Fintech Insider Podcast by 11:FS

998. Insights: The new rules of underwriting - Live from Money20/20 Middle East

Sep 18, 2025
Guest
Abdulla Almoayed
Guest
Walid Hassouna
Guest
Salman Akhtar
Join Salman Akhtar, CEO of AdalFi, Walid Hassouna, CEO of valU, and Abdulla Almoayed, founder of Tarabut, as they explore the future of underwriting in the dynamic digital economy. The discussion dives into the challenges of scoring SMEs, leveraging real-time data for better risk assessment, and the pivotal role of continuous underwriting. They also highlight how open banking is transforming the landscape, allowing for instant and nuanced lending solutions. Tune in for insights on how fintechs and banks can collaborate to reshape financial services!
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INSIGHT

SMEs Are Hard To Score

  • SMEs are hard to score because their cash flows and revenues are unstable and seasonal.
  • The capital exists but lenders lack tools to identify which SMEs are creditworthy.
ANECDOTE

Value's Data-Driven Push Into The Unbanked

  • Walid described Value's shift from underwriting banked customers to building models for unbanked users using surrogate data and look-alikes.
  • They risked small loans to learn and now 60% of acquisitions are unbanked with default rates below 1%.
INSIGHT

Digital Infrastructure Transforms Risk

  • Digitized identity, e-signature and standardized APIs make some markets uniquely attractive for instant, priced lending.
  • Rich, enforceable digital infrastructure enables sophisticated risk pricing and large institutional investment.
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