Fuze has partnered with cybersecurity firm Halborn to help banks and institutions launch compliant digital asset services. The companies announced the collaboration ahead of a co-hosted event at the Point Zero Forum in Zurich. The partnership combines the regulated digital asset infrastructure provided by Fuze with Halborn’s security assessments, threat intelligence, and risk management capabilities. Together, they plan to present a new framework designed to help financial institutions build secure digital asset operations, addressing security concerns that often delay institutional entry into the market. Institutions expanding into digital assets face serious security threats. Digital asset platforms lost more than US$3…

HSBC has partnered with Mastercard to launch a mobile virtual card solution for corporate clients in the UAE. By embedding tokenised virtual commercial cards directly into digital wallets, businesses can now manage contactless business and travel expenditures more easily. Using the Mastercard In Control for Mobile Payments platform, HSBC becomes the first global bank to introduce mobile virtual cards in the Emirates. This integration enables secure virtual card numbers to live directly on devices, removing the need for physical corporate cards entirely. Corporate users can load these cards into compatible digital wallets following a digital sign-up process via the Mastercard…

Invest Qatar has launched a venture capital funding module on its digital gateway platform to streamline how startups secure institutional capital. Developed in partnership with the Qatar Investment Authority, the new feature consolidates the discovery and application process into a centralised system. The module allows emerging businesses to review the investment focus areas and eligibility criteria of participating funds. Many of these venture firms are backed by the sovereign wealth fund through its US$3 billion fund of funds programme. Startups can use the platform to submit investment pitches directly to fund managers and access supporting ecosystem services. By centralising these…

Over the next two to three years, artificial intelligence (AI) and data will drive the next phase of transformation in the banking industry, reshaping customer engagement, personalization and operations. Additionally, embedded finance will continue bringing financial services directly into broader digital ecosystems, allowing customers to access financing, payments, and management tools seamlessly at the exact moment and place they are needed. According to top executives at Mashreq, Emirates NBD, and Revolut, these shifts represent a fundamental change in how financial services companies operate. These experts shared their views and expectations for the future of banking in a new report produced…

Wio Bank, in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), has launched a digital share-backed financing product named Loan Against Investments. The service allows UAE investors to access credit by using their ADX-listed share portfolios as collateral. It removes the need to sell their underlying holdings. Accessible through the Wio Personal app, the product enables users to pledge eligible shares to Wio Bank as security. This arrangement lasts for the duration of the financing. Customers retain all economic benefits, meaning dividends continue to accrue and any market appreciation remains theirs. Once the financing is fully repaid, the shares are…

Mashreq has partnered with Visa and AI-powered commerce firm RezolveAi to launch a new Visa Card Linked Offers programme called Everyday Cashback. The initiative provides Mashreq’s UAE cardholders with automated cashback at hundreds of local and international merchants, using advanced analytics to personalise offers based on individual spending patterns. All features are fully digital, with users able to track cashback transactions directly within the Mashreq app for a more transparent experience. This launch expands Vantage, Mashreq’s existing credit card rewards scheme, as the bank aims to make both debit and credit transactions more rewarding. “At Mashreq, we remain committed to…

HSBC has expanded its digital money infrastructure by launching its Tokenised Deposit Service in the UAE to enable real-time treasury management for corporate clients. The service allows eligible institutional businesses to execute 24/7 domestic and cross-border fund transfers instantly via blockchain rails. The introduction of the service brings the UAE dirham into a digital asset network that already supports several major global currencies. These include the euro, pound sterling, US dollar, Hong Kong dollar, and Singapore dollar. According to the bank, the new system aims to bridge blockchain-enabled workflows with traditional payments infrastructure. This setup allows corporate treasuries to transfer…

Dubizzle Group has invested in UAE rental rewards platform Tern to enable tenants using its property portals to pay rent via credit card and earn loyalty points. The partnership integrates Tern exclusively into Dubizzle and Bayut. It aims to provide a more flexible digital payment experience for tenants, landlords, and agents across the UAE. Through this integration, tenants can manage their rent payments without hidden fees or credit card premiums. Users will earn rewards points that can be redeemed for flights, electronics, and lifestyle services. For landlords and property agents, the platform facilitates faster digital rent collection. The company says…

Changer.ae has signed a MoU with DeScript Labs to develop digital asset settlement and merchant technology solutions in the UAE. The partnership creates a framework to combine the regulated custody capabilities of Changer.ae with the merchant infrastructure of DeScript Labs. The initiative focuses on creating compliant pathways for businesses to accept digital assets from customers while receiving final settlement in fiat currency, such as the AED. By converting digital assets into fiat currency, the proposed model aims to help merchants reduce exposure to cryptocurrency volatility. It also aims to expand their payment options. The companies expect the solution to be…

Lean Technologies has launched a suite of four Pay-by-Bank products in the UAE, allowing businesses to collect payments directly from customer bank accounts and reducing reliance on traditional card networks, as reported by FWDstart. Unveiled at its Pay-by-Bank event in Dubai on 18 June, the products run on the Central Bank of the UAE’s Open Finance framework, which enables licensed firms to initiate regulated bank-to-bank payments. Product Suite Overview The suite includes Deposits, aimed at trading, investment, and remittance platforms, with one-click top-ups and up to 12-month account-on-file consent. Collections supports recurring and credit repayments, with pre-transaction balance checks. Checkout…

