logo
RAKBANK and Faturalab forge strategic partnership in the GCC to transform supply chain finance

RAKBANK and Faturalab forge strategic partnership in the GCC to transform supply chain finance

Zawya24-02-2025

RELATED TOPICS
FINANCIAL SERVICES
RELATED COMPANIES
Rakbank Intellect Global Rakbank RAK Supply Chain Technologies Ltd. Faturalab Forge Strategic Partnership
Dubai, United Arab Emirates – RAKBANK has announced a strategic partnership with Faturalab, a leading provider of smart supply chain solutions, to transform supply chain finance for businesses across the UAE. This is Faturalab's first strategic tie-up outside of Türkiye, enabled by RAKBANK, marking a significant milestone in expanding its reach within the GCC. Faturalab is a technology partner to many Turkish conglomerates, with a solid track record of supporting financial institutions in supply chain finance for over four years.
The partnership was formalized at RAKBANK's Corporate Office in Dubai, in the presence of Vikas Suri, Managing Director – Wholesale Banking Group-Products at RAKBANK, Ehsaan Uddin Ahmed, Executive Vice President & Head of Transaction Banking at RAKBANK, Saruhan Dogan , co-Founder and Board Member of Faturalab, and Ahmet Bekce, co-founder of Supply Chain Technologies Ltd.. This collaboration leverages Faturalab's state-of-the-art digital technology and analytics capabilities, reinforcing RAKBANK's commitment to integrating innovative tech solutions within its wholesale banking operations.
RAKBANK Leadership Statements
Vikas Suri, Managing Director – Wholesale Banking Group-Products at RAKBANK, stated: "At RAKBANK, our commitment to digital transformation is central to how we serve our wholesale banking clients. By embracing innovative technology, we are redefining our business processes to deliver faster, more efficient financing solutions. Our partnership with Faturalab underscores our strategy to stay ahead of industry trends and meet the evolving needs of global commerce."
Ehsaan Uddin Ahmed, Executive Vice President & Head of Transaction Banking RAKBANK, added: "Our trade finance offerings are focused on empowering corporates with greater clarity and control over their financial operations. This collaboration with Faturalab equips us with advanced tools that simplify supply chain processes and enhance operational transparency, ultimately facilitating smoother and more secure trade transactions."
Faturalab Leadership Statements
Saruhan Dogan, co-Founder and Board Member of Faturalab, commented: "We are excited to join forces with RAKBANK—a forward-thinking institution that understands the power of digital innovation. Our technology is designed to simplify the complexities of supply chain finance, enabling businesses to navigate global trade with enhanced efficiency and precision."
Ahmet Bekce of Supply Chain Technologies Ltd., remarked: "We are delighted to be part of this visionary partnership to bring cutting-edge supply chain solutions to the region. By integrating our digital capabilities with RAKBANK's top-class platform, this partnership will be setting a new standard for transparency and efficiency that will benefit businesses across the region."
About RAKBANK
RAKBANK, also known as the National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah (P.S.C), is one of the UAE's oldest yet most dynamic banks. Since 1976, RAKBANK has been a market leader, offering a wide range of banking services across the UAE.
We're a public joint stock company based in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, with our head office located in the RAKBANK Building on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road. The Government of Ras Al Khaimah holds the majority of our shares, which are publicly traded on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX).
RAKBANK stands out for its innovation and unwavering commitment to delivering awesome customer experiences. Our transformative digital journey aims to be a 'digital bank with a human touch,' accompanying you during key moments.
With 21 branches and advanced Digital Banking solutions, we offer a wide range of Personal, Wholesale, and Business Banking services. Through our Islamic Banking unit, RAKislamic, we provide Sharia-compliant services to make your banking experience seamless, whether you visit us in person or online.
For more information, please visit www.rakbank.ae or contact the Call Centre on +9714 213 0000.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

UAE SMEs optimistic as 3 in 5 report revenue growth despite cost increases: Survey
UAE SMEs optimistic as 3 in 5 report revenue growth despite cost increases: Survey

Arabian Business

time3 days ago

  • Arabian Business

UAE SMEs optimistic as 3 in 5 report revenue growth despite cost increases: Survey

