Financial

Optimizing In-App Payments Opportunities And Challenges

Published

2 years ago

July 1, 2024

Integrator Web-Editor

Integrator Media had an interview with Remo Giovanni Abbondandolo, General Manager-MENA, Checkout.com

Could you provide a brief overview of the entire ecosystem surrounding in-app payments?

The in-app payments ecosystem encompasses a network of various components, including payment gateways, digital wallets, and payment processors, that work to streamline payment transactions within mobile applications. Within this, the payment gateways act as intermediaries, securely transmitting payment information between the app and the payment processor. The payment processors validate and process transactions, ensuring they comply with regulations and security standards, while the digital wallets store users’ payment details for quick and secure payments. Successful integration of these services requires careful planning and implementation to ensure a smooth user experience and adherence to regulatory requirements, ultimately enabling businesses to deliver seamless payment experiences to their customers.

What are some factors driving the growing trust in digital payment ecosystems among consumers?

In the past few years’ ecommerce has grown faster in the MENA region than anywhere else in the world, with an estimated 209 million consumers transitioning to online shopping during the height of the pandemic. And with the pandemic’s lockdowns now behind us, the number of ecommerce shoppers in MENA only continues to grow. Latest estimates from Redseer have forecasted the total MENA ecommerce market size to be worth $100 billion by 2023. This has had a huge impact on how consumers in the region view digital payments, and on their willingness to use them. Furthermore, the increasing trust in digital payment ecosystems can be attributed to several key factors.

Firstly, the ecosystem is becoming significantly more secure due to rapid advancements in security and fraud prevention. Between 2021 and 2023, the fraud rates for online transactions during Ramadan in the region reduced by a whopping two-thirds, based on Checkout. com processing data. This improved security has instilled confidence in consumers, encouraging them to utilize digital payment methods more frequently. Secondly, the convenience offered by digital payments aligns with the heightened activity in app browsing and mobile shopping during this period. In 2023, for instance, Checkout.com saw processing volumes of online transactions during Ramadan swell in the region year-on-year by 69%, furthermore, we saw a significant uptick in funds sent by expatriates to their families and friends, both in anticipation of the Eid holidays and during the holy month, translated in a 17% increase in the UAE, and 28% in Saudi.

Can you elaborate on how the ecosystem is experiencing enhanced security due to rapid advancements in security and fraud prevention?

The digital payment ecosystem is becoming increasingly secure, thanks to advancements like robust encryption methods that protect payment information during transmission and storage, advanced authentication techniques such as biometrics and tokenization, and real-time transaction monitoring systems. Additionally, machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms are being increasingly utilized to detect and prevent fraudulent activities. These technologies work together to create a multi-layered security approach, significantly reducing the risk of fraud and ensuring the security of digital transactions. Consequently, businesses can provide consumers with a more secure and reliable payment experience, fostering trust and loyalty.

How do in-app payments offer various opportunities for monetization to businesses operating through mobile applications?

In-app payment processing enables merchants to accept payments for goods and services directly within a mobile app, streamlining the checkout process for users to enter their payment details without leaving the app. This opens all sorts of monetization possibilities for app-based businesses, from setting up subscription payments to unlocking exclusive content. Enhancing in-app payment processing presents an untapped opportunity for merchants in the region to gain significant advantage, with benefits that encompass higher conversion rates, increased revenue, enhanced customer retention, and quicker settlement times. Simplifying the checkout process within the app reduces the likelihood of cart abandonment, leading to a smoother customer journey and ultimately boosting conversions. This not only drives revenue growth but also encourages customers to spend more time within the app, thereby improving retention rates. Additionally, offering direct account[1]to-account payment methods through in-app payments can significantly reduce settlement times compared to traditional card payments.

What are some potential drawbacks that merchants should consider when considering the implementation of in-app payments?

When considering the implementation of in-app payments, merchants should be mindful of two key drawbacks. Firstly, high commission fees can significantly impact profitability, particularly for businesses earning over $1 million in annual net app revenue on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, where fees can reach 30% of revenue. However, for businesses making less than $1 million, or in the case of a subscription[1]based app that’s been in service for over 12 months, the corresponding fee is 15% of the revenue, which will apply to most app developers. Secondly, the lack of flexibility in direct integration with Payment Service Providers (PSPs) may limit merchants’ ability to offer alternative payment methods beyond Apple Pay or Google Pay. Despite these challenges, the benefits of in-app payments, especially during busy seasons like Ramadan, often outweigh these drawbacks. Merchants should strive to implement in-app payment processing in a way that optimizes user experience, minimizes commission impact, and complies with app store guidelines.

