Investopia launched its second edition of global talks in Europe, titled ‘Investopia London’ under the theme “UAE-British Financial Services: Partnership for the Future”.

It discussed global investment opportunities in fintech, digital transformation, the new economy, financial markets, and innovative banking services. Additionally, the forum highlighted the key role of global financial markets in stimulating investment and driving sustainable economic development.

The forum was organised by Investopia on Jan.31st, 2024, in London, in the presence of Abdullah Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of Investopia; Bim Afolami, Economic Secretary to the Treasury; Michael Mainelli, Mayor of the City of London; and Jean Fares, CEO of Investopia. It attracted over 200 participants, including leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and economists from around the world.

Bin Touq stated in his speech during the event, “Investopia was launched from the UAE in 2021 to serve as a leading global platform for investment and create promising opportunities in new economic sectors and emerging industries. Through its events and dialogues held in more than eight global cities over the past three years, Investopia focused on familiarising the global investment community with these vital sectors, considering them as future industries that underpin sustainable growth of the global economy.”

“With an aim to discover promising investment opportunities in European markets, Investopia London serves as a new starting point for Investopia global dialogues in Europe. It seeks to identify new and emerging trends in the global investment landscape, facilitate expansion into economic sectors and activities that support sustainability, and address global economic challenges. The focus is on tangible opportunities to build new partnerships, maximising the benefits for the UAE and British business communities, and acquainting participants with investment opportunities in sectors such as fintech, clean energy, and innovation. Additionally, it explores the available opportunities in global financial markets, particularly those in the Abu Dhabi and Dubai financial markets,” he added.

UAE one of the promising markets for investment

Bin Touq said, “The UAE is considered a promising investment destination at both regional and global levels. The business environment in the country has undergone a radical transformation in legislation and economic policies, contributing to an increase in FDI inflows into the UAE. In 2022, the country achieved its highest-ever figure for foreign direct investment inflows, reaching Dhs84 billion ($23 billion), and recorded the second-highest global increase in new foreign investment projects, with a growth rate of 28 percent, following the United States in 2023.”

The UAE Minister of Economy stated, “The fintech sector is a key driver for enhancing innovation and economic growth in the country. The UAE has been keen on encouraging investment in this vital sector and developing it according to the best global standards. It also constitutes an important part of the national strategy for the digital economy, which aims to double the contribution of the digital economy to the country’s GDP from 9.7 percent in 2022 to 19.4 percent over the next ten years in line with the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision, to become a global hub for the new economy.”

The fintech sector is experiencing steady growth in attracting investments, with an expected compound annual growth rate of 17.2 percent to reach $949 billion during the period from 2022 to 2030, according to the latest reports from the Dubai International Financial Centre, in collaboration with Refinitiv, a subsidiary of the London Stock Exchange Group. Lord Michael Mainelli, the Mayor of London, said, “We are delighted to announce our collaboration with Investopia in organising Investopia London.

The economic ties between the United Kingdom and the UAE in the field of financial services have been witnessing dynamic growth, particularly in light of the recently signed MoU aimed at fostering cooperation in this vital sector.” He noted that the Investopia event serves as a significant platform for entrepreneurs, investors, and visionaries to connect and explore potential investment prospects.

He added, “London is a leading global hub when it comes to financial services. In light of the strong economic partnership between both countries, we are fully prepared to strengthen collaboration in multiple areas during the upcoming phase. These include capital markets, wealth management, innovation, green finance, and SME financing. Such efforts will contribute to creating a more conducive environment and fostering the economic growth of both nations.”

Marianne Scicluna, Senior Executive Director of Supervision at Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) stated, “Accompanying the UAE delegation on this visit highlights our commitment to promoting economic development, supporting the financial sector, and developing bilateral relations with all relevant institutions in the United Kingdom.