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Ibrahim Sarhan, Jury member of “Al Forsa”
Partnerships & Agreements
Mr. Ibrahim Sarhan, Chairman and CEO of EFIG, the financial digital transformation sponsor, a jury member of Lamis el Hadidi's "Al Forsa" on ON TV Channel, alongside Dr. Amr Awadallah, Egyptian investor in California, Omar Al-Sahi, General Manager of Amazon Egypt, Wael Al-Fakharany, an expert in technology companies, Amal Anan, Global 500’s partner in Egypt, and Chief Investment Officer at the American University, to evaluate the show’s projects in support of youth and startups in the financial digital transformation field.
Click here for the full episode
Related News
FRA launches the upgraded ECR in partnership with EFIG, expanding access to credit & strengthening financial inclusion
The Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) has officially unveiled the enhanced version of the Egyptian Collateral Registry(ECR) during a press conference attended by senior government and financial sector leaders. The event was led by Dr. Mohamed Farid, Egypt’s Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade and former Chairman of the FRA, along with Mr. Mohamed El-Sayyad, Vice Chairman of the Authority, Dr. Islam Azzam, Chairman of the Egyptian Exchange (EGX), Mr. Tarek El-Khouly, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt, former Minister of Planning Dr. Ashraf El-Araby, and Dr. Mohamed Abdelaziz, FRA Assistant Chairman and supervisor of the Egyptian Collateral Registry.Dr. Farid explained that the upgraded platform is designed to broaden its applications, reduce operational burdens, and improve the overall efficiency of disclosure and credit processes. He emphasized that the update now allows individuals to register movable assets for the first time, enabling them to leverage their possessions as collateral for financing through a secure and transparent digital system.The Egyptian Collateral Registry serves as a centralized electronic platform for recording, amending, and discharging security interests over movable assets. This modernization offers lenders and borrowers a reliable digital ecosystem that supports greater utilization of movable collateral across Egypt’s financing landscape.Dr. Farid highlighted that the development relied on advanced technology and the expertise of FRA’s internal teams, introducing structural enhancements across the non-bank financial sector. He affirmed the continued coordination between the Ministry of Investment, FRA, EGX, and other stakeholders to strengthen Egypt’s business environment.Vice Chairman Mohamed El-Sayyad noted that the upgraded system marks a major step toward improving the business climate and expanding financing opportunities. He emphasized the FRA’s recent efforts to build strong and integrated databases, enabling faster and more informed regulatory decision-making. These foundations paved the way for broader digital transformation and, ultimately, the launch of the upgraded Registry.Dr. Mohamed Abdelaziz stated that the new system aims to better serve the non-bank financial sector by empowering banks, financial institutions, companies, and individuals to use movable assets as collateral more easily. He explained that the modernization helps reduce financing costs, shorten verification times, lower credit risks, improve data quality, and support proactive, data-driven supervision. He also noted that the cumulative value of registered collateral has reached approximately EGP 4.5 trillion.Ibrahim Sarhan, Chairman and CEO of eFinance Investment Group, expressed appreciation for the strong cooperation with the Ministry of Investment. He stated that the upgrade was the result of joint efforts between FRA, the Ministry of Investment, the Ministry of Finance, and the Central Bank of Egypt. He added that the development included integration with the Egyptian Tax Authority to leverage the electronic invoicing system for factoring activities. He also highlighted three major joint projects carried out with FRA, all focused on maximizing the use of the digital infrastructure established in cooperation with the Central Bank and the Ministry of Finance, supporting Egypt’s broader financial inclusion agenda.
