Money20/20 Middle East 2026: G+D's Bassel El Sabban on Premium Cards for Saudi Banks

Quick Summary

On day one of Money20/20 Middle East 2026 in Riyadh, G+D's Bassel El Sabban says the energy on the show floor reflects what is happening across Saudi Arabia's banking and payments industry. He explains how G+D now sits at the centre of the Saudi payments industry, offering banks a full range of cards from plastic and recycled materials to metal, wooden and full ceramic, and why even a plastic card can be a premium product.

What is the mood at Money20/20 Middle East 2026?

For Bassel El Sabban, Regional Sales Manager at G+D, the first day was "amazing". The energy, the innovation and the network of partners and friends on the floor, he says, reflects what is happening in the banking and payment industry in Riyadh. G+D's aim for the rest of the show was to see all of its partners and for them to see G+D exhibiting.

What role does G+D play in Saudi Arabia's payments market?

El Sabban says Saudi banks and financial institutions now know why G+D is here and the value and experience it brings to cardholders. G+D's presence in the Kingdom is about providing a payment experience in itself, and he describes the company as being at the centre of the payment industry in Saudi Arabia.

Which premium cards does G+D offer banks?

G+D's range covers the full spectrum of card materials:

• Plastic cards
• Sustainable and recycled materials
• Metal cards
• Wooden cards
• Full ceramic cards at the ultra-premium end

Can a plastic card be a premium card?

Yes, says El Sabban. With G+D, even a plastic card can be very premium thanks to the effects, materials and finishing used, so banks can offer a premium experience across the portfolio, not just at the top tier.

FF NEWS TAKE:

As payments go digital, the physical card has become a brand statement as much as a payment tool, and nowhere more so than in a market where banks compete hard for affluent, image-conscious customers. El Sabban's point that premium is no longer reserved for metal and ceramic is the useful one for issuers: finish and materials can lift the whole card base, not just the top tier.