Latest news with #AstraTech
Zawya
11-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
ICAEW panel highlights GCC's regulatory gains as global investor confidence grows
Dubai, UAE: As global markets face rising uncertainty, the UAE is gaining ground as a trusted destination for long-term investment. Its transparent regulatory environment, backed by consistent legal reform and a clear economic vision, is reinforcing the country's credibility with global investors. These developments were the focus of a recent panel discussion hosted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) Corporate Finance Faculty in Dubai. The event brought together economists, senior policymakers and finance professionals to examine how regulatory transformation across the GCC is helping shape a more resilient and investable regional economy. The panellists included: H.E. Dr. Tariq Bin Hendi, CEO and Board Member, Astra Tech and CEO, Botim Simon Williams, Chief Economist for Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, HSBC Raed Safadi, Partner and Chief Economist, Whiteshield and Salmaan Khawaja, Partner and Head of Financial Advisory at Grant Thornton, who moderated the discussion. Panellists discussed how recent updates to company law, residency frameworks and broader legal policies have created a more accessible and predictable investment climate. These changes, combined with large-scale infrastructure investment, are drawing capital into priority sectors such as technology, clean energy and healthcare. Speakers also explored the region's strategic investment in digital infrastructure, from high-capacity data centres to AI platforms. These initiatives are supported by regulatory models that encourage innovation while maintaining national oversight, reinforcing the UAE's position as a strategic bridge between East and West. Hanadi Khalife, Head of ICAEW Middle East, said: ' At a time of global uncertainty, the UAE and wider GCC are entering a golden moment. A clear and well-structured regulatory environment has significantly raised the region's global credibility. It is continuing to draw inward investment while putting in place the financial foundations required for sustainable, region-wide growth. ICAEW is proud to support finance professionals who are helping to shape this next chapter.' The forum emphasised the growing demand for financial professionals who can support regional growth through effective governance, risk management and capital deployment. It also reaffirmed ICAEW's commitment to strengthening the financial profession and contributing to the development of future-ready financial systems. Media enquiries: Layth Kamal, Mojo PR, email icaew@ About ICAEW Chartered accountants are talented, ethical and committed professionals. ICAEW represents more than 208,000 members and students around the world. Founded in 1880, ICAEW has a long history of serving the public interest and we continue to work with governments, regulators and business leaders globally. And, as a world-leading improvement regulator, we supervise and monitor over 12,000 firms, holding them, and all ICAEW members and students, to the highest standards of professional competency and conduct. We promote inclusivity, diversity and fairness and we give talented professionals the skills and values they need to build resilient businesses, economies and societies, while ensuring our planet's resources are managed sustainably. ICAEW is the first major professional body to be carbon neutral, demonstrating our commitment to tackle climate change and supporting UN Sustainable Development Goal 13. ICAEW is a founding member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide (CAW), a global family that connects over 1.8m chartered accountants and students in more than 190 countries. Together, we support, develop and promote the role of chartered accountants as trusted business leaders, difference makers and advisers. We believe that chartered accountancy can be a force for positive change. By sharing our insight, expertise and understanding we can help to create sustainable economies and a better future for all.
Trade Arabia
17-05-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Astra Tech, 7X in deal to advance digital financial services
Astra Tech, the leading consumer technology holding group behind Botim, has announced a strategic partnership with 7X, the investment holding group in trade, transport, and logistics. The agreement, formalized during the Dubai FinTech Summit (DFS), sets the stage for an integrated digital ecosystem that combines financial services, logistics, and last-mile delivery, advancing the UAE's vision for a connected, inclusive, and innovation-driven economy. The collaboration will enhance access to secure, compliant, and customer-centric services by embedding remittance capabilities, salary processing via both Wages Protection System (WPS) solutions through the innovative Botim Salary Card, and digital payment tools into everyday platforms, said the statement from Astra Tech. It also catalyzes future enhancements, including AI-powered address verification, last-mile delivery integration, and expanded payment acceptance points. Astra Tech's WPS solution, the Botim Salary Card, will be rolled out to FINTX's (the fintech arm of 7X) extensive customer base, marking a significant expansion in salary disbursement capabilities across businesses' clientele through a trusted and compliant delivery network. FINTX plays a central role in this collaboration, reinforcing its mandate as a trusted financial enabler and expanding the reach of UAE-born fintech capabilities across all user segments and geographies. In addition, the agreement also explores new avenues to expand Botim's international remittance services through FINTX's global financial network, connecting