Latest news with #LuLuExchange
Al Bawaba
31-07-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
LuLu Exchange Expands Footprint with New Customer Engagement Center at Zakher Mall, Muscat
LuLu Exchange, a leading global financial services company and the regional fintech partner of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), has opened its new Customer Engagement Center at Zakher Mall, Al Khuwair, in Muscat. The inauguration ceremony was graced by the esteemed presence of LuLu Exchange Oman Director, Sheikh Mohammed Hamed Ali Al Ghazali, and Mr. Adeeb Ahamed, Managing Director of LuLu Financial Holdings, along with senior management of LuLu Financial event marked a pivotal milestone in LuLu Exchange's ongoing commitment to advancing the standard of financial services within the community. The newly inaugurated Customer Engagement Center has been strategically established to enhance the overall customer experience while streamlining financial transactions for residents of Mohammed Hamed Ali Al Ghazali shared his thoughts on the occasion. 'The opening of this Customer Engagement Center represents more than just an expansion. It reflects our dedication to serving the people of Oman with excellence and trust. We are proud to bring world-class financial services closer to our customers, ensuring convenience and reliability at every step,' he Lathish Vichitran, General Manager of LuLu Exchange Oman, said, 'With the launch of this center, we are reinforcing our promise of customer-first service. Our goal is to create a seamless experience where every transaction is efficient and reassuring for the people we serve.'As a proud regional fintech partner of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), LuLu Exchange is extending its global partnerships to enhance brand trust and community engagement. This affiliation with the world champions reflects the company's global credibility and deep-rooted values of teamwork, trust, and excellence — values mirrored in every service offered at the new centre. LuLu Exchange looks forward to serving the Omani community better through its Zakher Mall Customer Engagement Center, providing a wide range of financial services tailored to meet the evolving needs of customers in the region. © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba ( Signal PressWire is the world's largest independent Middle East PR distribution service.
Khaleej Times
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
This man travelled from Kerala to Dubai to meet Argentina coach Scaloni
After being mobbed by fans for selfies during Argentina Football Association and LuLu Exchange's partnership-signing event at a Dubai hotel on Tuesday, Lionel Scaloni was introduced to Yadil M Iqbal. The teary-eyed Argentina fan from Kerala, India, shook hands with Scaloni, and thanked him profusely before getting his Argentina shirt signed by the 2022 World Cup-winning coach. Yadil, who hails from Kodungallur in the Thrissur district of Kerala, came to Dubai only to meet Scaloni. 'He is the coach who won us the World Cup. Meeting him today is a dream come true for me,' Yadil told the Khaleej Times, his voice still trembling with emotion. Yadil's love for the Argentina football team also saw him board a flight to Qatar in 2022. 'It was the first time in my life that I travelled out of India. I had saved money for many years to watch Argentina at the Qatar World Cup in 2022,' said the 29-year-old. Yadil, who owns three restaurants in his hometown, struck gold in Qatar, getting hold of all Argentina match tickets. 'I watched all seven matches. The first one was a heartbreak when we lost to Saudi Arabia. There was a lot of pressure on the team. But the team fought back and reached the final,' he recalled. The nerve-racking final against France almost stopped Yadil's heart from beating at the giant Lusail Stadium. 'I thought I would die when France fought back every time after Argentina scored a goal and took the match to penalties. It was unbearable,' he said. Yadil was 'dying' out there. But when Argentina finally won the greatest World Cup final in history, it gave Yadil the most incredible sense of joy. 'I could not believe that Argentina won the World Cup after all the drama, all the ups and downs in that final. Argentina finally became world champions and I was there to watch it live!' Yadil also made headlines in Kerala with his creative talent by painting murals of Lionel Messi and building statues of the football icon in Kodungallur. And in 2022, he prayed to God and 'promised' that he would go for 'Umrah' if Argentina won the World Cup in Qatar. 'So I went to Saudi for 'Umrah' after Argentina won. God has been very kind to me,' said Yadil, who, quite remarkably, had also named his son after Lionel Messi. 'I still have the dream of meeting Messi. His bodyguard sent me a couple of (Messi) shirts after he saw my Insta page,' he said. Yadil has 1.5 million Instagram followers and last month, even Messi commented on a post he collaborated with a fan page to celebrate the Argentine legend's 38th birthday. ''Muchas Gracias' (thank you so much)', the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner wrote on the special birthday post. 'That comment has got more than 450,000 likes,' Yadil smiled. There was also a warm smile on Scaloni's face when Yadil had hugged him on Tuesday in Dubai. 'With the man who made us cry with happiness,' Yadil wrote on Instagram after posting that picture of him with Scaloni. Reportedly, Scaloni has never been allowed to pay for his family dinners at restaurants across Argentina as owners of eateries refuse to accept money from a man who helped the football-obsessed country end its 36-year wait for the World Cup trophy. Now it's not too hard to imagine Yadil doing the same if Scaloni and Messi ever pay a visit to one of his restaurants in Kerala.
