UAE overtakes UK in global fintech investment rankings

TDT | Manama

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The United Arab Emirates has surged into second place globally for fintech investment, displacing the United Kingdom for the first time on record. This sharp jump follows a $2 billion investment by MGX into the cryptocurrency exchange Binance, propelling the UAE ahead of its traditional Western rival.

The United States retained its top spot with $11 billion raised through over 100 deals in the first half of 2025. The UAE secured $2.2 billion, while the UK lagged slightly behind at $1.5 billion.

Power shift

The rankings, released based on the latest global fintech market data, reflect a significant shift in global capital flows. The UAE’s rise was driven by a single but substantial deal, signalling how strategic investments can rapidly transform national standings in high-growth sectors.

India came close to overtaking the UK as well, collecting $1.4 billion and highlighting a narrowing gap in the global fintech hierarchy. Singapore followed with $798 million, while France and Germany raised $693 million and $668 million respectively.

Fintech gains pace

Despite uneven investment figures, the fintech sector as a whole is showing signs of maturity. Global fintech revenues grew by 21 percent last year, significantly higher than the 13 percent rise seen in 2023.

A study by Boston Consulting Group notes that the sector has entered a new phase, with fintech revenues expected to triple those of traditional finance institutions by 2024.

The UAE’s new position in the rankings underscores a growing trend of non-Western economies gaining ground in the financial technology space. As funding patterns shift and the sector matures, global leadership in fintech is no longer confined to legacy power centers.