RIYADH: Saudi Arabia retained its 30th position in the 2025 Global Financial Inclusion Index, with strong gains in digital finance and fintech ecosystems, a new analysis showed.
According to a report by Principal Financial Group and the Center for Economics and Business Research, while the Kingdom’s overall ranking remained unchanged, its score rose by 0.9 points — marking a cumulative improvement of 9.3 points since the index was launched in 2022.
The latest edition assessed 42 markets based on three pillars: government support, financial system support, and employer support.
Saudi Arabia recorded the world’s second-largest annual improvement in the financial system support pillar, climbing four spots to 35th with a 1.8-point score increase.
The report attributed the gains to regulatory reforms, a fast-expanding fintech base, and investment in financial infrastructure.
The UAE was ranked 22nd in the Index, thus becoming one of only three markets globally to climb more than one place in the rankings, driven by the largest movement in the financial support system pillar.
“Saudi Arabia and the UAE are showing how bold investment in fintech and financial literacy can accelerate inclusion, resilience, and growth. This progress is not just about digital access — it is about empowering people and businesses to help build stronger financial futures,” said Kamal Bhatia, CEO and president of Principal Asset Management.
According to the report, the Kingdom retained its 22nd rank in the government support pillar.
In the consumer championing regulations indicator, which falls under this metric, Saudi Arabia ranked third globally, reflecting regulatory initiatives that provide consumers with greater protection.
In the employer support pillar, the Kingdom secured the ninth spot globally, unchanged from the previous year.
Only eight of the 42 markets experienced increases in the presence and quality of fintechs, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia among them.
“The Gulf’s two largest economies illustrate how sustained digital investment translates into measurable inclusion gains, even when headline rankings don’t change significantly,” said Pushpin Singh, managing economist at Center for Economics Business and Research.
Globally, Singapore secured the top spot in the ranking, followed by Hong Kong, Switzerland, and South Korea.
Source: www.arabnews.com