Mashreq Becomes First UAE Bank to Offer Aani Instant Payments for SMEs

Mashreq, a leading financial institution in the MENA region, has become the first bank in the UAE to offer Aani instant payments for SMEs. This groundbreaking feature, available via the Mashreq Biz app, allows small businesses to collect funds instantly and securely, without requiring an IBAN.

Through this new functionality, merchants can generate a payment link or QR code with just a few taps, which customers can then use to complete their payment in seconds.

Collect Payments in Seconds, Not Days

With this solution, SME clients can:

• Log in to the Mashreq Biz app
• Tap ‘Pay’ → ‘Collect Money’
• Generate a secure link or QR code
• Share it with customers for instant payment

Most importantly, the payer does not need to enter bank details. Instead, payments are processed directly through Aani, the UAE’s instant payment platform.

“This is a game-changer for small businesses,” said Rajeev Chalisgaonkar, Head of Business Banking and NEO BIZ at Mashreq. “Our clients can now collect money in seconds, improving cashflow and offering their customers a simpler way to pay.”

Supporting a Seamless and Cashless Economy

This initiative doesn’t just benefit SMEs—it also supports the UAE’s broader vision for a cashless, digitally connected economy. According to Andrew McCormack, COO at Al Etihad Payments, this collaboration represents a key milestone.

“We’re proud to onboard Mashreq as an Aani provider,” said Andrew McCormack, COO at Al Etihad Payments. “This opens new possibilities for small merchants and supports nationwide financial inclusion.”

Consequently, SMEs gain access to real-time payment capabilities that were previously available only to larger enterprises.

A Feature Built for SME Agility

Not only does the solution reduce friction, but it also eliminates reliance on traditional account details. Additionally, it offers zero cost for both the merchant and customer, making it highly attractive for growing businesses.

Through Aani on Mashreq Biz, SMEs can accept payments from any enrolled Aani user in the UAE, giving them a broader reach and more flexibility.

“We’re focused on real-time payment solutions that fuel business growth,” said Kartik Taneja, Head of Payments & Consumer Lending at Mashreq. “With Aani, we’re delivering seamless, secure, and cost-effective options for SMEs.”

Aligned With the UAE’s Vision for Payments

Moreover, this launch directly supports the UAE National Payment Systems Strategy, which aims to enhance interoperability and digital access across the country’s financial infrastructure.

The solution isn’t just about speed—it’s about inclusivity, security, and empowering merchants to run their businesses with greater confidence.

Designed With the Future in Mind

By integrating Aani instant payments into Mashreq Biz, the bank is reinforcing its reputation as a progressive challenger bank, one that prioritizes innovation for its SME clients.

This move reflects Mashreq’s larger ambition: to offer banking that’s agile, intelligent, and designed to help customers rise every day, no matter their size or sector.

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