Los Angeles-based BlackLine, Inc. has partnered with Google Cloud to introduce a locally hosted cloud region in Saudi Arabia, enhancing financial operations for businesses in the Kingdom. This strategic expansion allows organizations to utilize AI-driven financial tools while ensuring compliance with local data residency and cybersecurity regulations.
The new deployment offers a secure environment that reduces latency, enabling companies to access BlackLine’s financial operations platform without having to transfer sensitive data outside the region. By meeting the National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) Essential Cybersecurity Controls and Cloud Cyber Security Controls, BlackLine aligns with the regulatory standards necessary for operation in Saudi Arabia.
As the Kingdom embarks on a significant economic diversification and modernization initiative, the demand for efficient, data-driven financial operations is increasing. BlackLine’s platform aims to support this transformation, providing businesses with the tools needed for enhanced control, transparency, and scalability in their financial processes.
Partnerships Strengthen Regional Presence
The expansion into Saudi Arabia is backed by a robust network of partners, including major firms such as SAP, EY, and Deloitte, all of which have established a substantial presence in the region. While BlackLine’s solutions are designed to integrate with various enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, they are particularly positioned as an SAP Solution Extension, reinforcing the collaboration with SAP’s ongoing commitment to the region.
Owen Ryan, CEO of BlackLine, emphasized the significance of this move, stating, “Expanding our regional availability ensures we can support customers wherever they operate, particularly in markets with stringent data residency requirements.” He highlighted that this deployment underscores the company’s dedication to offering secure and intelligent financial operations solutions.
Philippe Omer-Decugis, Senior Vice President and General Manager for EMEA at BlackLine, noted that the expansion aligns with customer needs. “By providing a local platform and working closely with our partners in Saudi Arabia, we can offer a new level of support to organizations in the Kingdom as they modernize their finance and accounting operations.”
Empowering Financial Operations with AI
BlackLine’s technological offerings include the Studio360 platform and the comprehensive AI suite, Verity. These tools are designed to unify data, automate complex processes, and provide real-time visibility across essential financial operations.
The introduction of these advanced solutions is timely, given the Kingdom’s growing focus on improving operational efficiencies and maintaining compliance with international standards. BlackLine’s initiatives align with the broader goals of enhancing local capabilities and fostering a more transparent financial environment.
As organizations in Saudi Arabia continue to adapt to new economic realities, BlackLine’s expansion represents a significant step toward integrating cutting-edge financial technology into the region. Through this partnership with Google Cloud, BlackLine aims to deliver the necessary infrastructure and support to help enterprises thrive in an increasingly digital landscape.
Information for this article was derived from credible sources, including BusinessWire and BlackLine.