UAE SMEs continue to build on the momentum of the resilience demonstrated in recent years, according to RAKBANK's SME Confidence Index. Based on insights from more than 1,200 UAE-based SMEs, the Confidence Index measures business sentiment for small and medium enterprises. Measured against a base score of 50 the latest survey reveals a tally of 57, suggesting a stable and optimistic sentiment against a dynamic economic environment. UAE business optimism Despite a marginal drop in the overall Index score by four points from 61 in 2023 to 57 in 2024, the findings show that optimism remains steady, with over two-thirds (68 per cent) of SMEs viewing the future business environment as favourable, and more than 60 per cent reporting revenue growth over the past two years. While challenges persist, including rising operational costs, corporate tax implementation, and high borrowing costs, the overall trajectory signals adaptability and optimism among SMEs in navigating the evolving business landscape. Raheel Ahmed, Group CEO of RAKBANK, said: 'This has been a milestone month for RAKBANK's Business Banking Group, reinforcing our commitment to the UAE's dynamic SME sector. 'In a further boost to the SME ecosystem, RAKBANK and Emirates Development Bank announced a strategic AED1bn ($272m) co-financing partnership during the 'Make it in the Emirates' forum, held under the patronage of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology. 'Small and medium enterprises are the backbone of every thriving economy, and in the UAE, they play a central role in driving diversification and sustainable development.' The report showcases several trends shaping the SME sector in 2025. Consumer and Retail Services remain the highest-performing sector, driven by a continued rise in consumer spending and successful adoption of new business channels. The report also highlights how SMEs across industries are prioritising product innovation and market expansion as key strategies for growth in a competitive landscape. While Consumer andRetail Services SMEs achieved a sector confidence score of 60, Construction and Manufacturing (57), Transport (57), and Trading (58) remained steady in confidence, while Public Services and Professional Services saw more notable declines to 56, largely due to increased costs and lower confidence in debt servicing. Key takeaways from the survey include: Overall confidence remains above baseline: While the Index score decreased slightly to 57 from 61 in 2024, it still signals positive sentiment across the board Revenue growth continues: More than 3 in 5 SMEs reported an increase in annual revenue over the last two financial years Optimism for smaller firms: SMEs with revenue up to AED30m ($8.2m) posted the highest confidence score at 58, while larger SMEs (AED30m-100m/$8.2m-27.2m) dipped to 55 Rising costs present challenges: Over two-thirds of SMEs experienced higher operational costs, while only 39 per cent expressed confidence in meeting debt obligations, down from last year Digital adoption is on the rise: 22 per cent of SMEs now sell their products or services online, and 45 per cent use digital banking channels monthly Sustainability is gaining attention: 55 per cent of SMEs are either on or planning to begin a sustainability journey, with 1 in 3 citing it as a short-term business objective While UAE SMEs remain optimistic, they are also navigating barriers such as increased costs of doing business, rising demand for credit, competitive pressures, and adapting to the corporate tax regime introduced in 2024. To address these issues, many SMEs are investing ambitiously in technology, operational efficiencies, and sustainability strategies aimed at long-term growth.

UAE SMEs remain optimistic amid economic pressures, reveals RAKBANK index
UAE SMEs remain optimistic amid economic pressures, reveals RAKBANK index

Gulf Business

time4 days ago

  • Gulf Business

UAE SMEs remain optimistic amid economic pressures, reveals RAKBANK index

Image: Getty Images/ For illustrative purposes Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the UAE are maintaining a steady sense of optimism despite rising costs and economic headwinds, according to RAKBANK's latest SME Confidence Index. The 2025 report, compiled in partnership with RFI Global, reflects a confidence score of 57, signalling continued resilience in the sector. The findings are based on responses from over 1,200 SMEs across the UAE, surveyed between October and December 2024. While the Index score has declined from 61 in 2023 to 57 in 2024, it remains above the base level of 50, pointing to overall positive sentiment. Also, 68 per cent of SMEs view the future business environment as favourable, and over 60 per cent reported revenue growth in the past two years. 'Small and medium enterprises are the backbone of every thriving economy, and in the UAE, they play a central role in driving diversification and sustainable development,' said Raheel Ahmed, group CEO of Ahmed added that the bank launched the SME Confidence Index in 2024 to capture sentiment, challenges and growth outlook. In a major move to support the SME ecosystem, RAKBANK and Emirates Development Bank announced a strategic Dhs1bn co-financing partnership during the 'Make it in the Emirates' forum, under the patronage of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology. Sector trends and challenges for SMEs Consumer and Retail Services emerged as the highest-performing sector, achieving a confidence score of 60, supported by increased consumer spending and expansion into new business channels. Construction and Manufacturing, Transport, and Trading sectors scored 57, 57, and 58 respectively, showing stable sentiment. However, confidence in Public Services and Professional Services dipped to 56, largely due to higher operating costs and concerns over debt servicing. While more than three in five SMEs recorded revenue increases over the past two years, over two-thirds experienced rising operational expenses. Only 39 per cent expressed confidence in meeting debt obligations, down from the previous year. The report found that smaller SMEs (with revenues up to Dhs30m) had a higher confidence score of 58, while larger SMEs (with revenues between Dhs30–100m) registered a lower score of 55. Digital and sustainable growth in focus Digital transformation continues to gain ground among UAE SMEs. Some 22 per cent now sell products or services online, while 45 per cent use digital banking channels monthly. In parallel, sustainability is becoming a growing priority, with 55 per cent of While navigating ongoing challenges — including the corporate tax regime introduced in 2024, demand for credit, and operational pressures — many SMEs are investing in technology, talent and market expansion to strengthen their competitive edge. 'The sector's forward-looking mindset is especially encouraging,' Ahmed noted. 'We're seeing increased focus on entering new markets, investing in talent, and modernising payment infrastructure. We see our role as a partner in that journey, providing not just financial solutions but also the advisory support needed to help them grow with confidence.'

