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MODULE_04

Building a Simple Fintech System and Market Opportunities

SESSION_OBJECTIVES

  • Practical application of building a simple Fintech system
  • Understanding basic system components
  • Exploring investment opportunities in Saudi market
  • Learning how to launch a Fintech company
  • Participants' project presentations

Learning Path

01 //

Workshop: Designing a Simple Transfer System

Requirements Definition

  • Core features: Registration, Transfer, Transaction history
  • Target users
  • Use Cases

Technical Architecture

  • Frontend: React Native / Flutter for mobile
  • Backend: Node.js / Python (FastAPI)
  • Database: PostgreSQL / MongoDB
  • APIs: Nafath (KYC), Payment Gateway, SMS
  • Cloud: AWS / GCP
  • Security: Encryption, MFA, Tokenization

Transaction Flow

  • User enters amount and beneficiary
  • Balance verification
  • KYC/AML checks
  • Transfer processing
  • Send notifications (SMS + Push)
  • Update balances
  • Log transaction

Compliance and Security

  • PSP License from SAMA
  • KYC: Nafath integration
  • AML: Transaction monitoring
  • PDPL: Consents, encryption
  • Audit logs: Complete transaction records

Cost and Timeline

  • Licensing: 6-12 months, administrative cost
  • Development: 3-6 months, 500K-2M SAR
  • Infrastructure: Cloud (Pay-as-you-go)
  • APIs: Transaction fees (1-3%)
  • Team: 5-10 people
02 //

Opportunities in Saudi Market

Current Gaps

  • SME Finance
  • Financial Wellness for youth
  • Embedded Finance
  • Cross-Border Payments for workers
  • Insurtech (on-demand insurance)
  • Digital Banking for women

Market Size and Potential

  • Digital payments market: 1.2+ trillion SAR
  • SMEs: 99% of Saudi businesses
  • Youth under 30: 65% of population
  • Expatriate workers: 10+ million transferring $35B annually
  • Working women: Rapid growth

Successful Business Models

  • Transaction-based: Fee per transaction (like Stripe)
  • Freemium: Free basic + subscriptions (like Revolut)
  • Merchant-funded: Merchant pays (like Tamara)
  • Data-as-a-Service: Selling data access (like Plaid)
  • B2B SaaS: Monthly subscriptions for businesses
03 //

How to Launch a Fintech Company

Basic Steps

  • 1. Identify problem and solution
  • 2. Feasibility study and market research
  • 3. Build MVP (Minimum Viable Product)
  • 4. Apply for SAMA Sandbox
  • 5. Test with real users
  • 6. Raise seed funding
  • 7. Obtain full license
  • 8. Scale and grow

Funding Sources

  • Bootstrapping: Self-funding
  • Accelerators: Badir, Fintech Saudi, 500 Startups
  • Local VCs: STV, Khwarizmi Ventures
  • Corporate VCs: Banks, telecom companies
  • Angel investors
  • Government grants: Monsha'at

Challenges and Solutions

  • Regulation: Use Sandbox, partner with bank
  • Trust: Transparency, strategic partnerships
  • Cost: Simple MVP, use ready APIs
  • Talent: Local hiring, remote teams
04 //

Participants Presentations and Discussion

Project Presentations

  • Each participant: 5 min presentation + 2 min Q&A
  • Problem and solution
  • Target audience
  • Competitive advantage
  • Technologies used
  • Next steps

Group Evaluation

  • Vote for best idea
  • Discuss possible improvements
  • Suggestions from participants

REFERENCES

  • Fintech Startup Launch Guide - Fintech Saudi
  • Saudi Venture Capital Landscape
  • SAMA Sandbox Guide

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