Lebanon’s Fintech Scene Struggles to Take Off Amid Regulatory Uncertainty
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Despite growing interest in fintech, Lebanon’s startup scene is struggling to take off due to regulatory uncertainty and a lack of support from traditional banks. According to David Norman, co-founder of Juno, a digital solution for unbanked populations, the country’s fintech scene is hampered by a lack of regulation and support from banks.
Regulatory Uncertainty and Lack of Support
In June, Norman was in talks with Prime Minister Saad Hariri’s office to establish a regulatory sandbox, but the project was dropped due to the economic crisis. This has led several fintech startups to consider alternative markets such as Egypt and Jordan.
- Anachron, another Lebanese fintech startup, is considering Bahrain as an option due to its favorable regulatory environment.
- “So far our market [in Lebanon] seems to be non-existent, not just because of the banks, but because of how our product matches the current economy in Lebanon,” said Wael Khattar, co-founder and managing partner of Anachron.
Obstacles to Fintech Growth
The lack of regulation is a major obstacle for fintech startups in Lebanon. “Fintech requires regulatory support. Full stop,” said Galaxy’s Sleiman. “When it comes to fintech, you can easily set up a company, burn so much cash throughout your lifecycle, reach a deadlock where regulations are not helping you, and then you can go to the graveyard without anyone noticing you were a startup.”
Other obstacles include:
- Lack of awareness and ignorance on a banking level
- Fear and misunderstanding among traditional banks
Regional Progress and Comparison
The region has made significant progress in the last two years, with countries such as Bahrain, UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Oman introducing regulatory sandboxes. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are also attractive options for fintech startups due to their testing environments.
- Lebanon lags behind its neighbors in terms of creating an attractive environment for fintech.
- “Blockchain and AI, customer experience, that is technology that is useable,” said Sleiman. “AI companies should be flourishing in Lebanon, but still they don’t survive.”
Successes in Alternative Markets
Despite the challenges, some fintech startups are finding success in alternative markets.
- Norman has spoken with several banks, including Blom Bank, Sarander, Audi, and Cedrus, but all have declined to partner with him.
- The usual excuse is that “It’s not within our strategy.”
Conclusion
The future of fintech in Lebanon remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: regulation and support from traditional banks are essential for the growth and success of fintech startups in the country.
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