Digital Finance and Transformation in the Gulf

Fintech, Digital Finance & the GCC: Navigating a New Era

The Gulf Cooperation Council is at the forefront of a sweeping financial transformation — driven by bold regulation, cutting-edge technology, and a clear vision for sustainable growth. This volume, originating from the Gulf Research Meeting (GRM) 2025 at the University of Cambridge, offers students and professionals a rigorous yet accessible window into that transformation.

Drawing on empirical research across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and beyond, the book examines the forces reshaping modern finance: open banking, digital literacy, financial inclusion, Shari'ah-compliant innovation, and smart contracts. Spanning economics, law, sustainability, and technology, it connects theory to real-world outcomes — showing how the GCC navigates cybersecurity threats and cross-border regulatory complexity while positioning itself as a global leader in digital, sustainable finance.