New leadership steps in as digital asset infrastructure matures and institutional adoption picks up pace across the region
Dubai – UAE: The MENA Fintech Association (MFTA), a leading not-for-profit organization serving fintech startups, financial institutions, and regulators across the Middle East and Africa, today announced the appointment of Meera Judge and Zain Umer as Co-Chairs of its Digital Assets Working Group.
The appointments come as the region’s digital asset market moves past early experimentation. Tokenized value, blockchain infrastructure, and open-ownership models are increasingly finding practical, institutional use, and MFTA said the new Co-Chairs will help guide the Working Group’s agenda through this next stage.
Commenting on her appointment, Meera Judge said:
“The space we are stepping into looks different from even a year ago. Value that used to sit still is moving on-chain, the technology is maturing fast, and open ownership is becoming practical. I am grateful to be taking on the role of Co-Chair of MFTA’s Digital Assets Working Group at exactly this moment.”
Zain Umer added:
“It is a privilege to take on the leadership of MFTA’s Digital Assets Working Group at such an important stage in the region’s development. MENA has emerged as one of the world’s most dynamic markets for digital assets, but the next phase must be about translating that momentum into sustainable, institutional growth. I look forward to bringing together regulators, industry leaders and the wider ecosystem to help address the market challenges that will shape this next chapter, and to ensure the region continues to set a global benchmark for responsible innovation.”
Nameer Khan, Chairman of MENA Fintech Association:
“Meera and Zain bring the credibility, experience and industry perspective needed to lead the Digital Assets Working Group into its next chapter. Their leadership comes at an important moment as MENA’s digital asset market evolves from early pilots into a more mature institutional ecosystem, and I look forward to seeing them help strengthen collaboration between regulators and industry.”
About the Digital Assets Working Group
The Digital Assets Working Group is a core working group within the MENA Fintech Association (MFTA), focused on advancing blockchain, digital assets, stablecoins, and regulation across the region. It brings together regulators, industry leaders, and innovators to work through the policy and market questions shaping digital asset adoption, and gives members a direct channel to engage on tokenization, open banking-adjacent infrastructure, and regulatory alignment with global standards. Through roundtables, published research, and ongoing dialogue with policymakers, the group works to turn the region’s early momentum in digital assets into lasting, institutional-grade growth.
About MENA Fintech Association (MFTA)
Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Dubai, UAE, the MENA Fintech Association (MFTA) is a not-for-profit organization supporting the fintech community across the Middle East and Africa. It brings together startups, financial institutions, technology companies, investors, academia, and regulators through its working groups, roundtables, and industry events, and is recognized as one of the region’s leading fintech bodies.
Interested in knowing more? Reach out to us at marketing@mena-fintech.org
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