logo

Benefit posts strong H1 growth; e-transactions soars to $48bln

Zawya2 days ago
Benefit, the kingdom's innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, has announced that it has processed a total of 242.7 million e-transactions for the first half of 2025, thus marking continued growth in digital payments across the kingdom.
The total value of transactions reached BD18.2 billion ($48 billion) for the first six months, up from BD16.4 billion ($43.2 billion) during the same period last year, representing an 11% year-on-year increase, said BENEFIT in a statement.
Its total volume reached 229.4 million for all electronic fund transfer transactions (Fawri, Fawri+, and Fawateer) through BenefitPay, up 13% in transaction volume and a 10% increase in transaction value compared to last year, with the total transaction value reaching BD5.1 billion.
According to BENEFIT, the Fawri+ transactions across all channels amounted to 229.7 million in volume, valued at BD4.6 billion, representing a 15% increase in volume and a 10% increase in value compared to the 200.6 million transactions valued at BD4.2 billion recorded in 2024.
Additionally, Fawri+ Transactions conducted through BenefitPay alone surged by 13.7%, reaching 224.0 million in volume, it stated.
The company further noted that electronic payments made through the Electronic Fund Transfer System (EFTS) across all channels, including banks and BenefitPay which encompass Fawri, Fawri, and Fawateer services, experienced significant growth.
Fawri+ transactions across all channels amounted to 229.7 million in volume, valued at BD4.6 billion, representing a 15% increase in volume and a 10% increase in value compared to the 200.6 million transactions valued at BD4.2 billion recorded in 2024. Additionally, Fawri+ Transactions conducted through BenefitPay alone surged by 13.7%, reaching 224.0 million in volume.
Cross-channel Fawri transactions rose by 9% to 7.1 million, with a corresponding transaction value of BD13.0 billion, up from 6.5 million transactions worth BD11.6 billion in the previous year.
Additionally, Fawri transactions carried out through BenefitPay increased by 14%, reaching more than 331,000 transactions valued at BD609 million.
Despite a slight decline in Fawateer transaction volumes from 6.3 million to 5.9 million, the total value of these transactions grew by 10%, exceeding BD603.4 million, compared to BD548.5 million in 2024, said the statement.
The company also reported a substantial increase in usage of its eKYC platform, with the total number of verifications exceeding 490,000 in the first half of 2025, a 28% rise from nearly 382,000 verifications conducted during the same period last year, said the statement.
The Bahrain Credit Reference Bureau, operated by BENEFIT, issued approximately 246,000 credit reports during the first half, reflecting a 2% increase compared to the approximately 242,000 reports issued during the same period in 2024.
These achievements underscore BENEFIT's continued efforts to lead and excel in the financial services and FinTech space, it added.-TradeArabia News Service
Copyright 2025 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

UAE GCSE results 2025: Record grades and 100% pass rates across top schools
UAE GCSE results 2025: Record grades and 100% pass rates across top schools

