Fintech Trends 2025 by Region: Where's the Next BIG Opportunity?
17 Jan, 2025
In this episode of the Curiosity Code podcast, Alex interviews Khadija Khartit, a seasoned leader in fintech and digital innovation. As the founder of Sohaara, a platform designed to combine work, skills, and entrepreneurship to empower women, Khadija brings 27 years of global experience in strategy, investments, and management across the US, Africa, and the Middle East. She shares her insights into the rising fintech trends for 2025, focusing on regional differences and opportunities. Khadija explains how mature markets like North America and Europe are shifting from traditional payment systems to more niche solutions such as fintech intersecting with sectors like real estate, health, and education. She also highlights the role of super apps in Asia, the dominance of mobile payments and micro-lending in Africa, and the growing focus on Sharia-compliant fintech and blockchain innovation in the Middle East. The conversation delves into the role of regulation in fintech development, with Khadija emphasizing how governments in emerging markets are working to balance fostering innovation with consumer protection. She discusses how understanding cultural nuances and addressing infrastructure gaps are crucial for success in these regions. Khadija also reflects on the challenges and opportunities for investors, entrepreneurs, and young professionals entering the fintech industry. She emphasizes the importance of building practical skills, leveraging alternative credit scoring, and creating ethical, transparent fintech solutions to drive growth and inclusion globally. Looking ahead, Khadija underscores the transformative potential of fintech to address economic disparities, foster financial inclusion, and create new opportunities across emerging and developed markets. This episode offers a compelling look into the future of financial technology and provides actionable insights for navigating its dynamic landscape.

Alex: Hey everyone, Alex here from the Curiosity Code podcast. Today, we’re excited to welcome Khadija Khartit, a seasoned leader in fintech and digital innovation. As the founder of Sohaara, a platform combining work, skills, and entrepreneurship to empower women, Khadija brings 27 years of global experience in strategy, investments, and management across the US, Africa, and the Middle East. Khadija, it’s great to have you here. To start, can you tell us what trends you see shaping fintech in 2025 across different regions?

Khadija: Thank you, Alex. Thank you very much for inviting me. I’ve been following fintech trends closely for many years, especially as a teacher and advisor for fintech startups. The fintech landscape has evolved significantly, from the early days of payments and remittances to more sophisticated sectors like prop tech, wealth tech, and now intersections with AI, health, real estate, and education. In the US and Europe, where markets are more mature, opportunities lie in niche solutions and combining fintech with strategic sectors. For example, I see growth opportunities in fintech intersecting with climate or construction, areas that remain underserved but have massive potential.

Alex: That’s fascinating. What about regions like Asia, Africa, and the Middle East? Are there specific trends or opportunities unique to these areas?

Khadija: Absolutely. In Asia, super apps like Grab and Ant are dominating the fintech space, offering embedded financial services to millions. These apps have created ecosystems where fintech services are seamlessly integrated into daily life. In Africa, mobile payments, micro-lending, and financial inclusion are driving growth. Africa’s youth population and mobile phone penetration make it an exciting market, but infrastructure challenges persist. For example, there’s a significant gap in broadband connectivity, which limits access to financial services in some areas. The Middle East, on the other hand, is seeing growth in wealth management fintech, Sharia-compliant solutions, and blockchain innovation. Initiatives like the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) have fostered innovation, creating opportunities for partnerships and new business models.

Alex: Regulation often plays a big role in fintech growth. How do you see regulatory landscapes shaping opportunities in these regions?

Khadija: Regulation is a key factor. Governments in emerging markets are increasingly supportive of fintech innovation, balancing consumer protection with fostering growth. In the Middle East, for instance, there are clear regulations for Sharia-compliant fintech, which is a big opportunity for companies targeting Islamic finance. In Africa, we see a push for financial inclusion through alternative credit scoring and partnerships with telecom companies. In regions like Southeast Asia, regulatory sandboxes are helping startups test new ideas while ensuring compliance. Regulation in these regions is evolving to encourage collaboration and experimentation while addressing local priorities and constraints.

Alex: What advice would you give to investors or entrepreneurs looking to enter these emerging fintech markets?

Khadija: My advice is to focus on partnerships and deep market understanding. For investors, combining local expertise with international experience is crucial. Entrepreneurs should look at intersections of fintech with sectors like agriculture, education, and health. Addressing local challenges, such as credit scoring gaps or infrastructure limitations, can create impactful and scalable solutions. Also, spend time understanding the cultural nuances and building trust with local partners. That’s often the key to success in emerging markets.

Alex: What skills or knowledge should young professionals entering fintech focus on to stay competitive in 2025?

Khadija: Practical skills and domain expertise are key. If you’re coming from finance, master your area deeply—whether it’s lending, payments, or risk. If you’re coming from tech, focus on building tools that solve real-world problems. Soft skills, such as emotional intelligence and critical thinking, are also essential in the AI era. These skills will differentiate you from others in the market. Most importantly, stay curious and constantly update yourself on industry trends and innovations. Being authentic and asking the right questions can make a huge difference in your career.

Alex: Thank you, Khadija. Your insights are invaluable, and I’m sure our listeners will find this conversation inspiring. Any final thoughts?

Khadija: Thank you, Alex. I’d just encourage everyone to stay curious, ask questions, and look for opportunities at the intersections of fintech and other industries. Fintech has the potential to drive real change and inclusion globally, and the possibilities are endless if we approach it with the right mindset.

Alex: Thank you so much, Khadija. And to our listeners, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe. See you next time!

Khadija: Thank you. Happy holidays, everyone!