How financially prepared are you for retirement? It’s a question that too many people don’t think about until it’s too late. Reem Ikram, CEO and Co-Founder of Thriftplan is on a mission to change that. In this episode we’ll explore how Thriftplan is revolutionizing savings for both employees and employers, promoting long-term financial stability. We dive into the importance of financial literacy, approaches to financial inclusion and regulation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the vital role of women in fintech.

Discussion Highlights:

• The Importance of Savings: Reem Ikram opens the conversation with insights into the growing focus on savings by financial institutions and its implications for consumer behavior. With banks intensifying efforts to encourage savings, there's a notable shift in how people manage their finances, aiming for greater financial security.
• Introducing Thriftplan: Reem describes Thriftplan as a flexible savings plan that mirrors the structure of 401k plans in the U.S., providing a dual benefit structure for employees and employers. This system not only helps in accumulating savings efficiently but also aids companies in retaining talent by offering compelling financial benefits.
• Financial Literacy and Planning: The episode explores the critical role of financial literacy in effective financial planning and saving. Reem shares her personal experiences and stresses the need for a structured approach to managing finances both in the short term and for future needs like retirement.
• Regulatory Evolution in Saudi Arabia: Delving into the fintech regulatory environment in Saudi Arabia, Reem discusses how sandbox regulatory frameworks foster innovation by allowing experimentation in a controlled environment, making the Kingdom a burgeoning hub for fintech startups.
• The Role of Women in Fintech: The discussion also covers the evolving landscape for women in the fintech sector, particularly in Saudi Arabia. With the country undergoing rapid socio-economic reforms, opportunities for women are expanding, yet challenges remain in achieving gender parity in the fintech workforce.

About Fintech Files:

Are you ready to unravel the most innovative trends disrupting the world of Fintech today? Join us on Fintech Files from BCG Platinion, where we delve deep into the dynamic landscape of Fintech, NeoBanks, and the Digital Banking world, sparking insightful conversations with industry disruptors from around the globe. So, what are the most groundbreaking trends shaping the future of Fintech, and how will they impact your financial world? Fintech Files takes an accessible approach to technology. We break down complex topics and have our guests explain them in a relatable "explain it to your grandma" style. In every episode, we focus on real-world stories of how financial technology operates, demystifying complex concepts and making them relatable for both Fintech enthusiasts and professionals.

The Hosts of Fintech Files:

Hosted by Nora Hocke, a manager at BCG Platinion in Munich, and Annika Melchert, a principal currently based in the Middle East, our hosts specialize in IT strategy, modern tech architecture, and state-of-the-art banking. In their work, they've collaborated with some of today's most innovative Fintechs to transform their organizations; including supporting generative AI use cases. With their unique blend of tech expertise and passion, they bring you stories that capture the essence of the evolving Fintech landscape.  This season, we're thrilled to introduce Bianca Lopes. Originally from Brazil and currently based in Denmark, Bianca is an entrepreneur and economist with a remarkable background in digital identity and biometrics. Throughout her career, she has supported over 40 financial institutions and 8 governments, reshaping their approach to technology, reimagining identity, and driving innovation agendas.

We Want to Hear from You!

Reach out to us at fintech-podcast@bcgplatinion.com with your questions, guest suggestions, or topics you'd like us to explore. Or just drop in to say hi! Visit our website at https://bcgplatinion.com/insights/podcast-fi/ and follow us on social media for updates and additional content.

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