Innovation, Inclusion, and Impact: The Future of MENA Finance

Episode notes

MENA is rapidly becoming one of the most dynamic regions for fintech innovation, overtaking traditional leaders in global rankings. In this episode of The Issuer Academy , host Merusha Naidu speaks with Godfrey Sullivan, SVP of Products & Solutions at Visa CEMEA, and Jeff Parker, CEO of Paymentology, about the forces shaping this transformation. They discuss the region’s unique combination of ambition, resources, and regulatory support, as well as the challenges of cultural diversity and the need for trust-based relationships. From digital banks scaling at record speeds, to cross-border remittances and new approaches to credit inclusion, to the rise of stablecoins and AI, the conversation highlights how partnerships between Visa and Paymentology are enabling fintechs to innovate faster and more responsibly. The episode underscores the importance of simplicity, customer choice, and collaboration in creating a more inclusive financial ecosystem across MENA and beyond.