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# Emad Kashgari: Leading Saudi Arabia’s Digital Transformation and Fintech Innovation
- URL: https://www.saudiwins.com/emad-kashgari-leading-saudi-arabias-digital-transformation-and-fintech-innovation/
- Published: 2024-08-22T12:52:00.000Z
- Updated: 2024-09-06T12:53:01.000Z
- Description: Emad Kashgari, CEO of 1957 Ventures and SVP at Riyad Bank, is a key figure in Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation. His leadership in fintech and venture building is driving innovation and shaping the future of entrepreneurship in the Kingdom.
- Author: Ameer Albahouth
- Tags: The Pioneer

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**Emad Kashgari** is a distinguished leader in **digital transformation** and **venture building** with over 15 years of experience across various industries, including **technology**, **energy**, and **finance**. As the **CEO of 1957 Ventures** and the **SVP of Digital Partnership & Innovation at Riyad Bank**, Emad is at the forefront of **open banking** and **fintech innovation** in Saudi Arabia. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing the Kingdom's **entrepreneurial ecosystem**, driving **investment** and **business growth** through cutting-edge technology solutions.

#### **Pioneering Innovation in Fintech and Venture Building**

Emad’s role at **Riyad Bank** has seen him oversee the bank’s **SAR 100 million FinTech Fund** and the **SAR 806 million corporate venture builder fund**, both of which are central to the Kingdom’s **fintech ecosystem**. His work involves launching **new fintech ventures** and developing **embedded finance solutions** to foster innovation and growth. He has also played a crucial role in supporting **startups**, having incubated over 150 tech startups, creating more than 500 jobs, and securing SAR 40 million in investment rounds.

#### **Shaping the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem**

Before his tenure at Riyad Bank, Emad was the **GM of the entrepreneurship development sector** at the **Ministry of Communications and Information Technology**, where he led the **Tech Champions** program to activate Saudi Arabia's digital transformation. He was also a pivotal player in establishing **Saudi Arabia’s first angel investment networks** through **Sirb Angel Investors Network**, helping close multiple investment deals and preparing startups for growth.

#### **A Visionary in Digital Innovation**

Emad’s entrepreneurial spirit is not limited to his corporate roles. He co-founded **Hello My Health**, a tech-based health platform, and **PlayDeal**, a daily deals platform. His background in **engineering entrepreneurship**, coupled with executive education from prestigious institutions like **McMaster University** and **IESE Business School**, gives him a unique edge in merging **technology** with **business strategy**.

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**Emad Kashgari** is a leading force in **Saudi Arabia’s digital and fintech sectors**, with a deep commitment to fostering **entrepreneurship** and driving **technological innovation**. His work is transforming the Kingdom’s financial landscape and empowering startups to thrive in a competitive global market.