Do you believe payment service companies are reshaping the landscape of financial services in the region?

Yes, I believe they are indeed reshaping the landscape of financial services in the region. The innovative approaches and technology-driven solutions being offered are revolutionizing how businesses and individuals manage transactions. With the rise of mobile payments, digital wallets, and contactless payments, payment service companies are making transactions more convenient, secure, and efficient. Looking ahead, as technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more seamless and integrated payment solutions. This includes increased personalization, improved security measures, and further integration with emerging technologies like blockchain and AI. These developments are expected to offer new opportunities for growth and innovation, while expanding the range of services offered. As consumers increasingly embrace digital payment options, payment service companies that can adapt and evolve to meet changing needs are likely to thrive in the growing financial services landscape.

Financial

RECENT DECISIONS BY THE UAE CENTRAL BANK

Published

4 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

Qashio Applauds Uae Central Bank’s Forward‑Looking Resilience Measures

Spokesperson: Armin Moradi, Founder and CEO, Qashio

This is a highly commendable initiative by the UAE Central Bank and a clear demonstration of forward-looking economic leadership.

The proactive resilience package reflects a strong level of preparedness and disciplined planning, reinforcing confidence in the UAE’s financial system at a time when global uncertainty remains a key consideration. Backed by substantial reserves, it sends a powerful signal of stability and prudent oversight.

What is particularly notable is the strength of the top-down support—ensuring that financial institutions are not only protected but also empowered to continue supporting businesses and the wider economy. This approach safeguards the momentum of growth while reinforcing trust across investors, partners, and the broader business community.

Ultimately, this initiative further strengthens the UAE’s position as a resilient and highly trusted economic hub, building on an already robust and dynamic business environment that continues to thrive.

Spokesperson: Abdulla Lahej, Chairman, Amaal

The recent measures by the Central Bank of the UAE signal a clear commitment to sustaining liquidity and credit flow across the economy. With over AED 920 billion in available liquidity and reserves exceeding AED 400 billion, banks are well-positioned to expand mortgage lending. Easing capital buffers and funding ratios will directly support homebuyers through improved loan accessibility and pricing. For the real estate sector, this will translate into stronger mortgage uptake, increased transaction volumes, and renewed investor confidence. Overall, these steps will reinforce market stability while creating favourable conditions for sustained property demand and long-term sector growth.

Financial

BITCOIN STRUGGLES TO BREAK $74,000 RESISTANCE AS ETF INFLOWS RISE

Published

1 week ago

March 17, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

Bitcoin edged higher last week, gaining 11%, yet it continues to struggle to convincingly break through the $74,000 resistance level, according to Simon Peters, crypto analyst at eToro.

US bitcoin spot ETFs recorded $763 million in net inflows over the past week, helping to push prices higher. Strategy, the largest bitcoin treasury company by total holdings, also disclosed another significant purchase of 17,994 bitcoin for approximately $1.28 billion.

Looking ahead, the Federal Reserve meeting this week could prove pivotal in determining whether bitcoin breaks above the $74,000 level or experiences a correction. While markets had previously anticipated a dovish pivot, a sudden spike in oil prices due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East may prompt the Fed to reconsider its outlook.

“The consensus is for the Fed to hold rates on Wednesday, but if Chairman Powell signals in his press conference that the central bank is prepared to raise rates should oil prices remain elevated or continue rising, this could trigger a sell-off in cryptoasset prices,” said Peters.

The meeting will also see the release of the Federal Reserve’s latest “dot plot”, offering insights into where each Federal Open Market Committee participant believes interest rates should be by the end of the year, next year and over the longer term.

AI tokens surge amid Nvidia comments

Among the biggest movers in the crypto market over the past week were AI-related tokens TAO and FET, both rising 47% as investors rotated into the sector following bullish remarks about artificial intelligence by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang.

Ahead of Nvidia’s GTC AI conference this week, Huang described AI as “essential infrastructure”, stating that every company and nation will build and use it.

These comments have renewed interest in on-chain, decentralised AI networks, pushing tokens such as TAO and FET higher.

Mastercard launches crypto partner program

Mastercard has launched its Mastercard Crypto Partner Program, a new global initiative bringing together more than 85 companies across the crypto ecosystem, including exchanges, stablecoin issuers and blockchain development teams.

The program aims to foster dialogue and collaboration as the crypto sector continues to mature. Participants will work with Mastercard teams to combine the speed and programmability of blockchain technology with Mastercard’s merchant network spanning more than 210 countries.

The initiative builds on Mastercard’s existing digital asset activities, including its Start Path blockchain track, Engage platform and Crypto Card program.