users to agent locations worldwide. By embedding this infrastructure into the Botim app, users will be able to send and receive cross-border remittances quickly and securely from within the platform they already use every day. This expansion positions Botim as a comprehensive financial services platform meeting the everyday needs of both domestic and international users. The collaboration also lays the groundwork for a broader range of fintech and logistics innovations. These include wallet top-ups and eKYC services at FINTX's Wall Street Exchange branches, enabling Botim Wallet payments at 7X retail locations, deploying point-of-sale systems to support SME digitization, and improving last-mile delivery logistics. Other areas under exploration include address verification powered by the WAYN platform, UAE's Digital P.O. Box, to support verified deliveries and secure digital identities. WAYN's integration will enable more secure, reliable communication and transactions across Botim's user base, contributing to the national digital infrastructure. It will also explore corporate payment integrations via WASLAH, the comprehensive logistics platform by 7X. On the deal, COO Ahmed Mourad said the partnership with 7X represents a major leap forward in Astra Tech's mission to redefine access to digital finance across the region. He noted that embedding financial tools into everyday digital experiences is not only about convenience but about building a sustainable infrastructure for long-term financial empowerment. Tariq Al Wahedi, Acting Group CEO of 7X, said: "This partnership reflects our unwavering commitment to shaping a future where finance, logistics, and technology converge to serve people better. By joining forces with Astra Tech, we are advancing our shared commitment to supporting national priorities in digital transformation and empowering communities through accessible, integrated, and secure financial and last-mile services." "This collaboration is a pivotal milestone in our roadmap to position 7X as a regional force in digital finance and smart trade infrastructure. We will be unlocking new opportunities to simplify how people move money, goods, and services, laying the foundation for a seamless, customer-centric ecosystem that is built for scale, inclusion, and innovation," he added.- TradeArabia News Service
Zawya
14-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Botim officially launches 'Send Now, Pay Later' feature to enhance financial flexibility for UAE expats
Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Astra Tech, the UAE-based consumer technology holding group, has announced the launch of the 'Send Now, Pay Later' (SNPL) feature within its Botim Ultra App. This feature enables users to instantly remit up to AED 5,000 to over 200 countries, offering them the flexibility to repay over a period of six months. SNPL is designed to address urgent financial needs and enhance remittance accessibility, particularly for expatriates in the UAE who may face challenges accessing formal credit systems. The feature provides users with a secure, deferred payment mechanism for international transfers, directly embedded within the Botim experience. The SNPL feature comes at a time of significant growth in the digital remittance sector. With the UAE's digital remittance market projected to reach $1.5 billion by 2030, Botim's SNPL feature is well-positioned to play an integral role in shaping this evolution. It reinforces Botim's position as a key enabler of accessible, tech-driven financial solutions, aligning with the UAE's broader digital economy ambitions. 'The introduction of the 'Send Now, Pay Later' feature on Botim marks a significant step in our mission to enhance financial inclusion in the UAE,' said H.E. Dr Tariq bin Hendi, CEO and Board Member of Astra Tech and Botim. 'By offering a secure, flexible remittance solution, we are meeting the real financial needs of the expatriate community, empowering them to support their families. This innovation aligns with the UAE's broader commitment to foster financial inclusion and literacy, positioning the nation as a global leader in inclusive growth and sustainable development.' While the concept was initially announced in 2024, the official launch is backed by a Finance Company License granted to Astra Tech's Quantix subsidiary by the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE). The rollout reflects strong user interest and Astra Tech's continued focus on delivering embedded financial services that respond to evolving consumer needs. The feature was unveiled at the Dubai Fintech Summit 2025, further reinforcing Astra Tech's role in shaping the future of integrated fintech offerings in the region. This latest feature is a key step in Botim's mission to transform into an ultra-app delivering more than just messaging services. With features like SNPL, Botim is advancing financial empowerment by expanding access to flexible and embedded remittance options for underserved users. About Astra Tech: Astra Tech is the leading consumer technology holding group in the MENA region, focused on transforming everyday services through its Ultra app. The group's portfolio includes PayBy, Botim, and Quantix. PayBy holds Stored Value Facility (SVF) and Retail Payment Services (RPSCS) licenses, further solidifying Astra Tech's position in the financial technology sector. Quantix is the first fintech in the UAE to receive a Finance Company License from the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) since 2008. The Ultra app, developed under Botim, operates in 155 countries, serves over 150 million users, providing more than just free VoIP calling and has also integrated services such as international money transfers, bill payments, and UAE visa services. Astra Tech is committed to advancing technology and enhancing user experience across the region. Additional information may be found at | LinkedIn: or
