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Mid East Info
07-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Visa and Whish Money Announce a Strategic Alliance that is Set to Revolutionize Digital Payments and Financial Services Regionally and Globally
United Arab Emirates – May, 2025: Visa, a global payments technology leader, and Whish Money SAL, a leading regional fintech, are pleased to announce one of the most strategic partnerships in the region. This partnership will enable Whish to leverage Visa's advanced services and technology for payments and money movement, while allowing Visa to expand its service offerings to over 1 million Whish app users. A signing ceremony was held to commemorate this significant collaboration, marking a new chapter in the fintech landscape of the region. Leila Serhan, Senior Vice President at Visa and Group Country Manager for the North Africa, Levant and Pakistan (NALP) region, commented on the partnership: 'This strategic partnership between Visa and Whish is the first in the levant region with an e-wallet and money transfer company, and we align with Whish on multiple pillars, most of which, trust and innovation. This partnership will enable us to bring our advanced payment technologies to a broader audience, facilitating seamless and secure money movement across the world. And as Whish is already present globally and is further expanding its reach, we can further facilitate the international growth through our presence in over 200 countries.' Toufic Koussa, CEO and Co-Founder of Whish Money , added: 'We are excited to embark on this new collaboration with Visa which marks a significant milestone for Whish Money. By integrating Visa's cutting-edge technology and services, we are poised to enhance our payment solutions and provide even more secure and efficient financial services to our customers. This partnership underscores our commitment to innovation and excellence in the fintech industry and is a testament to the thorough and careful due diligence Visa undertakes while engaging in such an affiliation given their high compliance standards. Our commitment to compliance and security has enabled us to achieve this unique partnership in the region.' This strategic alliance between Visa and Whish Money is set to revolutionize the fintech sector, bringing unparalleled advancements to digital payments and financial services regionally and globally. As both entities leverage their strengths and innovative technologies, the partnership will not only drive economic growth but also set a new benchmark for excellence and security in the industry. About Visa: Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable, and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. About Whish Money: Whish Money is part of Talaco Group that was established in 2004, specializing in technology, telecom, software development, money remittance, digital payments, and logistics industries. Whish has been one of the first global fintech platforms disrupting the distribution of telecom, ISP, gaming, and gift card vouchers, in addition to the digitization of financial services to corporates, retailers, and end users. With over 1,200 agents in Lebanon and 3,000 points of sale in the UAE, Whish Money continues to expand its reach and impact. Today, Whish has offices in Lebanon, UAE, and the USA serving more than 1 million users in over 110 countries. As a licensed and regulated company by the Central Bank of Lebanon, Whish Money adheres strictly to all local and international laws, regulations, and best practices including stringent Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF) measures. Whish works closely with local and international authorities to detect and prevent financial crime. Its robust compliance framework, backed by advanced technology and experienced professionals, ensures that every transaction is screened against local and international watch lists, and is scrutinized to identify and mitigate potential risks, enabling it to provide secure and reliable financial services to its customers. Learn
Zawya
07-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Visa and Whish Money announce a strategic alliance that is set to revolutionize digital payments and financial services regionally and globally
United Arab Emirates: Visa, a global payments technology leader, and Whish Money SAL, a leading regional fintech, are pleased to announce one of the most strategic partnerships in the region. This partnership will enable Whish to leverage Visa's advanced services and technology for payments and money movement, while allowing Visa to expand its service offerings to over 1 million Whish app users. A signing ceremony was held to commemorate this significant collaboration, marking a new chapter in the fintech landscape of the region. Leila Serhan, Senior Vice President at Visa and Group Country Manager for the North Africa, Levant and Pakistan (NALP) region, commented on the partnership: "This strategic partnership between Visa and Whish is the first in the levant region with an e-wallet and money transfer company, and we align with Whish on multiple pillars, most of which, trust and innovation. This partnership will enable us to bring our advanced payment technologies to a broader audience, facilitating seamless and secure money movement across the world. And as Whish is already present globally and is further expanding its reach, we can further facilitate the international growth through our presence in over 200 countries." Toufic Koussa, CEO and Co-Founder of Whish Money, added: "We are excited to embark on this new collaboration with Visa which marks a significant milestone for Whish Money. By integrating Visa's cutting-edge technology and services, we are poised to enhance our payment solutions and provide even more secure and efficient financial services to our customers. This partnership underscores our commitment to innovation and excellence in the fintech industry and is a testament to the thorough and careful due diligence Visa undertakes while engaging in such an affiliation given their high compliance standards. Our commitment to compliance and security has enabled us to achieve this unique partnership