Bitcoin reaches 20 million supply milestone

Bitcoin reached a historic milestone last week when the 20 millionth bitcoin was mined, marking the issuance of more than 95% of the cryptocurrency’s total capped supply of 21 million coins.

The milestone was reached on 10 March at block height 931200, 17 years after the network first launched. Due to Bitcoin’s halving schedule, the remaining one million coins are expected to take approximately another 114 years to be mined, with the final bitcoin projected to enter circulation around the year 2140.

Crossing the 20 million milestone again highlights Bitcoin’s scarcity dynamics. With demand continuing to outpace the new supply issued daily by miners and many holders unwilling to sell at current prices, the market could be positioned for a significant move higher over the coming months and years.

Financial

ABA Legal Highlights UAE’s Legal Framework as Catalyst for the Next Wave of Foreign Investment

Published

2 weeks ago

March 9, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

In alignment with the UAE’s ambitious vision to evolve into a global hub for business and foreign capital, ABA Legal, a boutique corporate law consultancy headquartered in Abu Dhabi, UAE, has announced its bold and strategic expansion of Legal Structure Mapping – a refined core advisory specially mentoring FDI and investors in interpreting and navigating the UAE’s investor-focused legal framework across the region. The move strengthens the firm’s positioning as one of a kind legal resource for foreign investors seeking clarity, compliance, and structured market entry within the UAE.

The United Arab Emirates has rapidly evolved into a leading destination for global business and foreign capital. According to recent government and industry reports, the UAE continues to rank among the top global destinations for foreign direct investment inflows, driven by continuous legal and regulatory modernization. ABA Legal observes that legal clarity, regulatory certainty, and structural reforms are increasingly central to investor decision-making, with businesses placing greater emphasis on well-defined legal pathways, ownership structures, and enforceability before committing capital to new markets.

Commenting on the evolving landscape, Ms. Geethalakshmi Ramachandran, Managing Counsel at ABA Legal, said “The UAE’s legal framework today is not only progressive but highly responsive to global investor expectations. The shift toward full foreign ownership, stronger dispute resolution systems, governance reforms, and IP protection has significantly enhanced legal certainty. At ABA Legal, our core service now is guiding foreign investors through these reforms with clarity and precision, ensuring they can structure, enter, and operate in the UAE market with confidence and long-term security. We aim to become the Legal Mentors for FDIs and Investors UAE interest”

A New Era of Legal Reform

The UAE has entered a new era of legal reform designed to strengthen transparency, predictability, and investor confidence across its commercial ecosystem. One of the most significant developments has been the overhaul of foreign ownership regulations. Sectors that previously required majority UAE national ownership have been widely liberalized, enabling 100% foreign ownership across a growing range of industries, including technology, manufacturing, and professional services. From a legal standpoint, this marks a structural realignment of the corporate framework, giving investors greater control over governance and operations while reducing compliance ambiguity and intermediary dependence. The reforms align the UAE with global best practices and reinforce its appeal for long-term, high-value investment.

Strengthening Contract Enforcement and Dispute Resolution

Investor confidence is closely tied to enforceability and legal certainty. The UAE has modernized commercial laws and strengthened dispute resolution mechanisms to create a secure environment for international business. Specialized courts operating under internationally recognized standards and common law principles, alongside stronger integration with global arbitration systems, ensure disputes are resolved efficiently and impartially. This protects contractual rights, lowers legal risk, and supports long-term cross-border investment strategies.

Governance, Transparency, and Investor Protection

Governance, transparency, and investor protection have also been enhanced through stricter corporate reporting, anti-money laundering, and financial compliance frameworks. These measures reduce regulatory uncertainty and strengthen market credibility by embedding internationally recognized standards into law. Investors benefit from a more stable, accountable, and transparent operating environment.

Free Zones: Tailored Legal Advantages: Free zones continue to play a central role in the UAE’s foreign investment strategy, offering tailored legal and regulatory advantages such as full foreign ownership, capital repatriation, customs exemptions, and flexible employment and residency structures. Designed around priority sectors, these zones combine flexibility with legal certainty and reduced administrative burden.

Modern Commercial Laws, Digital Economy Support, and IP Protection

Recent updates to commercial company regulations, data protection laws, and intellectual property protections further support digital economy and innovation-driven businesses. Together, these reforms create a resilient and adaptable legal ecosystem that not only attracts foreign capital but enables sustainable, knowledge-based growth; with ABA Legal supporting investors through structured legal guidance in this evolving framework.

For global investors seeking stability, transparency, and strategic opportunity, the UAE’s legal framework is more than supportive, it is a dynamic engine for capital inflow, innovation, and knowledge-based economic development, with ABA Legal serving as a strategic legal mentor in this journey.