The fintech revolution continues to spread across the globe, reaching former pariah state Iran in the form of a digital finance conference next month.
With Iran making its way back into the international fold following its recent nuclear agreement with Western powers, the country is hoping to emerge as a post-sanctions finance hub and place for the fintech community to do business.
Canadian think tank Digital Finance Institute has teamed up with local holding company Sana Pardakht on the conference in early October, which will be held on visa-free Kish Island. Up for discussion will be the role of innovation labs, Bitcoin, smart cities and renewable energy, emerging payments, social banking, and business opportunities in Iran.
Majeed Javdani, chairman, Sana Pardakht, says: "Iran has a young and well-educated population of 75 million people who live in an increasingly connected world where online commerce and fintech will play a vital role in the growth of our economy in the next few years. The Conference will act as a catalyst to start building the fintech and innovation ecosystem in Iran in partnership with companies from other nations."