Times of Oman
22-07-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Joining Hands with Champions: LuLu Exchange & LuLu Money Partner with the Argentine Football Association
LuLu Exchange, a leading cross-border payments provider in Oman, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar, and LuLu Money, its flagship remittance app, have announced a partnership with the Argentine Football Association (AFA), signing on as their Regional Fintech Partners. This sponsorship is part of a larger global agreement through which the various entities under LuLu Financial Holdings, across 10 countries, will become official AFA partners within their respective regions. In India, LuLu Forex, a leading foreign exchange provider, and LuLu Finserv, the group's microlending and financial services arm, will represent the brand. Meanwhile, LuLu Money will take on the partnership role in Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore. The partnership, which initially runs through mid-2026, was officially unveiled at an event held in Dubai on Tuesday, in the presence of Argentina's World Cup-winning coach Lionel Scaloni, senior LuLu Financial Holdings leadership, and AFA executives. The agreement spans a key period in global football, culminating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, where the reigning champions will defend their crown. Over the next twelve months, customers of various LuLuFin entities can look forward to a range of exciting campaigns and fan-centric activations, both digitally and through their 380+ customer engagement centers. 'For countless fans, the Argentine team represents more than football - it symbolizes hope, resilience, and joy,' said Adeeb Ahamed, Founder and Managing Director of LuLu Financial Holdings. 'These are the same emotions that shape the everyday journeys of our customers, who use our services to care for their families and build better futures. This partnership is a celebration of that shared spirit.' Claudio Tapia, President of the AFA, said: 'We are delighted to have the LuluFin family as new regional sponsor of the Argentine Football Association for the Middle East, APAC and India. AFA's international expansion continues to grow, incorporating prestigious groups in important territories for our national team. We celebrate this new agreement, which has a strong bond with the Indian community, printing such affection for our team. We share the same values and the importance of teamwork. Today we welcome the LuLuFin family as new regional sponsors of the Argentine national team.' Leandro Petersen, Commercial and Marketing Director of AFA, said: 'This new regional sponsorship with Lulu Financial Holdings, through its flagship brands in strategic territories such as India, APAC and the Middle East, marks a new step in the global expansion of the AFA brand. Since we arrived in the Middle East and India, we have seen strong support for the Argentine National Team. We are proud to continue positioning the team as a benchmark in the sports industry and generate close identification with the Indian community by each of our commercial agreements. We are pleased that Lulu Financial Holdings has chosen the Argentine Champions as its brand image for this renewed World Cup period. We are very excited and confident that this agreement will be a great success in the market.' This collaboration reinforces LuLu Financial Holdings' vision of building meaningful global partnerships that resonate with its diverse customer base. By aligning with the spirit, resilience, and global appeal of Argentine football, LuLuFin aims to deepen its emotional connection with communities it serves — both on and off the field.
