FCI's Regional Director, Ms Betül Kurtulus, will be speaking at the upcoming GTR Saudi Arabia 2022, taking place on 31 May in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Betül will be joining a panel discussion on Transforming SMEs and achieving financial inclusion, taking place from 11.10-11.50 am, along with moderator Hani Al Maskati (Founder; Cash Management Matters) and fellow panellists Majed Alanazi (Head of Trade Finance; Alinma Bank), Carlos Teixeira (Global Industry Principal; Finastra).

Support for SMEs is central to Saudi’s ambitious plans for future growth, with the sector accounting for 90% of companies and 60% of total employment but only 20% of GDP, well below the stated target of 35%. However, limited access to credit and lack of funding opportunities provide obstacles to growth, whilst the impact of the pandemic has impacted the funding of start-ups, particularly those in sectors unable to keep up with digital transformation. This panel will discuss the current landscape for SMEs and the transformative nature of fintech in overcoming challenges and achieving growth, addressing the following:

• How can banks, fintech and other providers leverage the government’s developing SME support infrastructure to offer more liquidity to the sector?
• How are the new digital documentation laws from the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) likely to impact the trade finance market in areas such as LCs and guarantees?
• What more can be done to move to full digitalisation, and what government and private initiatives are feeding into this?
• Are more fintech partnering with banks and corporates to disintermediate the financing space and provide direct access to funding for SMEs?
• What role do SMEs have to play in the stated desire for the private sector to help shift the Saudi economy away from oil dependency? Are we seeing the growth of a true ecosystem to achieve this?

FCI Member Discounts & Registration

As a supporting partner of GTR Saudi Arabia, we have a limited number of 20% discounted passes for our members. For new registrations only. To redeem this discount, please contact Elisabeth Spry at espry@gtreview.com.

About the event

Global Trade Review is excited to be making the journey to Riyadh to host a special one-day event focused on the many exciting developments within the world of Saudi trade and exports.

Enjoying the highest level of support from the trade and banking community across the Kingdom and beyond, the event will offer unrivalled insights into the latest exciting market developments, from the importance of Vision 2030 to financial inclusion and digitisation initiatives, supply chains, ESG, mega-projects such as Neom and the role of Saudi EXIM Bank in growing non-oil exports. In addition to an extensive programme of expert speakers, the event will include a full exhibition and a crucial opportunity for participants to network and connect.

Discover more by clicking here.