DIFC FinTech Hive’s accelerator programmes returns

DIFC FinTech Hive, the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region’s first and largest financial technology accelerator, has announced the dates for the first sprint of its 2022 FinTech Accelerator programme, which will run until 7 July 2022.

The DIFC FinTech Accelerator program connects the region’s most innovative start-ups with the region’s largest financial industry banks and insurance companies for partnership opportunities, investor exposure, mentorship, and more.

Participating start-ups will be matched with suitable partners during the sprint, after which they will have the opportunity to pitch their business idea to senior stakeholders of leading financial partners in the Middle East.

Commenting on the programme, Raja Al Mazrouei, Executive Vice President of DIFC FinTech Hive, said: “Every year our accelerator programmes attract the most promising talent in the financial services sector. Our programmes have become widely recognised for their beneficial impact with participants bringing their most innovative ideas to positively impact the UAE’s financial services landscape while bolstering our position as a global financial centre and a leading innovation hub.”

The program’s first week will begin with a five-day bootcamp that will include workshops delivered by industry experts and thought leaders on a variety of topics such as local laws and regulations, upcoming market trends, technology trends, recruitment, and funding.

This year, 20 start-ups focusing on solutions ranging from RegTech and compliance to blockchain-based payment solutions have been chosen to participate in the program’s first sprint under the theme ‘Impact and Sustainability.’ They will address a wide range of issues, such as crypto, digital asset wallets, InvesTech, and others, that will shape the future of the financial services sector.

HSBC, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB), Al Masraf, Mashreq, ZURICH, Emirates NBD, VISA, Emirates Post Group, Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company (ADNIC), and ADCB are among the participants in the 2022 FinTech Accelerator programme.

Along with the 2022 FinTech Accelerator program, DIFC FinTech Hive’s AccelerateHER program will continue to empower young female talent to play a more active role in shaping the financial services industry’s future. The cohort for this year will also attend the five-day bootcamp.

AccelerateHER, which is sponsored by HSBC this year, has received a record number of applications. This reflects the program’s growing popularity and wide recognition for the valuable benefits it offers participants, such as providing young aspiring executives with the tools and experience they need to broaden their knowledge and reach in the industry.

Throughout the month of the program, this year’s AccelerateHER cohort will also benefit from a number of soft skills workshops. This year’s AccelerateHER program will hold a second sprint in September, concurrent with the FinTech Accelerator program’s second sprint.