Zawya
22-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Joining Hands with Champions: LuLu Exchange & LuLu Money partner with the Argentine Football Association
Dubai, LuLu Exchange, a leading cross-border payments provider in the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar, and LuLu Money, its flagship remittance app, have announced a partnership with the Argentine Football Association (AFA), signing on as their Regional Fintech Partners. This sponsorship is part of a larger global agreement through which the various entities under LuLu Financial Holdings, across 10 countries, will become official AFA partners within their respective regions. In India, LuLu Forex, a leading foreign exchange provider, and LuLu Finserv, the group's microlending and financial services arm, will represent the brand. Meanwhile, LuLu Money will take on the partnership role in Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore. The partnership, which initially runs through mid-2026, was officially unveiled at an event held in Dubai on Tuesday, in the presence of Argentina's World Cup-winning coach Lionel Scaloni, senior LuLu Financial Holdings leadership, and AFA executives. The agreement spans a key period in global football, culminating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, where the reigning champions will defend their crown. Over the next twelve months, customers of various LuLuFin entities can look forward to a range of exciting campaigns and fan-centric activations, both digitally and through their 380+ customer engagement centers. These will include contests and promotions offering exclusive prizes such as match tickets, official AFA merchandise, and even opportunities for meet-and-greet experiences with players. 'For countless fans, the Argentine team represents more than football - it symbolizes hope, resilience, and joy,' said Adeeb Ahamed, Founder and Managing Director of LuLu Financial Holdings. 'These are the same emotions that shape the everyday journeys of our customers, who use our services to care for their families and build better futures. This partnership is a celebration of that shared spirit.' Claudio Tapia, President of the AFA, said: 'We are delighted to have the LuluFin family as new regional sponsor of the Argentine Football Association for the Middle East, APAC and India. AFA's international expansion continues to grow, incorporating prestigious groups in important territories for our national team. We celebrate this new agreement, which has a strong bond with the Indian community, printing such affection for our team. We share the same values and the importance of teamwork. Today we welcome the LuLuFin family as new regional sponsors of the Argentine national team.' Leandro Petersen, Commercial and Marketing Director of AFA, said: 'This new regional sponsorship with Lulu Financial Holdings, through its flagship brands in strategic territories such as India, APAC and the Middle East, marks a new step in the global expansion of the AFA brand. Since we arrived in the Middle East and India, we have seen strong support for the Argentine National Team. We are proud to continue positioning the team as a benchmark in the sports industry and generate close identification with the Indian community by each of our commercial agreements. We are pleased that Lulu Financial Holdings has chosen the Argentine Champions as its brand image for this renewed World Cup period. We are very excited and confident that this agreement will be a great success in the market.' This collaboration reinforces LuLu Financial Holdings' vision of building meaningful global partnerships that resonate with its diverse customer base. By aligning with the spirit, resilience, and global appeal of Argentine football, LuLuFin aims to deepen its emotional connection with communities it serves — both on and off the field. About LuLu Exchange LuLu Exchange is one of UAE's leading financial services companies, providing remittances, foreign currency exchange and other allied services through a network of over 140 branches and digital solutions, including the LuLu Money App, to a cross-section of society, powered by a robust network and reputed partners with high standards of customer care. The company is part of the Abu Dhabi-based financial services conglomerate LuLu Financial Holdings. About LuLu Financial Holdings LuLu Financial Holdings is a leading global financial services provider, offering a wide range of services including cross-border payments, currency exchange, and financial technology solutions. With more than 380 customer engagement centers in over 10 countries across the Middle East, Indian subcontinent, and APAC regions, and a commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, LuLu Financial Holdings continues to set benchmarks in the financial services industry.