NymCard has launched nCore FullStack, a unified payments infrastructure platform that enables banks to manage issuing, lending, money movement, settlement, financial crime, and reconciliation through a single integration. The platform replaces fragmented legacy systems that rely on multiple third-party vendors across different banking functions. By consolidating these capabilities into one in-house system, nCore reduces integration overhead and operational complexity while allowing banks to expand services without adding new vendor connections. NymCard said this helps improve consistency across data and lowers the effort required to maintain and synchronise separate systems. “Most banks are trying to modernise by adding one connection after…

DMCC has signed a MoU with stablecoin issuer Tether to develop blockchain infrastructure and tokenised finance in Dubai. The agreement sets a framework for Tether to support blockchain communication and payment systems within the business district. Tether will also advise on tokenisation, cryptocurrency payments, and digital asset settlements. The two organisations plan to run educational programmes, hackathons, and industry events. These initiatives are designed to support the crypto centre and the broader digital asset sector in Dubai. Tether will engage directly with the 26,000 member companies operating within the district. This engagement will include sharing industry knowledge and offering potential…

Emirates NBD has completed its acquisition of a majority stake in RBL Bank following a primary capital infusion of approximately US$2.75 billion (INR 260 billion). The deal gives the Dubai-based banking group a 60% holding in the expanded share capital of the Indian lender. First announced on 18 October 2025, the transaction has concluded after receiving regulatory approvals and fulfilling closing conditions. Emirates NBD executed the acquisition through a preferential issue of shares along with a mandatory open offer to public shareholders of RBL Bank. According to the announcement, Emirates NBD and RBL Bank described the transaction as the largest…

Citi has appointed Rajeev Garg as the new Head of Wealth for Citibank UAE, effective from 18 June 2026. Garg will manage the strategic development and performance of the bank’s local wealth vertical, which includes Citigold, Citigold Private Client, and credit cards. His role focuses on executing strategic priorities and upgrading the local risk and control framework to meet global standards and regional regulatory requirements. The private banking segment will remain under the supervision of Mohannad Sleiman. In his new capacity, Garg reports directly to Yeo Wenxian, Head of Asia South Wealth. He also has a reporting line to Shamsa…

CoinMENA FZE has partnered with Standard Chartered to strengthen its fiat payment infrastructure, offering faster funding and more efficient settlements for its regional customer base. The partnership focuses on customer money account services and fiat payment infrastructure within the UAE digital asset market. Under the agreement, the Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) licensed broker-dealer will utilise the banking capabilities of Standard Chartered to facilitate fiat on- and off-ramp flows. The solution integrates safeguarded client money accounts with high-speed settlement rails and virtual account-based transaction management. CoinMENA FZE will use the setup to improve operational scalability, support liquidity settlement with approved…

SAB Invest, the investment arm of Saudi Awwal Bank, has launched a securities lending service for its clients and appointed JPMorganChase as its agent for the domestic equity business. The mandate forms part of the firm’s strategy to expand the platform to include global assets. It marks its development as a full-service capital markets participant. The capability is designed to allow clients to generate returns from their existing equity holdings. It also enables access to yield-generating opportunities across international markets. Institutional equity expansion SAB Invest selected JPMorganChase due to its local market experience, international capabilities, risk management framework, and technology…

Revolut has secured its Stored Value Facilities (SVF) license and Retail Payment Services (Category II) license from the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE). The regulatory approval follows an in-principle approval granted to the global fintech platform in September 2025. This successful completion of the Revolut UAE license process allows the company to advance its expansion strategy across the Middle East. Since receiving initial approval last year, the company has expanded its local workforce and established the operational infrastructure required to support long-term operations in the country. “The UAE’s position as a global hub for financial services innovation is built…

Huawei Cloud has signed a MoU with Thndr, an Egyptian digital investment platform, to expand the use of cloud computing and AI in financial services. The agreement was finalised at the Huawei Cloud Fintech Summit 2026. The partnership focuses on driving technological innovation by enhancing operational efficiency and deploying secure infrastructure. Huawei Cloud provides integrated infrastructure combining computing, storage, and networking capabilities to support scalability for financial institutions. The company also offers a dedicated financial-grade artificial intelligence platform to support automated models and services. “Today, we are building on that momentum through our partnership with Thndr, as we work together…

UAE telecom provider du has launched du Launchpad, an AI-powered platform designed to help SMEs manage accounting, payroll, and corporate tax filing. Software company Peko partnered with du to develop the service, which operates under the telecom provider’s business portfolio. It integrates various administrative and financial tools to help businesses reduce manual work and meet government regulations. Core features of the platform include accounting solutions, human resources management systems, and corporate tax filing capabilities. The system also offers professional invoicing tools and integration with WhatsApp Business. To support cost optimisation, du provides a premium bundle that gives subscribers access to…

Spend management platform Alaan is launching an embedded business banking account for UAE companies in partnership with ruya. The product integrates digital banking capabilities directly into the Alaan platform, allowing businesses to manage corporate cards, supplier payments, invoice automation, and accounting in a single workflow. This launch follows a recent initiative where the company committed AED 3 million to support local businesses by covering their utility and telecommunications bills. The new account aims to centralise financial operations for companies increasingly adopting digital and embedded finance solutions. Automating B2B payments and invoices The embedded account enables users to process local transfers…