Financial
du Pay: Shaping the UAE’s Fintech Future
Integrator Media had an exclusive interview with Nicolas Levi, CEO, du Pay
How does du Pay see the fintech space of the country?
The fintech landscape in the UAE is remarkably advanced, driven by regulatory innovation, supportive government policies, strategic investments, and a strong focus on technology adoption. The UAE has created a collaborative environment where regulators, financial institutions, and fintech startups work together, positioning the country as a global hub for fintech innovation. The growth of the fintech sector in the UAE has been phenomenal, with projections indicating the market will escalate from USD 3.16 billion in 2024 to USD 5.71 billion by 2029, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.56%.
However, there remains a significant portion of the population that is underserved, despite high smartphone penetration. These individuals are yet to fully embrace digital channels, including from local payments to international money transfers. With the UAE’s impressive $39.7 billion in outward international money transfer volumes, du Pay is poised to tap into this extensive market by offering services that prioritize simplicity and customer-centric experiences. It aims to become a key payment solution for international transfers, digital payments and salary solution, especially for the underserved segment.
How is du Pay leveraging du’s existing customer relationships to offer financial services?
Over the past 18+ years, du has established itself as a strong, trusted brand, ranking as the 3rd strongest brand in the UAE this year. This strong brand presence of du gives du Pay a significant advantage in terms of customer acquisition. Leveraging its extensive, diverse customer base offers du a significant edge in fintech service promotion, avoiding the extensive customer acquisition and retention costs typical for traditional financial institutions. Furthermore, its widereaching distribution mechanisms extend fintech services’ reach, including to underbanked or unbanked populations, thus advancing financial inclusion.
du Pay is designed to cater to the evolving needs of a diverse clientele, ensuring a wide range of accessible and user-friendly financial solutions. The service suite encompasses bill payments, mobile recharges, and offers competitive international money transfer options to over 200 countries. This comprehensive array of services is crafted to not only attract du’s existing prepaid customers through rewards, such as substantial data bonuses, but also to draw new users seeking convenience and efficiency in their financial transactions. Beyond the core offerings, du Pay stands out through its commitment to simplicity in user experience. Its 100% digital, two-step onboarding process is simple and further simplified to just 1 step for existing du customers. Licensed by the Central Bank of the UAE, the app is fortified by robust security infrastructure ensuring users enjoy a seamless and safe transaction experience, further supported by the availability of the app in multiple languages, catering to the UAE’s multicultural resident base.
Can you provide examples of du Pay’s successful fintech partnership initiatives in the Middle East and Africa?
du Pay has formed strategic partnerships with leading players to enhance its international money transfer and digital payment offerings. For instance, its collaboration with Western Union reaffirms its commitment to providing seamless international transfers. With Western Union’s extensive global money movement network and du Pay’s user-friendly app, crossborder transactions have become effortless and hassle-free. du Pay is also working with leading mobile money providers in the respective countries, like JazzCash in Pakistan, to offer greater benefits to its customers.
du Pay’s partnership with Emirates NBD enables creation of wallets with a unique IBAN for each customer, enabling a seamless money receipt experience, facilitating salary payments for domestic workers. Additionally, its partnership with Visa has enabled it to launch digital (including physical) prepaid cards in the UAE through the du Pay app. These Visa cards provide secure, accessible, and inclusive payment solutions, promoting financial empowerment for all UAE residents and promoting digital advancement within economy.
In what ways do fintech platforms driven by telecom companies such as du Pay have an advantage over traditional financial services providers in the fintech sector?
Fintech platforms driven by telecom companies like du Pay offer several advantages over traditional financial services providers. It is established brand and history foster trust among customers, partners and regulators, while its vast telco customer base provides a ready audience for fintech services. du Pay relies on the huge customer base of the telco, it’s distribution network and knowledge about the customers and different segments. The millions of touch points of du, being one of the leading telcos is also a differentiator for du Pay. Thus, the telco services like recharge, bill payment and international calls are natural touch points to enhance customer experience from telco to financial services seamlessly. With a robust network and security infrastructure, du Pay ensures reliable and secure transactions, which a lot of early players in the same domain may grapple with. Additionally, its longstanding brand and regulatory compliance bolster confidence among stakeholders.
What are the potential challenges du Pay might face when expanding their fintech services?
Expanding into fintech services comes with its potential obstacles, but strategically managing these challenges is key to success. The transition into the fintech sector undeniably requires rigorous adherence to regulatory and compliance standards designed to ensure the protection and privacy of consumers. du Pay is already taking proactive steps to conform to these stringent requirements, which are crucial in maintaining the integrity of financial systems. du Pay is backed by high grade security measures and compliance standards to ensure secure transactions for its customers. As du Pay expands, the focus will also shift to creating disruptive propositions in an increasingly competitive market, ensuring its services create stickiness amongst existing customers and appeal to everyone, including non-du customers.
How do you foresee the collaboration between du Pay and traditional financial institutions evolving in the fintech space in the longer future?
The evolving partnerships between telco-led fintech companies like du Pay and traditional financial institutions, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer expectations, will lead to more inclusive, efficient, and innovative financial services. du Pay can facilitate access to financial services for populations that traditional institutions might not reach, especially because of du’s wide and accessible network. It is also working with key players to not only provide access but also raise awareness and promote financial literacy. Additionally, through partnerships with robust systems powered by du, du Pay envisions the creation of a resilient ecosystem. These collaborations enable it to swiftly introduce innovative solutions to the market, leveraging its agility as a fintech player. The key to success will be leveraging each party’s strengths and navigating the regulatory landscape effectively to create mutually beneficial and sustainable collaborations. As exemplified by initiatives with its strategic partners like Western Union, Visa, etc., the journey towards a more interconnected, innovative, and inclusive financial ecosystem is well underway.
Financial
RECENT DECISIONS BY THE UAE CENTRAL BANK
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

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

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.
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