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Rise of fintech: Redefining cross-border payments as digital platforms surge
In today's hyper-connected world, the ability to move money instantly, securely, and cost-effectively across borders is no longer a luxury — it's a necessity. Once known for traditional remittance corridors, the UAE's cross-border payments landscape has transformed into one of the most agile, innovative, and future-ready ecosystems globally. Over the past few years, propelled by a tech-savvy population, visionary national initiatives, and a vibrant fintech sector, the way people and businesses move money across borders has fundamentally evolved. 'The UAE's cross-border payments landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years,' said Adeeb Ahamed, Managing Director of LuLu Financial Holdings, in an interview. 'There's been an undeniable pivot toward digital channels, driven by a tech-savvy customer base and increasing trust in fintech innovation.' This shift mirrors the country's broader digitisation agenda. Landmark programmes such as We the UAE 2031 and the Central Bank of the UAE's Financial Infrastructure Transformation (FIT) Programme have cultivated an environment where digital transformation isn't merely aspirational — it's expected. Today, customers don't just send money; they transfer value, whether in fiat currencies, digital tokens, or emerging asset classes. Yet, human-centric services still have their place, with leading players like LuLu Exchange offering an omni-channel model that balances convenience with personal trust. Similarly, Ali Al Najjar, COO of Al Ansari Exchange, points to the dynamism and rapid evolution of the sector. 'The UAE has embraced advanced payment technologies, including real-time payment systems, digital wallets, and blockchain technology, which have streamlined cross-border transactions, making them faster and more secure,' he said. The regulatory environment, too, has been instrumental. Progressive policies supporting anti-money laundering (AML) standards, sanctions compliance, and financial infrastructure development have strengthened the UAE's reputation as a global financial hub. As part of its broader push toward a cashless economy — with Dubai aiming to become one of the world's top five cashless cities by 2033 — the adoption of mobile payments and real-time transaction capabilities has been a game-changer for consumers and businesses alike. Public-private partnerships have further accelerated progress. Collaborations between regulators, banks, fintechs, and global financial institutions have driven the creation of cutting-edge payment systems that combine speed with security. Adding to this momentum, the introduction of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and RuPay card services in the UAE marks another landmark development, particularly in strengthening the UAE-India financial corridor. 'The UAE-India corridor alone accounts for approximately one-third of the country's outbound remittances,' said Al Najjar. 'Indian expatriates are embracing the familiarity and efficiency of these platforms, while merchants are benefiting from faster settlements and cost-effective transaction options. These innovations build on the 2022 UAE-India framework for local currency settlement (INR-AED), which aims to reduce transaction costs and promote bilateral trade. We expect UPI and RuPay to further strengthen the financial bridge between both nations.' Otto Williams, Regional Head and General Manager of PayPal Middle East and Africa, notes: 'The UAE has transformed into one of the most agile cross-border payment hubs in the world. Driven by regulatory support, a robust fintech ecosystem, and consumer demand, cross-border payments in the UAE are increasingly seamless, instant, and secure,' he said. He added that the advent of real-time infrastructure, open banking frameworks, and interoperable digital wallets has drastically reduced friction and cost, positioning the UAE as a key enabler of global commerce — bridging East and West with a spirit of innovation and inclusion. Building a Future-Ready Financial Ecosystem In 2024, the UAE's foreign trade reached a record Dh5.23 trillion — an extraordinary milestone that highlights its increasing significance on the world stage. At the same time, the UAE has consistently ranked among the top three remittance-sending countries globally, connecting millions of expatriates with their families through trusted financial channels. Cross-border trade payments are pivotal to the UAE's economic momentum. As Ahamed notes: 'We consider the development of efficient payment rails as a critical part of the national financial infrastructure. Making it seamless and accessible is necessary for small businesses to thrive.' This focus has fueled the emergence of innovative, frictionless payment solutions designed to meet the complex needs of global enterprises and individual customers alike. Recognising the crucial role of financial innovation, the Central Bank of the UAE has created a highly supportive regulatory environment. The country has become a living laboratory for next-generation financial technologies, including real-time payment rails, blockchain-based transfers, and biometric verification—all aimed at redefining the future of cross-border money movement. 'The UAE's open and progressive regulatory framework has set the stage for transformation,' says Williams. 'Initiatives like the Dubai Digital Economy Strategy, and innovation zones such as DIFC's Ignyte and FinTech Hive, have fostered a thriving commercial sandbox. The government's approach enables innovators like PayPal to bring cutting-edge solutions to market faster.' Championing the UAE's cashless economy vision, Empay has emerged as a key player, aligning perfectly with the nation's digital economy aspirations. Launched in 2020, Empay aggregates lifestyle, government, and non-government payments into a single seamless platform. 