In an era where finance and technology increasingly intersect, the global financial ecosystem is undergoing unprecedented change. The push for more personalized, efficient, and inclusive solutions has accelerated the adoption of open finance, reshaping how consumers and institutions engage with money. At the forefront of this transformation stands Mirna Sleiman, a pioneering figure whose vision and leadership are helping to redefine financial services across the Middle East and beyond.
As the founder and chief executive officer of Fintech Galaxy, Mirna has emerged as a leading advocate for open finance and digital transformation. With a strong background in financial journalism, corporate leadership, and innovation strategy, she has dedicated her career to bridging the gap between traditional financial institutions and emerging fintech players. Her work has created new opportunities for collaboration, inclusivity, and progress within the industry.
Building the Foundation of Fintech Galaxy
Mirna’s journey to founding Fintech Galaxy was inspired by a simple yet powerful question: what if financial technology could be harnessed to truly transform traditional banking? She observed a widening disconnect between established banks and the growing fintech community. This gap presented a challenge but also an opportunity to create a platform where institutions, regulators, startups, and consumers could come together to innovate.
Her vision for Fintech Galaxy went far beyond building another fintech firm. It was about igniting a movement that would democratize access to financial services and bring inclusivity to the forefront. From its inception, the company was designed as a collaborative hub, a melting pot where ideas could flourish, and where stakeholders across the spectrum could work together to deliver more efficient and user-friendly financial solutions.
Establishing such a platform in the MENA region was not without its challenges. Navigating complex regulatory landscapes, building trust with institutions, and driving cultural acceptance of open finance were formidable obstacles. Yet Mirna approached each challenge with determination, building relationships with regulators, advocating for consumer protection, and consistently demonstrating the value of an open and transparent financial system.
The Significance of Open Finance
At the heart of Mirna’s mission lies the principle of Open Finance. Extending beyond the scope of open banking, this concept allows consumers to share their financial data with a broad range of providers. It empowers individuals with control over their financial information, enabling them to access personalized products and services tailored to their unique needs.
For financial institutions, open finance represents an opportunity to innovate and evolve. By leveraging data, they can offer more customized solutions, improve operational efficiency, and foster greater customer loyalty. It also creates a more competitive ecosystem where startups and established players can collaborate to build services that are more inclusive, transparent, and impactful.
Through Fintech Galaxy’s flagship platform FINX, Mirna has built a robust open API infrastructure that enables seamless integration between banks and fintech companies. This facilitates faster innovation, reduces costs, and ultimately enhances the customer experience. By serving as a bridge between old and new players, Mirna has positioned Fintech Galaxy as a critical enabler of transformation within the region’s financial industry.
Overcoming Regulatory Hurdles
Being the first central bank-regulated open finance platform in the MENA region placed Fintech Galaxy in uncharted territory. The regulatory challenges were immense, requiring close collaboration with central banks and authorities across multiple jurisdictions.
Mirna and her team engaged in constant dialogue with regulators, educating them on the benefits of open finance while demonstrating an unwavering commitment to data security, consumer protection, and compliance. This proactive approach helped build credibility and foster trust, ultimately securing the necessary approvals and paving the way for a more structured open finance environment in the region.
Under her leadership, Fintech Galaxy has also achieved internationally recognized certifications, including ISO/IEC 27001:2022 and SOC 2 Type 2 compliance. These accreditations reflect the company’s rigorous approach to information security, confidentiality, and system integrity, reinforcing its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of trust and reliability.
Driving Digital Transformation
One of Mirna’s most notable achievements has been her role in spearheading large-scale digital transformation initiatives. A prime example is Fintech Galaxy’s collaboration with the Central Bank of Bahrain on the FinHub973 project.
Launched in 2020, FinHub973 became the first cross-border digital innovation platform in the MENA region. Its purpose was to foster collaboration between financial institutions and fintech companies through a regulated digital sandbox environment. Under Mirna’s guidance, the initiative allowed banks and startups to co-create solutions, test technologies, and scale innovations within a safe and compliant ecosystem.
The outcomes were remarkable. More than one hundred regional and international fintechs are integrated into the AI-powered Fintech Marketplace. The open API sandbox facilitated hundreds of thousands of transactions, driving efficiency and innovation. Strategic partnerships were forged, and Bahrain solidified its reputation as a regional leader in financial innovation.
This project exemplifies Mirna’s ability not only to envision systemic change but also to execute initiatives that deliver tangible results for both institutions and consumers.
The Power of APIs and Data
Mirna believes that API integration is the backbone of modern financial services. APIs enable the seamless connection of disparate systems, allowing institutions to deliver faster, more efficient, and more personalized services. For consumers, this means having a unified view of their finances, faster transaction processing, and access to tailored recommendations that improve financial decision-making.
By embedding fintech solutions into traditional banking frameworks, APIs are unlocking opportunities that were previously unimaginable. They also ensure institutions remain competitive in a fast-changing marketplace, enabling them to adapt quickly to evolving customer expectations.
Fostering a Culture of Innovation
For Mirna, innovation is not a one-time achievement but a cultural mindset. Within Fintech Galaxy, she has nurtured an environment where creativity, experimentation, and collaboration thrive. She encourages her teams to challenge conventions, explore new ideas, and learn continuously.
Her philosophy extends beyond her own organization. By building partnerships with fintech startups, regulators, and financial institutions, she has created a collaborative ecosystem where shared knowledge and resources drive collective growth. This emphasis on community and cooperation has positioned Fintech Galaxy as more than a platform—it has become a movement that inspires and empowers.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Mirna envisions a future where open finance extends beyond banking to encompass insurance, investments, and alternative financial services. She sees immense potential in markets such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, where rapid adoption of digital financial solutions is already underway.
Her long-term vision for Fintech Galaxy is not just about expansion. It is about fundamentally redefining how financial services integrate into the everyday lives of individuals and businesses. From personal financial management to sustainable finance solutions such as carbon footprint assessments, she is determined to position Fintech Galaxy at the forefront of this transformation.
Guiding the Next Generation
Mirna is also passionate about inspiring the next wave of fintech entrepreneurs. She advises aspiring innovators to focus on solving real problems, building strong relationships with regulators, and prioritizing consumer trust. For her, success in fintech is not just about technology, but about empathy, inclusivity, and responsibility.
Her message is clear: the MENA region offers immense opportunities for those who are willing to innovate, adapt, and build solutions that address both institutional and consumer needs.
Conclusion
Mirna Sleiman’s journey is a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and collaboration. Through Fintech Galaxy, she has built more than a company, she has ignited a movement that is reshaping financial services in the MENA region and beyond.
Her work demonstrates that true innovation is not about technology alone. It is about creating ecosystems that foster trust, inclusivity, and growth. By championing open finance, advocating for collaboration, and leading by example, Mirna continues to pave the way for a financial future that is more accessible, efficient, and transformative for all.
