Kuwait Maps Fintech Growth Path in 2026

Fintech growth in the Middle East is being driven by widespread smartphone adoption, a young population and government digital-transformation policies. In Iraq, where cash transactions remain prevalent and access to banking services is limited, digital payments and financial inclusion have become key priorities. The Central Bank of Iraq's regulatory approach and cooperation among banks, telecommunications companies and payment providers will be crucial to the market's ability to expand.

The report uses 2026 as its reference point and focuses on digital payments, financial innovation and market opportunities in Iraq. However, the available event data does not disclose the report's publication date, transaction values, user numbers or investment levels. The latest confirmed development is Iraq's inclusion in an analysis of the Middle East's fintech ecosystem, with the country viewed as a market with potential in the region's digital financial transformation.

Jordan has made fintech a pillar of economic modernisation, using digital services to offset limited natural resources and widen access for a young, connected population. Amman anchors the sector, housing the Central Bank of Jordan, major lenders including Arab Bank and much of the startup base. The REACH 2025 digital strategy, internet penetration above 90%, and the Financial Inclusion Strategy for 2023-2028 underpin efforts to serve women, youth, small and medium-sized enterprises and refugee communities.

A Fintech Times review published on April 17, 2026, estimated that Jordan hosts about 200 fintech companies and startups spanning payments, lending, insurtech and digital banking, including MadfooatCom, Liwwa and Dinarak. In 2025, the country recorded more than 184 million digital-payment transactions worth over $38 billion. Real-time systems handled nearly 140 million transfers valued at about $24 billion, while card payments topped 350 million transactions and electronic bill payments exceeded 66 million. JoPACC-operated CliQ and the CBJ regulatory sandbox remain central to expansion.