Edinburgh Business School (EBS) at Heriot-Watt University in Dubai has joined forces with the MENA Fintech Association (MFTA) to collaborate on a range of initiatives and programs related to fintech and sustainability.
An agreement aims to increase engagement among students and executives. It also aims to drive innovation, accelerate the adoption of new technologies, and prepare the next generation of fintech and sustainability professionals.
The MoU calls for collaboration and partnership in a broad variety of areas, including the exchange of knowledge and expertise, the development and delivery of educational programs in fintech and sustainable finance, joint research projects, seminars and conferences, and students’ internships and mentorships with MENA Fintech members.
The collaboration between EBS and the MFTA also helps expand EBS’s partnership with the fintech industry, leveraging the ideas and resources accessible to both parties, and enhancing students’ learning experience.
Fintech in MENA
MFTA is an inclusive, not-for-profit association that fosters an open dialogue for the MENA fintech community, shaping the future of financial services in the region. The association also dedicates itself to promoting and supporting the growth of the fintech industry in the MENA region. This MoU aligns with EBS’s vision to expand its partnership with the fintech industry as well as improve the quality of education for students in Dubai.
A recent study by Saudi Arabian technology venture capital fund STV predicts that MENA will see 45 unicorns worth over $100 billion by 2030. On the sustainability front, the UAE will host the UN Climate Change Conference COP 28, with organisations accelerating their efforts to drive environment-friendly, and inclusive workplaces and cities.
Fintech companies will play a crucial role in promoting financial inclusion, green finance, digital payments, blockchain, and data intelligence to create a more sustainable world.
The agreement
University officials and MENA Fintech representatives, including Ronit Ghose, future of finance chair at MENA Fintech Association, and Dr. Jelena Janjusevic, associate professor for finance and academic head of accountancy, economic and finance (Dubai) at EBS, signed the MoU.
Dr. Janjusevic said: “This partnership offers our students a one-of-a-kind opportunity to acquire hands-on experience in fintech, sustainable finance, and other current business trends, as well as to learn from the field’s foremost experts.”
Nameer Khan, chairman, MFTA, concluded: “We are convinced that this partnership will unlock a host of opportunities to ideate, co-innovate, and create jobs in an industry that constantly needs new talents.”