Arabian Business

time3 hours ago

  • Arabian Business

UAE GCSE results 2025: Record grades and 100% pass rates across top schools

UAE schools have reported outstanding GCSE results for 2025, with students across schools including Horizon International School, the Repton Family of Schools, Aldar Education academies, and Kent College Dubai celebrating record achievements. The results highlight not only exceptional academic performance but also the strong teaching, student resilience, and community support underpinning the country's leading schools. Students in selected private schools in the country will pursue Horizon International School (HIS) Horizon International School reported strong progress, with 92 per cent of students achieving grades 9–4/A–C*, and 32 per cent securing top grades 9–8/A. Value-added scores also stood out: +1.5 in English, +0.8 in Maths, and +1.6 in Geography. Principal Stephen Quinn said: 'We are incredibly proud of what our students have accomplished, not only in terms of grades but also in the personal growth they've demonstrated throughout their academic year.' Repton family of schools At Repton Abu Dhabi, 85 per cent of students achieved grades 9–6 (A–B)* and *48 per cent secured top grades 9–8 (A)**, an increase from last year. Repton Al Barsha saw 73 per cent at grades 9–6, with particularly strong results in Maths, Biology, and French. Repton Dubai continued its 16-year tradition of excellence, with a 100 per cent pass rate and all students moving into Sixth Form. Steven Lupton, Principal of Repton Abu Dhabi, said: 'These results highlight the ambition, resilience and determination of our students.' Chandini Misra, Principal of Repton Al Barsha, added: 'We're proud to see our students continuing to reach new heights and set strong foundations for future success.' Michael Bloy, Principal of Repton Dubai, commented: 'It's fantastic to see such a consistent level of performance across our student body.' Bateen World Academy Part of the Aldar Education network, Bateen World Academy reported that 31 per cent of grades were 9–8, with 47 per cent achieving 9–7 and 88 per cent at 9–4. Principal Neal Dilk said: 'We are incredibly proud of all our students for their outstanding GCSE results. Their hard work and dedication have truly paid off.' Aldar Education CEO Sahar Cooper added: 'These results reflect rigorous academic standards and diverse opportunities that empower our learners to excel in all areas.' Yasmina British Academy Yasmina achieved strong outcomes across both GCSE and BTEC, with 13 per cent of grades at 9, 27 per cent at 8–9, and 43 per cent at 7–9. In total, 85 per cent of entries passed at grades 4–9. Principal Jennie Kellett said: 'Out of over 1,000 entries, an incredible 266 grades were awarded at a grade 8 or 9. Today's results are a testament to their commitment and the support of our teachers, families, and wider school community.' CEO Sahar Cooper praised the cohort of 1,000 students for their resilience and ambition, calling the results 'an impressive milestone.' Mamoura British Academy Mamoura students also excelled, with 46 per cent of entries at grades 9–7 (A–A)* and an overall pass rate of 76 per cent, up from 61 per cent in 2024. Strong results were seen across STEM and humanities, with every student in Design Technology achieving grade 7 or above. Acting Principal Susan Adshead said: 'Though our cohort may be small, they have demonstrated that dedication and perseverance can lead to outstanding success.' CEO Sahar Cooper noted: 'Mamoura has demonstrated consistent and impressive progress year over year, reinforcing its position as one of Abu Dhabi's leading British curriculum schools.' Kent College Dubai Kent College achieved a 100 per cent pass rate in its I/GCSEs, with 43 per cent of entries graded 9–7 (A–A)* and *90 per cent graded 9–4 (A–C)**. Of the 548 exam entries, 12 per cent were awarded grade 9 and 26 per cent secured 9–8. Principal Tim Hollis said: 'These results are a true testament to the hard work and commitment of our students, supported by the dedication of their teachers.' CEO Sahar Cooper added: 'Our students continue to inspire us as they set new academic benchmarks every day.' Celebrating UAE-wide excellence The results across Horizon, Repton, Aldar Education academies, and Kent College Dubai showcase the UAE's growing reputation for academic excellence. With multiple schools reporting record achievements and rising percentages of top grades, students are securing pathways to leading universities worldwide. GCSE 2025 Results – UAE Schools at a Glance School Pass Rate Top Grades (9–7 / A*–A) Highest Grades (9–8 / A*) Notable Highlights Horizon International School 92 per cent (9–4 / A*–C) 46 per cent 32 per cent Value-added: +1.5 (English), +1.6 (Geography) Repton Abu Dhabi 98 per cent 66 per cent 48 per cent Biology & Physics: 100 per cent grades 6–9 Repton Al Barsha 97 per cent 55 per cent 38 per cent Maths: 64 per cent grades 8–9 Repton Dubai 100 per cent 55 per cent 37 per cent 100 per cent progression to Sixth Form Bateen World Academy 88 per cent (9–4 / A*–C) 47 per cent 31 per cent Rated Outstanding by ADEK Yasmina British Academy 85 per cent (9–4 / A*–C) 43 per cent 27 per cent 266 entries awarded grades 8–9 Mamoura British Academy 76 per cent (9–4 / A*–C) 46 per cent 25 per cent Strong results in STEM & humanities Kent College Dubai 100 per cent 43 per cent 26 per cent 12 per cent of entries grade 9, 548 entries total

Kuwait to attract $32bn investment and create 50,000 jobs under New Kuwait 2035 mega projects
Kuwait to attract $32bn investment and create 50,000 jobs under New Kuwait 2035 mega projects

Arabian Business

time3 hours ago

  • Arabian Business

Kuwait to attract $32bn investment and create 50,000 jobs under New Kuwait 2035 mega projects

Kuwait is rolling out one of its most ambitious development drives to date, with plans to attract up to KD10bn ($32.6bn) in private and foreign investment, generate annual revenues of KD1bn ($3.26bn) by 2030, and create more than 50,000 new jobs. The programme is anchored in the New Kuwait 2035 Vision and combines sweeping reforms, strategic partnerships, and mega projects in energy, transport, infrastructure, smart cities, and industrial zones. The government says the strategy will also reduce pressure on the state budget by around 30 per cent while strengthening long-term economic sustainability. Kuwait megaprojects Integrated government action — linking economic diplomacy with global partners and supported by new regulatory frameworks — is driving this transformation, which aims to boost transparency, accelerate project delivery, and diversify national income sources. A Ministerial Committee for Monitoring Agreements with China has held 22 meetings to fast-track projects and remove obstacles. Progress has already been made on the Mubarak Al Kabeer Port project, with the execution contract signed in March. Environmental cooperation includes afforestation programmes, ecosystem rehabilitation, and land reclamation. Kuwait has also elevated its historic ties with Japan to a comprehensive strategic partnership, expanding cooperation across trade, investment, renewable energy, and petrochemicals. Major power and infrastructure projects Among the largest projects under way are the second and third phases of the Al Zour North Power Plant, designed to meet rising demand for power and water. The project encourages private sector participation to cut costs, accelerate completion, and optimise resource use — reflecting the government's broader push to integrate private capital into infrastructure development. Kuwait's 2025–26 development plan, approved in March, includes 124 projects: 69 under ministries, 21 with affiliated entities, and 34 with independent institutions, making it one of the country's most ambitious pipelines. Reforms to boost investment The government has rolled out wide-ranging reforms, including: A new real estate brokerage system A smart licensing project Amendments to the Companies Law A taxation framework for multinational groups Launch of the Real Estate Developer System Kuwait has also advanced the third phase of its Capital Market Development Program, a key step toward upgrading to advanced emerging market status and boosting investor confidence. Global institutions lift outlook The World Bank projects Kuwait's economy will rebound to 2.2 per cent in 2025, driven by infrastructure projects, OPEC+ production adjustments, and non-oil sector growth. Growth is forecast to stabilise at 2.7 per cent between 2026–27. S&P Global Ratings expects continued growth supported by reforms, while EFG Hermes highlighted improved decision-making and raised its forecast for banking sector expansion starting from 2026. Leadership commitment Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al Ahmad Al Sabah said positive economic indicators and rising foreign investment confirm the government's determination to deliver on its development goals. He stressed that the progress reflects the vision of the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, adding that the reforms and mega projects will reinforce Kuwait's position as a regional investment hub.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store