Looking to build the next big fintech app in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)? You’re not alone – fintech is booming across MENA! The region now hosts over 1,000 fintech startups, with $1.9 billion invested in 2023–24, and 35% annual growth in fintech revenues projected through 2028. The UAE leads the charge (nearly half of all MENA fintech deals and 69% of funding), but Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and others are rapidly catching up. This explosive growth means banks and startups alike are hunting for the perfect tech partner to bring their financial innovations to life.
Choosing the right fintech software development company is crucial. From digital banking platforms to payment apps and crypto wallets, you need a development team that understands local regulations (think Sharia compliance and Arabic language support) and cutting-edge tech. Below, we highlight 10 top fintech software development companies in MENA known for turning bold fintech ideas into secure, user-friendly products. Each of these companies has a proven track record in fintech – building banking systems, mobile payment solutions, trading platforms, and more – across the MENA region. Let’s dive in!
1. Itexus
Itexus is a global fintech software development company that has delivered 300+ fintech projects for 250+ clients in 23 countries. Founded in 2013, Itexus has a team of 150+ engineers (over 70% seniors) with deep expertise in digital banking, wealth management, payments, and RegTech. The company is headquartered in the US but actively serves the Gulf region and wider MENA market. One idea per sentence, short and clear – that’s how Itexus communicates and works. Their dedication to fintech means they already know PCI DSS, open banking APIs, and local compliance needs by heart.
What makes Itexus stand out is the tangible results they deliver. For example, they built a crypto wallet and app ecosystem for Coinstar, a $2.2B global fintech, enabling users to trade 50+ digital assets and link bank accounts for seamless fiat-crypto exchange. Itexus’ efficient project management helps clients go to market faster and avoid common pitfalls in fintech development. Whether it’s a mobile banking app or an AI-driven trading platform, Itexus brings regional savvy (like Arabic UX design and Sharia-compliant features) with top-notch engineering. It’s no surprise they’re often rated 5-stars by clients for their fintech work – Itexus combines creativity with professionalism to turn financial ideas into polished, compliant apps that customers love.
2. Intellias
Intellias is a veteran software engineering company (nearly 20 years in the industry) with a strong presence in fintech across Europe, the US, and the Middle East. Intellias has become the go-to tech partner for several banks and fintech firms in MENA. Notably, Intellias partnered with Nomo Fintech to build the world’s first fully digital Islamic bank – Nomo – which serves customers from the GCC region with a UK banking platform. Building a Sharia-compliant digital bank from scratch (in under a year!) showcases Intellias’ deep domain expertise in Islamic finance and agile development approach.
Intellias offers end-to-end fintech development: from core banking systems and mobile banking apps to advanced payment processing and fraud detection solutions. Their team understands the regional regulatory landscape (e.g. they tailor solutions for Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority guidelines or UAE Central Bank requirements). Clients like Anglo-Gulf Trade Bank and Swissquote Bank have trusted Intellias for digital transformation. With a workforce of over 2,500, Intellias combines scale with personal attention – ensuring each project gets seasoned engineers and fintech consultants. The result is innovative fintech platforms (think AI-enhanced mobile banks, seamless payment gateways) delivered on time. Intellias’ work on Nomo is inspiring: a fully mobile Islamic banking experience that brings GCC customers global banking access. This blend of local insight and global quality makes Intellias a top fintech development partner in MENA.
3. ScienceSoft
ScienceSoft is a globally recognized IT company (founded 1989) that has been engineering software for banking and financial services since 2005. In recent years ScienceSoft has expanded into the MENA region, even opening an office in the UAE in 2020. What sets ScienceSoft apart is its rich experience and focus on fintech security and compliance. They’ve handled projects from core banking implementations to fintech infrastructure consulting. For example, ScienceSoft helped a UAE fintech startup migrate its analytics platform to the cloud in just 3 months, enabling the client to move from clunky spreadsheets to a self-service BI solution. This kind of rapid turnaround (while ensuring data integrity and compliance) shows ScienceSoft’s practical know-how in fintech development.
ScienceSoft’s portfolio spans mobile banking apps, payment systems, blockchain solutions, and more. They are especially strong in back-end integration and cybersecurity. Many fintech startups struggle with scalability and security, and that’s where ScienceSoft shines – their team includes certified security experts and compliance consultants who make sure your app not only works smoothly but also meets PCI DSS, GDPR, and local regulations. With big-name clients like IBM, eBay, and even NASA on their resume, ScienceSoft brings enterprise-grade quality to fintech projects of any size. For MENA clients, they combine this global experience with local understanding – e.g. knowledge of Gulf banking standards and Arabic UX needs. If you need a trusted fintech development partner with decades of experience, ScienceSoft is a compelling choice.
4. Appinventiv
Appinventiv is a development powerhouse known for creating award-winning banking apps with great UX and AI features. Founded in 2014 in India (with offices serving MENA and globally), Appinventiv has grown to a 1,000+ strong team of designers and engineers. They have a broad skill set, but fintech is one of their core specialties – from sleek mobile banking apps to digital wallet and payment solutions. Appinventiv’s philosophy is to be “mobile-first and user-centric.” They pay special attention to intuitive design, which is crucial in finance (users want simplicity when handling money).