UAE small businesses show steady optimism despite economic headwinds
UAE small businesses show steady optimism despite economic headwinds

Khaleej Times

time5 days ago

  • Khaleej Times

UAE small businesses show steady optimism despite economic headwinds

The UAE's small and medium enterprises (SMEs) continue to build on the momentum of the resilience demonstrated in recent years. While challenges persist, including rising operational costs, corporate tax implementation, and high borrowing costs, the overall trajectory signals adaptability and optimism among SMEs in navigating the evolving business landscape, a study showed. RAKBank this week released its latest SME Confidence Index, highlighting a promising outlook for sector. Based on insights from over 1,200 UAE-based SMEs collected between October and December 2024, the report – done in partnership with RFI Global – reveals an SME Confidence Index score of 57, a marginal drop by four points from 61 in 2023. Measured against a base score of 50, the findings reflect a stable and optimistic sentiment against a dynamic economic environment. The findings show that optimism remains steady, with over two-thirds (68 per cent) of SMEs viewing the future business environment as favourable, and more than 60 per cent reporting revenue growth over the past two years. Among the SMEs, consumer and retail services remain the highest-performing sector, driven by a continued rise in consumer spending and successful adoption of new business channels. The report also highlights how SMEs across industries are prioritising product innovation and market expansion as key strategies for growth in a competitive landscape. While consumer and retail services SMEs achieved a sector confidence score of 60, construction and manufacturing (57), transport (57), and trading (58) remained steady in confidence, while public services and professional services saw more notable declines to 56, largely due to increased costs and lower confidence in debt servicing. More than three in five SMEs reported an increase in annual revenue over the last two financial years. SMEs with revenue up to Dh30 million posted the highest confidence score at 58, while larger SMEs (Dh30-100 million) dipped to 55. Raheel Ahmed, Group Chief Executive Officer of RAKBank, said: 'Small and medium enterprises are the backbone of every thriving economy, and in the UAE, they play a central role in driving diversification and sustainable development. At RAKBank, we continue to reinforce our commitment to be a trusted partner on their journey, providing the insights, tools and support they need to grow their businesses and contribute to the wider economy.' Over two-thirds of SMEs experienced higher operational costs, while only 39 per cent expressed confidence in meeting debt obligations, down from last year. Twenty two per cent of SMEs now sell their products or services online, and 45 per cent use digital banking channels monthly. Fifty five per cent of SMEs are either on or planning to begin a sustainability journey, with one in three citing it as a short-term business objective. While UAE SMEs remain optimistic, they are also navigating barriers such as increased costs of doing business, rising demand for credit, competitive pressures, and adapting to the corporate tax regime introduced in 2024. To address these issues, many SMEs are investing ambitiously in technology, operational efficiencies, and sustainability strategies aimed at long-term growth. 'SME confidence is still high however moderated slightly due to rising operational and borrowing costs, uncertainty surrounding corporate tax, and a slower growth outlook. While most of the SMEs remain bullish but SMEs, particularly in professional and public services, are cautious about their debt obligations amid ongoing cost pressures,' Vikas Suri, head of wholesale banking, RAKBank, told Khaleej Times. RAKBank is actively addressing SME challenges through digital onboarding, with 92 per cent of accounts opened digitally, as well as tailored solutions for startups and women-led businesses. It has also introduced enhanced services in business banking apps and seamless corporate tax payment integration to improve efficiency. The bank has over Dh10 billion exposure to the SME segment, which is expected to rise this year as well and has recently strengthened its SME lending through a Dh1 billion co-financing partnership with Emirates Development Bank, ensuring funding reaches priority sectors. 'UAE government initiatives like credit guarantee schemes and digital adoption programs further enhance accessibility,' Suri said.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store