Mastercard has expanded its partnership with stc pay Bahrain to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Under the deal, Mastercard will continue to power the digital wallet’s card portfolio.
This includes a Mastercard Business prepaid card that helps firms manage payments and expenses.
In addition, both companies plan to explore advisory, processing and security services for SMEs.
They will also look at possible regional expansion. Meanwhile, Mastercard will help shape the wallet’s future product plans.
According to the Mastercard SME Confidence Index 2026, 96% of SMEs in Bahrain see digital payments as critical to growth. However, 57% still use personal cards for business expenses.
The survey further found that 56% see wider digital payment acceptance as their top growth opportunity.
More broadly, the partnership supports Mastercard’s goal of bringing 500 million people and small businesses into the digital economy by 2030.
“We look forward to building on our productive relationship to enhance the digital wallet’s business portfolio, launch new programs and co-create value-added services,”
said Saud Swar, Country Manager for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan and other Levant at Mastercard.
“Strengthening our relationship with Mastercard, our trusted partner in advancing Bahrain’s shift toward seamless, secure and convenient digital transactions, will fuel our next stage of growth,”
said Metin Zavrak, CEO of stc pay Bahrain.
Founded in 2023, stc pay Bahrain is a wholly owned subsidiary of stc Bahrain.
Through stc pay Business Solutions, it offers firms digital onboarding, payroll under the Wage Protection System, cash collections and cashback business cards.
Featured image: Edited by Fintech News UAE, based on image by Mastercard via its website.