in the region." This strategic alliance between Visa and Whish Money is set to revolutionize the fintech sector, bringing unparalleled advancements to digital payments and financial services regionally and globally. As both entities leverage their strengths and innovative technologies, the partnership will not only drive economic growth but also set a new benchmark for excellence and security in the industry. About Visa: Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable, and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. About Whish Money Whish Money is part of Talaco Group that was established in 2004, specializing in technology, telecom, software development, money remittance, digital payments, and logistics industries. Whish has been one of the first global fintech platforms disrupting the distribution of telecom, ISP, gaming, and gift card vouchers, in addition to the digitization of financial services to corporates, retailers, and end users. With over 1,200 agents in Lebanon and 3,000 points of sale in the UAE, Whish Money continues to expand its reach and impact. Today, Whish has offices in Lebanon, UAE, and the USA serving more than 1 million users in over 110 countries. As a licensed and regulated company by the Central Bank of Lebanon, Whish Money adheres strictly to all local and international laws, regulations, and best practices including stringent Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF) measures. Whish works closely with local and international authorities to detect and prevent financial crime. Its robust compliance framework, backed by advanced technology and experienced professionals, ensures that every transaction is screened against local and international watch lists, and is scrutinized to identify and mitigate potential risks, enabling it to provide secure and reliable financial services to its customers.
Hi Dubai
29-04-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
UAE's Wellness Sector Poised for Growth, Expected to Boost Regional Travel, Experts Say
Wellness is rapidly emerging as a top priority for both travelers and consumers, with the GCC region at the forefront of this growing trend. According to Visa's Senior Vice President Leila Serhan, wellness and lifestyle have surged into the top three categories for which people seek discounts, a shift that reflects broader changes in consumer behavior. Speaking at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, Serhan highlighted the significant rise in demand for wellness-related experiences. 'In our market survey, wellness and lifestyle, which used to be in the top ten, are now top three things that people want discounts for,' she noted. The ATM, which began on April 28 and runs until May 1, features over 2,800 exhibitors from 166 countries and serves as a hub for the region's travel industry. Experts like Hala Matar Choufany, President of hospitality consulting firm HVS, emphasized that wellness is not only driving consumer spending but also reshaping global travel patterns, particularly toward Europe and the US from the GCC. At the conference, a key highlight was the unveiling of Therme Dubai, a groundbreaking wellness resort set to open by 2028. Located in Zabeel Park, the 500,000-square-foot facility will be the world's tallest wellness resort, designed to cater to 1.7 million visitors annually. The project promises a holistic experience, blending thermal baths, plant-based meals, music performances, and wellness programs into one immersive space. As the wellness sector continues to expand, the rise of such transformative projects underscores its growing influence on both tourism and lifestyle spending in the region. News Source: Khaleej Times
Khaleej Times
29-04-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Wellness to boom in region, drive travel, experts say
Wellness has become one of the most important factors that has been driving travel across the region and the world, according to commentators at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) that began in Dubai on Monday. Some noted that it was a segment that would boom in the region. 'The main feeder market to Europe and the US is the GCC,' said Hala Matar Choufany, President of hospitality consulting company HVS. 'It is a segment that is set to grow in this region.' Another pointed out that wellness was an industry their customers were increasingly spending in. 'We see more and more cardholders asking for experiences,' said Leila Serhan, Senior VP at Visa. 'In our market survey we have found that wellness and lifestyle, which used to be in the top ten is now top three things that people want discounts for.' They were speaking at a panel discussion on the first day of ATM, which features a record 2,800 exhibitors from 166 countries at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Taking place from April 28 to May 1, the event is often considered the hub of travel ideas in the Middle East. Therme Dubai Also at the conference were spokespersons from Therme Dubai, the elaborate wellness concept that is expected to be completed in the emirate by 2028. With hanging botanical gardens and hot springs, it is going to be the world's tallest wellbeing resort. In a video shown at an ATM conference, the renderings showed the 500,000 sqft. facility located in the middle of a lake in Zabeel Park. Expected to cater to 1.7 million visitors every year, the wellness resort is a 'social wellness infrastructure' according to Irina Matei, the CEO of Therme Dubai. 'We create ecosystems,' she said. 'We move from old days to new infrastructures. And our guests, they have an amazing journey. They can easily move from a thermal bath to a music performance from a child, wellness programming to a plant-based meal, all in one space. So this is how we engage communities and this is how we see a real shift when it comes to wellness.' A wellness infrastructure company, the Therme Group has a location in Bucharest, with more facilities expected to open across the world. Irina added that the company has been successful in 'democratising wellness' with its offerings. 'Wellness is a force of good,' she said. 'It builds communities and works a lot on the preventive side of things."
