Charting the UAE's fintech revolution: an exclusive with cander's Luke Eley

In our recent conversation with Luke Eley - cander's co-founder - he shared his insights about the dynamic fintech scene in the UAE and the role of Dubai in shaping the future of the industry. He also reflected on his recent participation at the Dubai FinTech Summit and the vision of cander within this ecosystem.

Mariia Pylypova - Marketing Manager, cander

Mariia: Luke, comparing this year's Dubai Fintech Summit to your first experience, what are your thoughts on the growth of the UAE's fintech scene?

Luke: It is incredible to see the growth in the fintech scene in the #UAE since we first attended the summit. From a small hall with 10 pop-up stands to the current full-scale exhibition shows the growth in the region.

Mariia: Can you highlight any innovative ideas or instances of thought leadership that particularly impressed you at the summit?

Luke: Absolutely. The emphasis on partnership between traditional financial institutions and fintechs was a standout theme. It's clear this ecosystem thrives on collaboration and the sharing of ideas, products, and resources.

Mariia: Could you elaborate on the role of the Middle East, particularly Dubai, in the future of fintech? How does cander fit into this landscape?

Luke: The access to talent and capital in Dubai is attracting companies with global ambitions to be based here. We will see more global fintechs enter the market and build significant teams in the region. At cander, we're working closely with multiple clients to make Dubai a truly global fintech hub.

Mariia: As the fintech industry continues to evolve, what trends do you foresee in the near future?

Luke: Given the emphasis on partnerships we've seen, I believe we'll continue to witness increased collaboration between traditional financial institutions and fintech startups. Furthermore, we'll see a greater push towards adopting emerging technologies like blockchain and AI to drive innovation.

Mariia: What are the key trends you are observing in the talent market within this sector, particularly in the UAE?

Luke: The UAE, particularly Dubai, is becoming a magnet for global fintech talent. We're seeing strong demand for professionals skilled in emerging technologies such as #AI , blockchain, and data science.

Moreover, there's an increasing trend for hybrid skills – tech professionals who understand the financial sector, and vice versa.?

Mariia: Finally, what advice would you offer to aspiring fintech entrepreneurs looking to break into the industry?

Luke: Really value your time. It's tempting in the early stages to try and do everything yourself. Work out what truly needs to be done, and where your time is most valuable. As early as possible, get operational support to allow you to focus on making a difference and being great.

The UAE's #fintech scene is rapidly evolving, with Dubai at its heart. As we've learned from Luke, collaboration, access to talent and capital, and a focus on innovation are key to this thriving ecosystem. cander, playing its part in this growth, is set to assist numerous fintech companies in making Dubai their home.?

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