Mid East Info
14-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Botim Officially Launches ‘Send Now, Pay Later' Feature to Enhance Financial Flexibility for UAE Expats - Middle East Business News and Information
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Astra Tech, the UAE-based consumer technology holding group, has announced the launch of the 'Send Now, Pay Later' (SNPL) feature within its Botim Ultra App. This feature enables users to instantly remit up to AED 5,000 to over 200 countries, offering them the flexibility to repay over a period of six months. SNPL is designed to address urgent financial needs and enhance remittance accessibility, particularly for expatriates in the UAE who may face challenges accessing formal credit systems. The feature provides users with a secure, deferred payment mechanism for international transfers, directly embedded within the Botim experience. The SNPL feature comes at a time of significant growth in the digital remittance sector. With the UAE's digital remittance market projected to reach $1.5 billion by 2030, Botim's SNPL feature is well-positioned to play an integral role in shaping this evolution. It reinforces Botim's position as a key enabler of accessible, tech-driven financial solutions, aligning with the UAE's broader digital economy ambitions. 'The introduction of the 'Send Now, Pay Later' feature on Botim marks a significant step in our mission to enhance financial inclusion in the UAE,' said H.E. Dr Tariq bin Hendi, CEO and Board Member of Astra Tech and Botim. 'By offering a secure, flexible remittance solution, we are meeting the real financial needs of the expatriate community, empowering them to support their families. This innovation aligns with the UAE's broader commitment to foster financial inclusion and literacy, positioning the nation as a global leader in inclusive growth and sustainable development.' While the concept was initially announced in 2024, the official launch is backed by a Finance Company License granted to Astra Tech's Quantix subsidiary by the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE). The rollout reflects strong user interest and Astra Tech's continued focus on delivering embedded financial services that respond to evolving consumer needs. The feature was unveiled at the Dubai Fintech Summit 2025, further reinforcing Astra Tech's role in shaping the future of integrated fintech offerings in the region. This latest feature is a key step in Botim's mission to transform into an ultra-app delivering more than just messaging services. With features like SNPL, Botim is advancing financial empowerment by expanding access to flexible and embedded remittance options for underserved users. About Astra Tech: Astra Tech is the leading consumer technology holding group in the MENA region, focused on transforming everyday services through its Ultra app. The group's portfolio includes PayBy, Botim, and Quantix. PayBy holds Stored Value Facility (SVF) and Retail Payment Services (RPSCS) licenses, further solidifying Astra Tech's position in the financial technology sector. Quantix is the first fintech in the UAE to receive a Finance Company License from the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) since 2008. The Ultra app, developed under Botim, operates in 155 countries, serves over 150 million users, providing more than just free VoIP calling and has also integrated services such as international money transfers, bill payments, and UAE visa services. Astra Tech is committed to advancing technology and enhancing user experience across the region.
Fintech News ME
14-05-2025
- Business
- Fintech News ME
Botim and Mbank Launch UAE's First Fintech-Integrated Jaywan Card
Astra Tech 's flagship platform Botim has partnered with Mbank, a digital bank in the UAE, to introduce the country's first fintech integrated Jaywan card scheme. The agreement was announced during a signing ceremony at the Dubai Fintech Summit. Through this partnership, Botim, powered by PayBy, becomes the first fintech platform in the UAE to issue Jaywan cards. The initiative supports the Central Bank of the UAE's efforts to establish a national payment system and aligns with the country's aim to reduce reliance on cash transactions. The new prepaid card service will allow Botim users to make digital payments across the Emirates without requiring a traditional bank account. Users will be able to apply for and activate their Jaywan card directly within the Botim app. Dr Tariq Bin Hendi, CEO and Board Member of Astra Tech and Botim said, 'The launch of the Jaywan scheme via Botim represents a strategic commitment to enhancing the accessibility and infrastructure of financial services in the UAE. By integrating this national payment solution into our platform, we are empowering users with greater financial autonomy and contributing to the UAE's digital transformation goals.' Mohammed Wassim Khayata, CEO of Mbank added, 'Our partnership with Botim to introduce the Jaywan card scheme is a testament to our shared vision of driving financial innovation and inclusion in the UAE. This initiative underscores our commitment to providing cutting edge digital banking solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers.' The Jaywan card scheme, developed under the supervision of the Central Bank of the UAE and powered by Network International, is the country's first domestic card system. It is intended to strengthen financial sovereignty and provide interoperable local payment solutions. This addition builds on Botim's existing financial services, which include multi currency prepaid cards, global remittance capabilities, micro lending, and in app financial tools.
