Financial
Lebanon fintech investment: Whish Money Q&A
Lebanon’s financial system has faced extraordinary pressure in recent years. Yet within these challenges lies an unexpected opportunity: the rise of Lebanon fintech investment as a driver of inclusion and growth. Among the companies leading this shift is Whish Money, a digital-first platform serving more than 1.3 million users in 110 countries. In this exclusive Q&A, Toufic Koussa, Co-Founder and CEO, explains how Lebanon can position itself as a hub for fintech despite ongoing uncertainty.
Lebanon fintech investment appeal for global investors
Q: In Lebanon’s current economic climate, what factors can attract local and foreign fintech investment, and how is Whish Money positioned to benefit?
Toufic Koussa: Lebanon’s economy has created a surge in demand for secure, accessible, and compliant financial solutions. Investors now search for opportunities where technology fills urgent gaps. They want platforms that streamline payments, enable quick transfers, and promote financial literacy. Whish Money’s 1.3 million users across 110 countries show that fintech can scale locally and globally. Our commitment to trust and inclusivity makes us an attractive partner for Lebanon fintech investment.
Strategies sustaining Lebanon fintech investment growth
Q: What investment strategies and operational efficiencies have been key to sustaining Whish Money’s growth in an uncertain regulatory and economic environment?
Toufic Koussa: Growth in Lebanon could not depend on costly infrastructure. Instead, we focused on agility and smart resource allocation. Scalable digital rails and strong compliance frameworks gave us a solid base. We relied on strategic partnerships rather than trying to build everything in-house. This approach kept us flexible and efficient. At the same time, we co-created our roadmap with users. Services such as instant transfers and QR payments solved real problems. Each decision translated into adoption and sustainable growth—strengthening Lebanon’s fintech investment landscape.
Partnerships powering Lebanon’s fintech investment ecosystem
Q: How do partnerships with Visa, Mastercard, and TerraPay boost investor confidence and accelerate market expansion locally and abroad?
Toufic Koussa: Partnerships are central to our expansion. When Visa and Mastercard integrate with Whish, it confirms that our platform meets global standards. It also proves our ability to connect seamlessly with international ecosystems. TerraPay and Ria extend our reach to Lebanon’s diaspora, making remittances faster and safer. These alliances inspire confidence, increase scalability, and highlight Lebanon as an emerging fintech investment hub.
How Lebanon fintech investment empowers communities
Q: How can fintech—especially digital payments—drive economic empowerment in Lebanon, and what investment in infrastructure or regulation is needed to maximize this impact?
Toufic Koussa: Digital payments empower people and businesses alike. Workers who receive wages digitally enter the formal economy and gain access to vital protections. Merchants who accept QR payments reach more customers and reduce dependence on cash. Families who rely on remittances benefit from transparent and instant transfers that improve stability. To maximize these gains, Lebanon must invest in infrastructure and adopt forward-looking regulation. The Central Bank of Lebanon licenses Whish Money, but progress depends on broader collaboration. Regulators, telecom providers, and fintech innovators must work together to unlock the full promise of Lebanon fintech investment.
Lessons shaping Lebanon’s fintech investment future
Q: From serving over 1M users in 110+ countries, what lessons can you apply to Lebanon’s fintech scene, and how do you position the country as attractive for fintech investors?
Toufic Koussa: Our journey shows that agility and customer focus drive scale. We built a culture that listens to communities and responds with transparent solutions. This approach ensures innovation is tied to real needs, not abstract ideas. Internally, we promote continuous learning, which allows us to adapt to changing conditions.
For Lebanon to draw investors, it must embrace entrepreneurship, encourage collaboration, and support startups with impact-driven missions. Above all, the ecosystem should build trust and prioritize transparency. With these values in place, Lebanon can emerge as a hub where innovation and inclusion converge. That vision makes Lebanon fintech investment a story of resilience and opportunity.
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