In 2022, Fast Company Middle East launched its inaugural Impact Council, an exclusive group of forward-thinking business leaders and creative minds. This invitation-only collective comprises a diverse group of individuals united by a common goal: to share insights and collaborate on various issues, with a focus on the regional impact facing the region. Members include prominent business executives, entrepreneurs, academics, and other influential figures at the forefront of thought leaders’ respective fields.

The Impact Council is made up of a group of experts who are divided into several sub-committees, with each one focusing on specific topics or industries. These sub-committees consist of industry specialists with a wealth of knowledge and expertise. By breaking down the council into these specialized groups, the Impact Council is able to delve deeper into the most pressing business and societal issues of the day.

This year, the Impact Council, in partnership with Amazon Payment Services, announced a new sub-committee titled “Future of Payments.” The subcommittee will discuss payment technologies, such as contactless payments and mobile wallets, poised for significant growth and transformation in the Middle East.

As digital payments become increasingly popular, how do we see the demand for seamless and secure payment methods paving the way for innovation in the payments industry?

“The government and regulatory initiatives in the region, coupled with the entry of global payment providers, is bringing rapid change to the digital payments ecosystem. So we are pleased to announce such an important sub-committee with a partner like Amazon Payment Services,” said Ravi Raman, the publisher of Fast Company Middle East.

Speaking about this partnership, Peter George, Managing Director for Amazon Payment Services in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), said, “We are extremely pleased to partner with Fast Company for the Impact Council sub-committee on the Future of Payments, an exciting opportunity to engage with the regional business community and share insights on the digital payments landscape. Knowledge-sharing is crucial to promoting growth and innovation in an environment where payment technology is evolving faster than ever. With this information, Amazon Payment Services want to continue empowering merchants to address their customers’ rapidly changing needs and achieve sustainable growth.”