The Recap: Leaders In Fintech Awards 2021 With the support of Gold Sponsors EFG Hermes, Life on Screen and Microsoft for Startups Middle East, the Leaders in Fintech Awards 2021 was able to bring together the movers and shakers of what is predicted to be a US$2.5 billion market by the year 2022.

You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

On Thursday, June 10, 2021, at Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk, key players from the MENA region's fintech ecosystem came together for the Leaders in Fintech Awards 2021, an event staged by Entrepreneur Middle East to showcase the individuals and enterprises that are shaping the future of this dynamic industry.

With the support of Gold Sponsors EFG Hermes, Life on Screen and Microsoft for Startups Middle East, the Leaders in Fintech Awards 2021 was able to bring together the movers and shakers of what is predicted to be a US$2.5 billion market by the year 2022.

With the winners ranging from forward-thinking banks to enterprising entrepreneurs, the Leaders in Fintech Awards proved to be a celebration of the innovations that are powering the Middle East's business arena not just today, but into the future as well.

Check out the full list of winners at the Leaders in Fintech Awards 2021 here:

Best Newcomer 24Gold

Best User Experience For Trading CFI Financial

Best Fintech Solution M2P Solutions

Best Insurtech Solution Beema

Best E-Payment Solution PayTabs Egypt

Best Mobile Fintech Solution NowNow Nigeria

Most Innovative Fintech Solution Cashee

Fastest Growth Xare

Best Customer Experience for a Fintech Company Cashew

Best Buy Now Pay Later Platform ValU

Best Personal Finance Platform StashAway

Best Crowdfunding Platform Eureeca

Most Innovative Fintech Company of the Year Century Financial

Most Innovative Bank of the Year The Commercial Bank of Dubai

Fintech Startup of the Year Xare

Fintech Entrepreneur of the Year Sahil Arora, founder and CEO of ZelaaPay

Fintech Leader of the Year Raja Al Mazrouei, Executive Vice President of Fintech Hive at Dubai International Financial Centre

Visionary Leader of the Year Talal Al Ajmi, founder and CEO of VI Markets

Related: The Recap: The E-Business Awards 2021

Starting a Business

Nafas Charts Growth in Qatar with a Vision for Cleaner Air

Nathan Roestandy, co-founder and CEO of Nafas, on scaling the company's air-quality technology with Qatar as a key market for regional growth.

Finance

The Lab Ventures Closes AED124 Million Fund II to Accelerate MENA B2B Innovation

The fund closed in July 2025, backed by Spain's ICO (Instituto de Crédito Oficial), strategic family offices, and successful entrepreneurs across Europe and the Gulf.

Employee Experience & Recruiting

Cracking the Gen Z Code is Easier Than You Think — Here's How To Navigate The Generation Gap At Work

Gen Z are digital natives with minimal experience in formal group settings. Here are 5 tips for enhancing communication with your new hires.

Starting a Business

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum Unveils New Hub - Dubai Founders HQ - to Empower Startups and SMEs

Dubai Founders HQ is located in the 25Hours Hotel at One Central, Dubai World Trade Centre.

Productivity

This Curated Music App Is Designed to Help You Focus

Focus@Will's curated playlists can increase your focus for faster, more accurate work.