At some of our previous MEA Finance, Leaders in Payments Conference we have asked the question whether payments evolution has either reached its apex or is entering a slower and more sedate period of development. The answer from our esteemed panelists has always been an emphatic – No! The evolution of payments across our region remains ongoing at pace, and despite the days big geo-political issues, it may, after a period of reduced normality, and as with earlier times of challenge, be spurred into speedier development and innovation.

Payments are becoming more than only agile, intuitive and convenient, but also, as these features become more deeply embedded, they can now have real positive influences for economies and societies as efficiencies aid productivity and foster greater inclusion. However, this general positivity does not come without old and new potential downsides that require monitoring or control. BNPL for example is a helpful facility for both customers and merchants, but might it lead to higher levels of public indebtedness, and how do the new businesses running this service scale to accommodate market growth? Agentic Payments is set to bring better money management and optimised spending for consumers, but will it successfully navigate privacy and compliance issues or unexpected, even misaligned purchases?

The discussions set to take place at the 2026 MEA Finance, Leaders in Payments Summit will, as always, be from and about the leading edge of this vital economic function in our region’s economies.

Taking a clear and definitive role in this conference is your best opportunity to be clearly visible as one of our region’s leaders of payments at this very special time