, driving innovation and collaboration across the digital ecosystem.