Zawya
16-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Visa Invests in African fintech Konnect and PayTic on heels of Visa Africa Fintech Accelerator at GITEX Africa 2025
Visa's str ategic investment and commercial partnerships with Visa Africa Fintech Accelerator alumni showcase ongoing commitment to their success. Cairo, Egypt: Visa, a global leader in digital payments, has announced strategic investments and commercial partnerships with two fintechs following their 12-week engagement through the Visa Africa Fintech Accelerator program, which enables start-ups to scale through training, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Visa's investments include Konnect, a fintech based in Tunisia which enables seamless, accessible, and instant payments by provisioning links that can be shared via SMS, email, messenger, or WhatsApp, and PayTic, a fintech based in Morocco which streamlines back-office operations and enhances risk control across digital payments. Leila Serhan, Senior Vice President and Group Country Manager for the North Africa, Levant and Pakistan (NALP) region at Visa commented: "These innovative fintechs are a beacon of creativity and dedication, revolutionizing commerce and finance. Visa is proud to support their journey, providing essential resources, mentorship, and opportunities to drive digital transformation across Africa." 'We at Konnect are thrilled with Visa's continued trust in our vision of driving seamless and instant payments across Africa, empowering businesses and individuals to transact with ease and confidence. As a global leader, Visa reinforces our commitment to shaping the future of payments,' said Amin Ben Abderrahman, CEO of Konnect. Imad Boumahdi, CEO of PayTic, said: 'With Visa's backing, we are uniquely positioned to push the boundaries of possibility in fintech, helping bolster the compliance of digital payments and streamline operations for our clients. We look forward to leveraging Visa's deep expertise, knowledge, and resources to drive growth and impact.' These fintechs join Visa's recent investments across its first-cohort Accelerator alumni, including Oze (Ghana), which provides embedded finance products to SMEs, Workpay (Kenya), which offers a cloud-based payroll platform, OkHi (Nigeria), a smart addressing system that facilitates digital address verification, and ORDA, a cloud-based restaurant software company digitizing over 1,500 restaurants across Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa. Visa has also announced its strategic partnership with Chari (Morocco) a B2B platform with embedded fintech solutions designed for mom-and-pop shops. The partnership will focus on supporting SME digitization in Morocco and North Africa to drive digital acceptance and issuance. Ismael Belkhayat, CEO and Co-Founder of Chari commented: "Partnering with Visa will significantly enhance our financial services for merchants. By bringing Visa's leading acceptance and payment capabilities to the thousands of merchants across North Africa, we are poised to drive digital transformation and growth in the region." This announcement follows Visa's participation as the Financial Innovation Partner at GITEX Africa 2025, taking place from April 14-16 in Marrakech, Morocco. Concluding the third cohort of the Visa Africa Fintech Accelerator program on the GITEX 10X Stage on April 15, Visa brought together 19 cutting-edge fintech from across the continent to showcase their innovative solutions to an audience of venture capitalists, angel investors, and business partners. Representing the third cohort of the Accelerator program, the start-ups comprised dynamic and next-gen Pan-African innovators operating across 21 African nations. They featured 85% female leadership, marking a substantial increase from less than 50% in the inaugural edition and 65% in the second, progress which Visa is committed to continuing. The Visa Africa Fintech Accelerator is a comprehensive three-month program designed to support Seed to Series A startups by offering one-on-one mentorship, training, and exclusive opportunities for funding and partnership, aligning with Visa's commitment to invest $1 billion in Africa by 2027. Since its launch in 2023, this initiative has accelerated over 60 startups, with the fourth cohort set to be announced on June 2, 2025. Culminating in Demo Day, where participants had the opportunity to unveil their groundbreaking solutions to an audience of influential ecosystem enablers, the program opens the door to future strategic collaborations and growth avenues through valuable exposure and visibility. About Visa Inc. Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating more than 215 billion payments transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories each year. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable, and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere, and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at
