Making Sense

EMEA in Conversation | Middle East in Motion

Feb 17, 2026
James Fraser, Head of EMEA Payments at J.P. Morgan, is a payments and digital innovation lead with deep regional trade insight. He discusses Middle East market transformation and infrastructure growth. He covers regulatory trends and fintech and data infrastructure uptake. He explores treasury and payment evolution and the shifting landscape for investment and talent.
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INSIGHT

Rapid Transformation Is Visible

  • The Middle East is best described as transformative due to visible rapid development and dynamic activity.
  • James Fraser highlights construction, traffic and competing national ambitions as evidence of that transformation.
INSIGHT

Policy And Infrastructure Drive Durable Growth

  • Long-term strategic policies and massive infrastructure investments are driving secular growth beyond hydrocarbons.
  • Fraser says logistics, Vision 2030 and new industry investment create durable tailwinds for the region.
INSIGHT

High Digital Adoption And Remittance Demand

  • The region shows high adoption of digital money and innovative financial products like tokenized deposits.
  • Fraser notes large annual remittances (~$125bn) and strong demand for easy, global financial innovations.
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