Bank al Etihad names Capifly winner of 2024 SME Award
Bank al Etihad celebrated the finalists of its 9th SME Award during an event held at the Halim Salfiti Theatre in the bank's headquarters on Saturday, November 23.
This year's award, themed "Shape the Future of Fintech," recognised exceptional achievements in financial technology (fintech). As fintech continues to transform the financial landscape, these companies play a vital role in empowering individuals and businesses while driving economic growth. Innovations such as digital banking, payment platforms, lending technologies, and data analytics are expanding access to financial services.
Ms Nadia AlSaeed, CEO of Bank al Etihad, presented the award to Capifly, which received a prize of 50,000 JOD for its innovative fintech solutions. Capifly addressed a market gap in alternative financing for tech companies by developing an online platform that connects these companies with investors to secure the funding needed for growth.
"I am deeply proud of the creativity and progress demonstrated by SMEs in the fintech sector," said AlSaeed. "These companies are driving innovation, advancing financial inclusion, and delivering tailored solutions that meet today's needs. At Bank al Etihad, we remain committed to supporting these businesses, as they are key partners in driving digital transformation and shaping the future of fintech."
A panel of independent experts in entrepreneurship and fintech, including Zafer Younis, Lana Ghanem, and Tamer Salah, evaluated the finalists: Capifly, InvoiceQ, and DESAISIV. The companies were assessed based on four key criteria: innovation in fintech solutions, financial strength, business continuity and growth, and social impact and inclusion.
In addition to the 50,000 JOD cash prize, Bank al Etihad pledged to support the three finalist companies through a comprehensive plan. The plan includes facilitating market expansion into Iraq by providing support and building strategic partnerships, granting access to non-financial services like legal, marketing, tax, and HR consultations, offering use of the Spark Centre as a workspace or venue for training sessions and meetings, and connecting the companies with the bank’s strategic partners to explore opportunities for collaboration and advancement.
The Bank al Etihad SME Award, launched in 2014, empowers local businesses by enhancing their capabilities and recognising the essential role of SMEs in Jordan’s economic development and social progress. Over the years, it has become a platform for entrepreneurs and SMEs to grow through networking and knowledge-sharing.
About Bank al Etihad
Bank al Etihad is a banking and financial institution dedicated to serving customers since 1987. With a strong presence in Jordan, the bank comprises several entities, including a financial brokerage company (Etihad Brokerage) and a financial leasing company (Etihad Leasing Company). Furthermore, Bank al Etihad holds a 10% ownership stake in the National Bank of Palestine and actively participates on its board of directors. In 2017, Bank al Etihad acquired a controlling stake in Safwa Islamic Bank.
