Igniting a New “Core + Data” Wave in Middle Eastern Banking

The “Partnering for Fintech Growth: Saudi Arabia × China” Forum, hosted by the Ministry of Investment Saudi Arabia (MISA) and organized by Huawei, was successfully held at Huawei’s global headquarters in Shenzhen, China.

The event focused on advancing Saudi Arabia’s National Fintech Strategy, strengthening China–Saudi industry collaboration, and co-building innovation ecosystems, attracting senior representatives from the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), the Capital Market Authority (CMA), and numerous regulators and technology leaders. Sunline was invited to participate as representative of China’s financial technology sector for the exclusive session.

“Core + Data”: Two Flagship Solution Suites

David Li shared Sunline’s success stories across China, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand and introduced two major solution suites for the Middle East market: the Next-Gen Core Banking System and Data Governance & Analytics Platform. Sunline’s strategy in the Middle East is shifting from a single-core focus to a dual-engine “Core + Data” approach, integrating core banking with advanced data capabilities, driving globalization across products, ecosystems, and services.

1. Core-Driven Scenarios

In projects led by the transactional core system, Sunline has introduced its “Dual-Core Architecture”, a fusion of transactional core and data core. The data core acts as an enhancement engine, adding differentiated capabilities such as data analytics, risk control, and intelligent marketing, while enabling AI-driven insights and data assetization.

2. Data-Driven Scenarios

In data-led engagements, Sunline positions itself as a provider of lightweight middle-platforms and professional banking data services. Leveraging Huawei’s DWS (Data Warehouse Service) alongside Sunline’s self-developed “Duke” tool suite, Sunline offerss end-to-end data solutions, including migration, governance, integration, and customization.

“Sunline’s expansion in the Middle East will move beyond a single core system to a dual-product ‘Core + Data’ model, through our proprietary core system and data platform, we aim to empower regional financial institutions to accelerate digital transformation, strengthen regulatory compliance, and drive business innovation.” said David Li.

(Group Photo: Second row – Ethan You, 7th from left; David Li, 8th from left. First row – Jeanie Zhang, 4th from right)

“1+3+1” Strategic Framework: Saudi Arabia at the Core, Radiating Across the Middle East and Central Asia

Sunline has strengthened its regional investment, establishing its Middle East headquarters in Riyadh and adopting the “1+3+1” strategic framework:

The first “1” – Long-term focus on Saudi Arabia

As the largest economy in the Middle East with a concentrated banking landscape, Saudi Arabia sets high standards and entry thresholds but offers equally high potential and value. Sunline is committed to a long-term, trust-based, and locally embedded presence to serve Saudi clients with excellence.

The “3” – Jordan, Lebanon, and Oman as strategic footholds

Adopting a “rural-to-urban” market strategy, Sunline will first establish breakthroughs in these key neighbouring markets, gradually forming an integrated regional fintech ecosystem cantered on Saudi Arabia.

The final “1” – Pakistan as a forward base

With its large population and emerging digital economy, Pakistan serves as the springboard for future expansion into the six Central Asian “-Stan” countries.

Over the next three years, Sunline plans to cultivate partnerships and project experience in Pakistan, planting the seeds for long-term development across Central Asia.

Through this strategic framework, Sunline will collaborate with regional partners and leverage its dual “Core + Data” solutions to drive digital transformation and support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals.

Ecosystem Strategy: Partnership and Long-Termism

Sunline integrates local ecosystems with Chinese capabilities using a dual-circulation approach and a Partner Sales model, adapting its strategy in phases:

Short-Term Strategy: High-Touch Market Entry
In the early phase, Sunline will focus on direct contracting, delivery, and investment to establish its first clients and build market credibility.

Mid-to Long-Term Strategy: Partner Ecosystem Development
Sunline will expand its “Solution Partner Ecosystem,” collaborating with Chinese tech leaders like Tong Dun Technology and FanRuan Software, and local providers in payments, channels, and regulation, replicating its successful multi-layer model across Asia-Pacific.

On the other, Sunline will cooperate with local solution providers in domains like payments, channels, and regulatory systems, replicating the multi-layer partnership model successfully proven across Asia-Pacific.

Looking Ahead

With 24 years of fintech expertise, 800+ clients, and operations in 40+ countries, Sunline continues to drive innovation in global banking. Moving forward, the company will strengthen collaboration with Saudi regulators, banks, and partners to build a sustainable fintech ecosystem in the Middle East.

Sunline’s strategy now focuses on a dual “Core + Data” product foundation, partnering with Huawei and ecosystem partners to create a model for Chinese fintech globalization in the region.