1. Tell us a bit about yourself

I am Assel Arif Mahfouz Hannen, the sole founder and CEO of Flash Digital Bank. With seven years of administrative and technical experience, I specialize in investment, business management, and development. My focus is on building significant new economies in my country, particularly in technology and finance, through Flash Digital Bank.

My investment vision is to establish the first Islamic digital technology bank and a network of supporting companies, aiming to develop the Arab world’s economy by 2035. I plan to build economies in technology and AI, financial technology, innovative credit, manufacturing, modern industries, global trade, capital markets, asset and wealth management, and business intelligence

.To achieve this, I will create companies such as Flash Financial Company (Flash Digital Bank), an investment management company, a technology project management company, a medical and accident insurance company, a national trade and industry company, an asset and wealth management company, a company managing complexes, airports, and entertainment cities, a hotel and tourism management company, an international stock market company, and an innovative national telecommunications company.

My strategic objectives include establishing the Islamic Digital Technology Bank to finance projects and support the economy, developing integrated commercial investment companies, and improving the economic and technological infrastructure of the Arab world.

2. What is your startup all about?

The goal of my startup is to transition customers from the complex, slow, and expensive traditional financial model to an easy, fast, secure, and affordable digital financial model. This is achieved through a modern banking system that addresses market and customer problems, meeting their needs, requests, and desires.

3. What problem or opportunity do you address, and for which target customers?

We address several problems: delayed salaries, slow and complex banking transactions, overcrowding in banking branches, dependence on the internet for transactions, inability to purchase online, lack of a modern credit system, high cost of banking transactions, difficulty in counting money for simple transactions, need for advanced infrastructure for digital systems, traditional banks’ need for a digital system to expand operations, customers’ need for an integrated, easy, fast, safe, and stable banking system, and gaps in forward selling systems, integration with other technical systems, and an integrated payment network system.

Our solutions include establishing an integrated Islamic banking system that is easy, fast, and secure, an innovative payments system, the first innovative credit system, the first and largest payment network system, a system for exporting virtual payment cards, an innovative banking system supporting integration with other systems, creating the first API digital payment gateway, modern points of sale (POS), self-services without the internet, relying on AI (IVR), and the largest network of Smart ATM self-service machines.

Investment opportunities include the first integrated payment system provider, the first instant payments provider, a provider that meets customer needs and addresses their problems, the first digital bank offering B2C + B2B2C services, the first bank providing all Islamic financing services, the first digital bank specializing in investment and technology in the Arab world, and a market need for modern financial services with high demand.

Key criteria for success include compatibility with Islamic Sharia, security and privacy, ease of use, innovation and technology, and strategic partnerships.

Target customers include individuals with smartphones aged 16-55, employees, foreign minorities, marginalized segments, shops and stores, business owners, companies, and other private sectors.

4. Who are your competitors and what is your USP?

Competitors include traditional banks and traditional exchange companies.

Our unique selling proposition (USP) lies in our business model. Unlike modern banks or exchange companies, we provide an easy, fast, luxurious financial experience that enhances economic growth through a digital banking system focused on customer experience. We introduce the first payments network in the nation, the first credit banking system, and the first integrated banking system with all sectors and technologies. We offer an easy and fast international payment system, accessible from anywhere without traditional branches.

Temporary competitive advantages include 24-hour automated banking services using AI (IVR), portable and instant POS systems, innovative payments network systems, easy and fast digital payment gateway APIs, instant VISA virtual payment cards, payment features using multiple technologies (NFC, QR, FID, VisaCard), employee loyalty systems through credit accounts and automatic salary transfer, access to smart and automated BOT WhatsApp chat for quick customer service, and continuous high-quality technical support.

Permanent competitive advantages include the speed and security in registration and financial transactions, fast and easy automation systems for contracts and financial transactions, complete credit account setup for employees in less than two minutes, special payment and service points incentive system, unique UI/UX providing a luxurious customer experience, banking financial integration with other parties, management’s focus on development, innovation, and AI for easier and faster services, use of advanced data and analysis for decision-making and risk prediction, NFC contactless payment, international payment card (VisaCard), credit account features, business account features, investment portfolios, self-service kiosks, advanced ATM devices, digital and automatic currency exchange, presence anywhere with withdrawal and deposit capabilities from any service, sales, or ATM point, fast and secure money transfers, and simplified bill payment services.

5. What is your current stage and traction?

We are in the early pre-seed stage. We have built international relationships with companies and individuals and caught the attention of many financiers, but have not secured financing due to external conditions and restrictions. The attraction lies in the investment opportunities, although it is difficult to find quantifiable attractive factors at this stage. Our great opportunity is evident, as many countries in similar situations have succeeded remarkably.

6. What are your plans for the next 6-18 months and how can our network help?

Our primary goal is to secure an investor or financing partner who believes in our vision and recognizes the opportunity. We seek full financing with a 40% ownership share to build the bank, including legal papers and basic infrastructure, and launch it into the market. Your network can help by connecting us with the right investors or business partners, aiming to obtain $4,300,853 in financing without imposing restrictions or early commitments on us.

7. What’s on your bookshelf or podcast app? Your favorite place for a coffee or a drink?

I enjoy reading and listening to podcasts about professional experiences, wealth building, and the economy. Currently, I am reading a book on banking risk management and attending courses on the same topic. I strive to build a knowledge base through extensive real experiences. My favorite place for coffee is any quiet spot where I can focus on gaining knowledge.

I hope this conversation marks the beginning of building a great future in the Arab world. Since childhood, I have had an ambition to build modern economies and hope to find someone who appreciates and nurtures this unique ambition.