The MENA Fintech Association (MFTA) and the Swiss Fintech Association (SFTA) have signed a strategic partnership agreement aimed at accelerating cross-border collaboration, strengthening financial innovation ecosystems, and fostering deeper global integration in fintech.
The memorandum of understanding, signed in Abu Dhabi, brings together two influential industry bodies representing key financial hubs in the Middle East and Europe. The agreement is expected to facilitate knowledge exchange, joint initiatives, and expanded opportunities for fintech firms operating across both regions.
The signing was attended by Switzerland’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, Arthur Mattli, highlighting the growing importance of bilateral cooperation in financial services and digital innovation.
“This strategic MOU between the Swiss FinTech Association in Zurich and the MENA Fintech Association in Dubai creates a powerful cross-border corridor for wealth, innovation, and digital finance,” said SFTA President Philip J. Weights. “It establishes a bridge between two of the world’s most prominent financial technology hubs.”
The partnership reflects a broader push within the fintech industry to build interconnected ecosystems that can support scaling startups, regulatory alignment, and the flow of capital and talent across borders.
Nameer Khan, Chairman of the MENA Fintech Association, described the agreement as a step toward shaping the future of financial services through collaboration. “This alliance is a defining step toward deepening cross-border collaboration and co-creating the future of financial innovation between our two ecosystems,” he said.
The alliance comes as fintech adoption accelerates globally, with regions such as the Middle East positioning themselves as emerging innovation centers, while Switzerland continues to leverage its longstanding strength in banking, wealth management, and financial infrastructure.
By linking these complementary ecosystems, the two associations aim to create new pathways for startups, investors, and institutions to collaborate, scale, and drive innovation across markets.