The FRA & eFinance Launch Egypt’s First Integrated Digital Payment Network for the Non-Banking Financial Sector
In line with Egypt’s national digital transformation strategy and efforts to enhance regulatory and supervisory efficiency, the Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA), in strategic partnership with e-finance, announced the launch of the first fully integrated digital payment network for the non-banking financial sector. This unified electronic platform enables secure and efficient digital payment of fees and dues related to FRA services.The new payment network aims to streamline interactions between entities operating in non-banking financial activities and FRA services, accelerating workflows, reducing reliance on paper-based processes, improving institutional performance, and reinforcing principles of governance, transparency, and market discipline.Dr. Mohamed Farid, Chairman of the FRA, stated that the launch of this network reflects Egypt’s commitment to comprehensive digital transformation as a key driver of economic growth, market efficiency, and investment climate improvement. “This initiative aligns with the leadership’s vision to build a competitive economy powered by technology and innovation,” he said.Farid added that the network is a practical application of the Smart Regulation concept, enabling supervised entities to register electronically, access real-time financial obligations, and settle payments through secure digital channels. It also allows transaction tracking, reducing processing time and enhancing transparency and institutional compliance. He emphasized that data protection and transaction stability are top priorities, noting that the platform provides a trusted and secure environment that strengthens investor confidence and supports the efficiency of non-banking financial markets.Ibrahim Sarhan, Chairman & CEO of EFIG, described the partnership as a strategic milestone for the company, marking an organized and scalable entry into one of Egypt’s fastest-growing and most diverse sectors. “This launch is not just an operational solution; it lays the foundation for a comprehensive digital financial infrastructure that can evolve to deliver value-added services and foster deeper collaboration with FRA,” Sarhan explained. He highlighted that the initiative will enhance user experience, create sustainable growth opportunities, and maximize returns on eFinance’s investments in technology and national digital infrastructure, reinforcing its role as a strategic partner in Egypt’s digital transformation journey.The platform offers supervised entities electronic registration, account creation for authorized representatives, access to FRA services, real-time viewing of financial obligations, and secure payment through approved banking channels. Users can also monitor transactions and review financial records. Built on the highest cybersecurity and data protection standards, the system employs multi-layered verification mechanisms to ensure transaction integrity and data accuracy, delivering a safe and seamless user experience.FRA affirmed that this launch represents a significant leap in upgrading the technological backbone of regulatory services and reflects its commitment, in collaboration with eFinance, to adopting modern digital solutions that enhance market competitiveness and support Egypt’s vision for a fully integrated and sustainable digital economy.
EFIG & Helwan University Launch Digital Services to Advance Financial Inclusion & Digital Transformation
Helwan University today unveiled a comprehensive suite of digital services in collaboration with eFinance Investment Group, a leading fintech company in Egypt and Africa. This initiative marks a significant step in accelerating digital transformation and promoting financial inclusion within the education sector.The launch event, held at the university’s Arts and Culture Complex, featured an overview of Helwan University, a video presentation of the new services, and speeches highlighting the importance of collaboration between academia and the digital financial sector. A panel discussion also explored the future of digital transformation in higher education.A New Era of Smart Campus ServicesAs part of its commitment to enhancing student life and creating a fully digital learning environment, a unified smart app was introduced. The app allows students to:• Stay updated with university news• Receive a digital student ID card with a QR code• Pay tuition and bills electronically• Receive digital receipts• Track class schedules and academic evaluations• Get instant support and assistanceAdditionally, the university launched a smart ID card integrated with the Rize app, offering a secure, all-in-one solution that combines student identification with financial services. The card empowers students to manage their finances early on, enabling:• Money transfers• Secure online shopping• ATM withdrawals and deposits• Bill payments and mobile top-ups• Access to exclusive student discountsThe card also serves as an official university ID, displaying the student’s name, photo, and faculty, ensuring a seamless experience that merges academic and financial functionalities.Leadership PerspectivesIbrahim Sarhan, Chairman and CEO of eFinance Investment Group, stated:“Investing in digital education is a strategic priority for us. It enhances learning quality, expands communication, and supports economic efficiency. Our partnership with Helwan University reflects our commitment to Egypt’s digital transformation and financial inclusion goals. The unified app and smart card represent a major leap forward in campus services.”Prof. Dr. El-Sayed Kandil, President of Helwan University, added:“This launch is a pivotal milestone in our vision to modernize education and simplify student life through technology. Our collaboration with eFinance demonstrates the synergy between academia and the digital financial sector, positioning Helwan University as a forward-thinking institution aligned with Egypt’s digital agenda.”Toward a Digitally Empowered FutureThis initiative marks a transformative moment for Egyptian universities, fostering a digitally aware student community ready for the demands of the digital economy. It reinforces Helwan University’s role as a pioneer in integrating technology into higher education, in line with Egypt’s national digital transformation strategy.