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FAB forward

First Abu Dhabi Bank, in partnership with Mastercard, is igniting a powerful ecosystem where fintechs can dream bigger, innovate boldly, and collaborate fearlessly to shape the future of banking.

FAB forward Challenge

Join us in revolutionising the banking industry!

Bring your boldest ideas, collaborate with experts, and access the tools to create game-changing solutions. This is your moment to lead—enter the challenge and make your mark!


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What You'll Win

Cash Prize

Win cash prizes to fund a Proof of Concept collaboration with FAB.

Proof of Concept Project

Opportunity to run a Proof of Concept project with FAB product and technology teams. Exposure to venture capital and investment funds.

Exposure

Co-branded marketing with FAB and Mastercard. Gain exposure to banking leaders, venture capital and potential investment partners.

Opportunity Areas

Hyper-personalised experiences

Interconnected, personalised services across devices, users, ecosystems to increase brand loyalty and attract new customers.

Examples may include:

  • Tailored multi-player experiences for closed groups like inter-generational families or large groups like gig workers
  • Geo-triggered offers and event-based financial services
  • Interactive, real-time customer behavior insights, predictive wealth forecasting and financial advice

Blockchain powered business

Innovative services and business models expanding markets and asset classes to drive revenue and enhance efficiency and security.

Examples may include:

  • Tokenisation of real-world assets like real estate property titles, to increase liquidity and efficiency
  • Blockchain solutions for secure, transparent transactions like cross-border payments
  • Blockchain solutions for fraud detection, AML and compliance
  • Holistic services to manage digital assets and cryptocurrencies

Beyond banking

Disruptive, future banking services to serve customers where they live, work, and play.

Examples may include:

  • Embedded financial services in non-financial platforms such as e-commerce, logistics, or travel
  • Open marketplaces enabling users to easily compare and switch between financial and non-financial providers
  • Smart devices to optimise branch experiences
  • Cutting edge capabilities such as GenAI agents and autonomous finance

Enabling Technologies

We are most interested in fintechs that are leveraging these technologies as part of their solutions:

  • Node Minus Alt
    ML and GenAI
  • OR
  • Node Minus Alt
    Embedded finance
  • OR
  • Node Minus Alt
    Crypto, DeFi, Web3
  • OR
  • Node Minus Alt
    IoT, wearables, smart home
  • OR
  • Node Minus Alt
    Gamification
  • OR

Timeline

01

Submissions close

14 Apr 2025

02

Finalists selected

28 Apr 2025

03

Pitch day

June 2025 in Abu Dhabi

What you will be evaluated on

Innovation and novelty

How unique and original is the concept? Does it have the potential to disrupt the existing markets or create new ones?

Market potential

How large and scalable is the target market? Is there a clear need for the product/service in the market?

Business model and revenue potential

Is the business model clear, sustainable, and scalable? What is the profitability potential?

Product fit

Does the product/service solve a significant problem for the target audience?

Growth strategy

Is there a clear and effective growth strategy? Does it have strategic partnerships that enhance its growth potential?

Financial health

How well has the startup managed its finances and funding? What is the current burn rate and how long is the runway before needing additional funding?

Team and execution

Does the team have the necessary skills, experience, and expertise to execute their vision? Is there evidence of good team cohesion and collaboration?

Presentation and engagement

Is the presentation clear and coherent? Is the presentation engaging and persuasive?