What’s impressive is Appinventiv’s track record in fintech innovation. They have built neobank platforms, wealth management apps, and even blockchain-based financial solutions for clients worldwide. For instance, they developed banking apps that incorporate AI chatbots for personalized customer service and smart budgeting. Thanks to this mix of design and technology expertise, Appinventiv’s apps often get top ratings from end-users. In the MENA context, Appinventiv has worked on projects aligned with local needs – such as bilingual mobile apps (English/Arabic) and compliance with Gulf regulations. Their ability to deliver seamless, engaging fintech experiences while ensuring security makes them a go-to partner. Whether you’re a bank in Dubai or a fintech startup in Riyadh, Appinventiv brings creative energy and solid engineering to turn your idea into a polished product.
5. Intellectsoft
Intellectsoft is a global software development firm with a strong footprint in the UAE, known for bridging traditional finance with cutting-edge tech. With over 20 years in the software industry, Intellectsoft has delivered solutions for big banks as well as nimble fintech startups. Their sweet spot lies in enterprise fintech and blockchain. Intellectsoft’s team has modernized core banking systems for established banks and also built new-age platforms like cryptocurrency exchanges and decentralized finance (DeFi) apps. This duality – being able to serve conservative financial institutions and also innovate with startup tech – is a major asset.
Clients choose Intellectsoft for their comprehensive approach to fintech project delivery. They emphasize robust architecture (think secure, scalable back-ends) and follow strict DevSecOps practices to keep financial data safe. In the MENA region, Intellectsoft has advised on projects that require knowledge of local banking rules and integration with regional services. For example, they are familiar with open banking standards and central bank regulations in markets like the UAE. One of Intellectsoft’s strengths is blockchain development for finance – they’ve built smart contract-based solutions and even crypto payment integrations. They avoid marketing fluff and focus on tangible results: faster transaction processing, improved user experience, and compliance by design. If you’re looking for a seasoned development partner that can handle a digital banking overhaul or build your fintech MVP from scratch, Intellectsoft’s decades of know-how come in handy, especially in a dynamic market like MENA’s fintech scene.
6. LeewayHertz
LeewayHertz has carved out a niche as a blockchain and AI specialist in fintech. While based in the US and India, LeewayHertz also has a presence in the UAE, delivering projects in the Middle East. This company is all about bringing emerging tech to financial services. They’ve developed blockchain-based fintech solutions, DeFi platforms, and even crypto exchanges for their clients. At the same time, they haven’t neglected traditional fintech – they build mobile banking apps and payment systems too, often infusing them with AI for fraud detection or automated advising.
One of LeewayHertz’s notable strengths is in Web3 and smart contracts. As the MENA region (especially Dubai) embraces blockchain in finance, LeewayHertz is a valuable partner to have. They’ve launched tokenization platforms and secure digital wallet apps that meet the strict security standards required in fintech. For example, they developed an AI-powered trading platform that helps investors by using machine learning for market analysis. On the enterprise side, LeewayHertz has implemented blockchain solutions for cross-border payments that reduce transaction costs and time. What’s compelling is their innovative yet practical approach – they use blockchain or AI not as buzzwords but as tools to solve real problems (like speeding up KYC checks or enabling peer-to-peer lending securely). In a region keen on fintech innovation, LeewayHertz helps MENA clients stay ahead with technologies like blockchain, while ensuring the solutions remain user-friendly and compliant.
7. Velmie
Velmie is a fintech-focused software company that provides a modular digital banking platform popular in MENA and beyond. Think of Velmie as both a software development firm and a fintech product provider – they offer a ready-made backend for things like mobile wallets, banking apps, and payment systems, which they customize for each client. Velmie’s claim to fame is its robust, cloud-native platform: it can support over 20 million active users with 99.9% uptime, meaning it’s battle-tested for scale. For banks and fintech startups, this reliability is gold. In fact, banks leveraging Velmie’s technology have seen impressive results, like achieving revenue growth up to 6× faster than industry peers by rapidly launching new digital services.
Based originally in Europe, Velmie has delivered projects for clients in the UAE and across the Gulf. They understand local needs – for example, integrating regional payment gateways and ensuring support for Arabic language and currencies. Velmie’s services cover mobile and web app customization, API development, integrations, and even compliance support. A MENA fintech can work with Velmie to launch, say, a new e-wallet or neo-bank app in a fraction of the time it would take to build from scratch. The company’s focus on security and compliance (PCI DSS, open banking standards, etc.) gives peace of mind to financial institutions partnering with them. In short, Velmie combines a fintech accelerator platform with custom development services. If speed and scalability are your priorities – like launching a full-featured banking app quickly – Velmie is one of the top choices in the region.
