The 13th edition of the Saudi Trade Finance Summit concluded in Riyadh after two days of forward-looking debate, collaboration, and strategic engagement. The event brought together senior figures from banking, major corporations, government bodies, fintech innovators, and technology providers, highlighting the Kingdom’s advancements in scalable financial systems, industrial evolution, and innovation-led growth.
The summit began with a keynote address by Dr. Said Alshaikh, who outlined Saudi Arabia’s 2026 economic prospects amid global uncertainties and explored ways to convert volatility into resilience and steady development. Eng. Majid Al Rafae highlighted how strategic finance underpins industrial and energy-sector advancement, while Afzal Hussain Mohammed Nakheeb discussed the design of financial systems capable of supporting sustained and scalable growth. Collectively, these insights framed two days of meaningful dialogue and practical sessions.
“This year’s Saudi Trade Finance Summit has been a truly rewarding experience — from delivering a keynote to engaging with an esteemed audience and hearing valuable insights from other speakers on the most pressing topics in both Saudi and global trade finance. The quality of delegates remains exceptional, bringing together leaders from corporates, government entities, semi-government sectors, and major banks. On a scale of 1 to 10, it’s a definite 10.” shared Sean Bowey, Head of Product — Global Trade Solutions, Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB).
Delegates praised the event for enabling real commercial outcomes. Salim Patka, CFO of BinDawood Holding, reflected: “With over 24 years at Bin Dawood Holding, events like the Saudi Trade Finance Summit have been part of our growth story. Every edition brings something new, relevant, and genuinely qualitative. The fact that I keep coming back year after year is a strong message.”
Speakers also commended the interactive format and insightful exchanges. Zia Mustafa, CFO of Arabian Medical Products Manufacturing Co. (ENAYAH), said: “As a CFO and part of the Saudi healthcare manufacturing sector for over 15 years, I found the Saudi Trade Finance Summit incredibly valuable. The Summit brought together an engaging audience, with meaningful interactions among speakers, sponsors, and panelists sharing best practices from across multiple geographies. Overall, it was highly interactive and engaging.”
Technology-focused organisations equally recognised its value. Mohmed Etman, CFO of FlyAkeed, said: “Being at the Saudi Trade Finance Summit this year has been an energizing experience from the moment I walked in. I’m genuinely proud to see an event of this scale and professionalism taking place in Riyadh. The networking has been exceptional; I’ve made countless connections and can clearly see strong business potential ahead. If I had to describe the event in one phrase, it would be ‘perfect customization.'”
Sponsors pointed to the summit’s effectiveness in raising visibility and fostering relationships. Abdullah Alsultan, Corporate Finance Director of Tarmeez Capital, noted: “This is our second year participating in the Saudi Trade Finance Summit, and it has once again been a valuable platform for presenting our capabilities, showcasing our performance, and engaging with both existing and potential clients. The quality of delegates has been fantastic, and the conversations were productive and helpful from a business perspective.”
Long-time participants emphasised continuity and relevance. Sherif Hamouda, CFO of Saudi Benya, shared: “I’ve been attending the Saudi Trade Finance Summit since 2014, and every year it continues to deliver value. This edition offered insightful sessions that touched on key points CFOs need to stay updated on, especially around funding opportunities. The networking breaks were equally productive — I finalized an agreement with Tarmeez Capital, and initiated discussions with Al Rajhi Bank. The summit once again proved to be a strong platform for real business outcomes and meaningful connections.”
Mohammed Bellal, Group CFO at Pharma Pharmaceutical Industries Group, observed: “What makes this summit truly significant is that it goes beyond being an annual event — it’s a gathering of experience, resilience, and meaningful dialogue that genuinely influences organizational decision-making. Staying proactive in such a dynamic ecosystem is essential.”
Muhammad Ovais, Finance Director at Mansour Al Mosaid Group, commented: “My core message today was about strengthening the resilience of the trade finance function and staying consistently risk-aware within our industry. The Saudi Trade Finance Summit stands out as a collaborative platform where banking partners and industry peers come together to exchange ideas, explore trade products, and align on practical solutions.”
Delegates also noted the depth of expertise shared and the quality of networking. Mubashar Khan, Senior Finance Director at GDC Middle East, shared: “With over 30 years of experience in finance — including 24 years in Saudi Arabia — I found this year’s Saudi Trade Finance Summit to be both insightful and enriching. The sessions offered deep knowledge, especially from speakers who shared valuable perspectives on the evolving role of CFOs and the finance solutions presented by various sponsors and banks.”
The summit energised the trade finance sector by exploring FX, digital supply chain innovation, and inter-sector collaboration. The programme closed with the Saudi CFO & Saudi Banks Awards, overseen by Guest of Honour Mr. Ibrahim bin Abdulaziz Al-Babtain. The ceremony celebrated industry leaders and left participants motivated and ready to advance Saudi Arabia’s economic ambitions. Throughout the two days, the summit combined expertise, practical insights, and opportunity, reinforcing its reputation as a cornerstone event for the Kingdom’s trade finance ecosystem.
