Appointments bring together senior banking, digital assets and strategic finance expertise to advance fintech innovation and collaboration across the Kingdom
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA — The MENA Fintech Association (MFTA) today announced the appointment of Victor L. Philippe Chatenay and Haifa Al Obaid as Co Chairs of its Saudi Arabia Chapter. The appointments reflect MFTA’s continued commitment to strengthening the fintech ecosystem in the Kingdom, supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 financial sector development goals, and fostering closer collaboration between regulators, financial institutions and fintech innovators.
As Co Chairs, Chatenay and Al Obaid will lead the Saudi Chapter’s strategic direction, working to expand MFTA’s local membership base, convene industry dialogue, and support initiatives that accelerate the growth of digital finance, payments and emerging financial infrastructure across Saudi Arabia.
“We are delighted to welcome Victor and Haifa as Co Chairs of our Saudi Arabia Chapter,” said Nameer Khan, Chair of the MENA Fintech Association. “Their combined experience across banking, regulation, digital assets and strategic finance gives our Saudi Chapter exceptional leadership at a pivotal moment for the Kingdom’s fintech sector.”
About Victor L. Philippe Chatenay
Victor L. Philippe Chatenay leads virtual assets at Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB), where he focuses on digital assets, payments and emerging financial infrastructure. He brings over eight years of experience across banking, financial innovation and fintech, having previously held strategy and innovation roles at NatWest Group and the Bank of England. Victor holds an MSc in Finance and Financial Law from SOAS University of London and an LLB in English and Welsh Law from the University of Law. He brings a rare combination of institutional banking expertise, regulatory engagement and hands-on experience delivering emerging financial infrastructure initiatives across the public and private sectors.
About Haifa Al Obaid
Haifa Al Obaid is a results-driven financial leader with more than 20 years of experience shaping strategy, client relationships and product innovation across both public and private sector institutions. She currently serves as Senior Expert in Credit Relationships at the Saudi Industrial Development Fund (SIDF), following senior leadership roles at Deutsche Bank Saudi Arabia and Mefic Capital. Haifa holds a Sloan Master’s in Leadership and Strategy from London Business School (LBS) and a bachelor’s degree in Finance and Real Estate Law from California State University.
About the MENA Fintech Association
The MENA Fintech Association (MFTA) is a non-profit industry body dedicated to fostering the growth and development of the fintech ecosystem across the Middle East and North Africa. Through its regional chapters, MFTA connects fintech companies, financial institutions, regulators, investors and other stakeholders to drive collaboration, innovation and inclusive financial growth throughout the region.
Interested in knowing more? Reach out to us at marketing@mena-fintech.org
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