8. Emaratech
Emaratech is a homegrown UAE technology powerhouse delivering solutions at the intersection of fintech and government services. Owned by the Investment Corporation of Dubai (the emirate’s sovereign investment arm), Emaratech provides advanced online payment systems, secure transaction platforms, and IT solutions used by both private and public sectors across the Arab world. This company is behind many systems UAE residents use daily – from visa payment portals to smart gate systems at airports. In the fintech arena, Emaratech’s expertise includes payment gateways, card processing systems, and electronic wallet infrastructure for government payments and commercial use. They have a strong reputation for reliability and security, which is crucial when you’re handling millions of sensitive transactions.
Emaratech’s client list speaks volumes: they serve Dubai’s airports, immigration authority, and courts among others. For example, if you’ve ever used the Dubai Airport eGate or paid fees through a Dubai government online portal, Emaratech’s tech is behind it. In financial services, they’ve developed platforms for banks and exchange houses to process payments seamlessly with government services (like e-dirham systems). Emaratech combines deep local knowledge – understanding UAE’s regulations, Arabic language requirements, and culture – with top-tier tech talent. They often act as a one-stop solution provider, handling everything from software development and systems integration to infrastructure hosting and support. For any MENA financial institution or fintech startup looking for a seasoned regional partner, Emaratech offers the credibility of a company that literally helps run the country’s digital finance infrastructure. They bring a level of trust and experience that is hard to beat in the MENA fintech development scene.
9. MobiDev
MobiDev is a software development company known for its mobile-first fintech solutions and AI expertise. With development centers in Eastern Europe and offices reaching clients in the US, EU, and UAE, MobiDev has a global outlook with a keen interest in emerging fintech markets. What MobiDev excels at is building intuitive mobile apps for finance – they prioritize smooth user experience on iOS and Android, which is essential given MENA’s young, smartphone-savvy population. Under the hood, they embrace cloud-native architectures and microservices, ensuring that the fintech apps they build can scale effortlessly as user bases grow. MobiDev also integrates AI-powered analytics into fintech products, turning raw data into useful insights like spending patterns or risk flags.
One example: MobiDev developed a mobile banking app with an AI-driven personal finance advisor that learns the user’s habits and provides tailored budgeting tips. They also have experience with real-time payment processing and have implemented robust security features (biometric logins, encryption, fraud detection algorithms) for fintech apps. For a MENA startup looking to launch a new digital wallet or a lending app, MobiDev’s ability to rapidly prototype and refine a product is a big advantage. They often work in agile sprints (usually two-week cycles) to deliver features quickly and adapt based on feedback. This means you get to market faster, an important factor when competition among fintechs is fierce. In summary, MobiDev combines strong mobile development chops with modern AI and cloud tech – the result is fintech apps that are not only feature-rich and secure, but also a delight for customers to use on a daily basis.
10. Oxagile
Oxagile rounds out our list as a dynamic software engineering firm known for its agile development approach in fintech projects. Originally from Eastern Europe, Oxagile serves clients globally and has experience working with financial companies in the US, Europe – and importantly – the UAE. Oxagile is all about speed and flexibility without sacrificing quality. They employ an agile methodology with 2-week sprints, which means fintech solutions get delivered and iterated very quickly. For a fast-growing MENA fintech startup or a bank in the midst of digital transformation, this rapid cycle is ideal to stay ahead of the market. Oxagile’s team has built a variety of fintech applications: from mobile payment apps and digital banking platforms to complex video streaming solutions for financial education (leveraging their background in video tech).
One of Oxagile’s core strengths is payment system integration. They’ve integrated numerous payment gateways and third-party services, which is key in a region with diverse payment preferences (cards, cash-on-delivery, mobile money, etc.). Oxagile also focuses on user experience – ensuring that apps are easy to navigate, which boosts user adoption. For example, when developing a banking app, they pay attention to localization (like right-to-left layouts for Arabic and easy switching to English) and performance (apps that load fast even on modest devices). Another area Oxagile shines is quality assurance; their fintech projects go through rigorous testing to meet security standards and regulatory compliance. In essence, Oxagile offers MENA clients a mix of innovation and reliability. They’ll get your fintech MVP up and running in record time, and then polish it into a stable, secure product. If you need a development partner that can move as quickly as your ideas do – while ensuring the app can handle real-world banking demands – Oxagile is a top contender.
Conclusion
The MENA fintech scene is vibrant and accelerating, and these software development companies are at the heart of it. From global firms with decades of experience to regional champions with local insight, each brings something unique. The common thread is the ability to deliver fintech solutions tailored to MENA’s needs – whether it’s an Arabic-language mobile banking app, an Islamic fintech platform, or a high-volume payments system. As a buyer in the financial industry, partnering with the right development team can turn your vision into a secure, user-friendly reality. Consider the strengths that each of these top 10 companies offers, and choose the one that aligns best with your project’s goals. With the fintech revolution in full swing across MENA, the right tech partner will help you ride this wave of innovation and achieve success in the digital finance future.