'Empay simplifies financial management by allowing users to handle all their transactions without leaving the ecosystem,' says Gigi George Koshy, Deputy CEO and Chief Product Officer of Empay. 'This supports the national goal of digital transformation and inclusive financial access. Within the Empay ecosystem, users can send money instantly through peer-to-peer transfers. For cross-border needs, Empay has partnered with trusted exchange houses, making international remittances secure, quick, and accessible — especially important in a country with a large expatriate population.' Reducing Friction in International Money Transfers Ahamed emphasises that 'the future of finance lies in collaboration.' He explains that in a landscape as complex and fast-evolving as cross-border payments, no single player can address all the challenges on their own. Partnerships between startups and established financial institutions are helping to merge the speed and innovation of fintech startups with the trust, scale, and regulatory compliance of industry giants. One prime example of this collaborative model is LuLu Exchange's Remittance-as-a-Service (RaaS) product. This service offers a plug-and-play infrastructure for cross-border payments, enabling fintechs across the region to integrate quickly into a seamless payment system. According to Ahamed, this partnership model not only accelerates innovation but also makes the process smoother for customers. By eliminating barriers and reducing delays, fintech collaborations empower companies to scale faster, expand into new markets, and deliver a seamless user experience for remittances. Williams highlights the significance of partnerships in creating frictionless cross-border payments. PayPal's recent collaboration with TerraPay, a global payment platform, exemplifies how fintech companies are working together to connect banks, mobile wallets, and PayPal accounts across the Middle East and Africa. This partnership eliminates many of the delays and intermediaries typically involved in traditional international money transfers, offering customers a more transparent and secure payment experience. Further innovating the wallet space, Williams adds, 'On the wallet front, we're working to make peer-to-peer cross-border wallet transfers as easy as sending a message.' By simplifying the process and removing unnecessary steps, these collaborations are paving the way for a more efficient and user-friendly experience. This is especially important for underserved communities, who are gaining access to global digital commerce for the first time — breaking down barriers to financial inclusion. Driving Financial Inclusion Cross-border payments are increasingly recognised as a key driver of financial inclusion, particularly in regions with large migrant populations. 'Cross-border payments are instrumental in driving financial inclusion — particularly in regions with large migrant populations. In the UAE, we've successfully leveraged innovation to make remittances faster, safer, and more affordable for millions,' according to Ahamed. He credits the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) for its future-focused regulation, which has laid the groundwork for a robust, technology-driven remittance ecosystem. This innovation-first approach is advancing financial inclusion at scale, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goal of keeping global remittance costs below 5%. 'The UAE has consistently maintained remittance fees within this threshold — a significant achievement made possible through collaborative initiatives such as the Foreign Exchange and Remittance Group (FERG), which unites industry leaders to champion inclusive, customer-focused financial solutions,' Ahamed adds. Echoing similar sentiments, Al Najjar highlights that innovation has become a powerful enabler of financial inclusion in the UAE's rapidly evolving financial landscape. 'With the UAE progressing toward a fully cashless society and mobile wallet usage growing rapidly, we are seeing a broader segment of the population — including underbanked and lower-income communities — gaining access to digital financial tools,' he says. According to the latest survey, 82% of UAE SMEs now use apps and digital tools for cross-border payments, marking a 27% increase since 2021. This surge in digital adoption underlines how technology is democratising financial access across the country. 'At Al Ansari Exchange, we are committed to supporting this momentum through user-friendly digital platforms that extend reach and accessibility,' Al Najjar emphasises. Williams also notes the broader impact of financial inclusion, adding: 'Financial inclusion isn't just a goal, it's a catalyst for long-term economic resilience. Through our partnerships and platforms, we're bringing millions of SMEs and individuals into the global digital economy. Our our joint efforts with ecosystems like Ignyte are designed to empower startups with access to payment tools that were once only available to large enterprises. Cross-border innovations help reduce reliance on cash, improve transparency, and enable access to broader markets, paving the way for more equitable growth, especially for underserved countries.' The Age of Intelligence As global trade and remittances continue to evolve, emerging technologies such as AI and open banking are set to redefine how money moves across borders. 'We are witnessing a transition into the age of intelligence — where AI is reshaping every industry, and cross-border payments are no exception,' says Ahamed. At LuLu Financial Holdings, AI is already being deployed in critical areas such as fraud detection, regulatory compliance, and reconciliation, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and security. Ahamed points out that intelligent automation is also making a major impact on customer service, enabling faster, more personalised support at scale. Similarly, Williams highlights the early adoption of AI in streamlining compliance processes, preventing fraud, and even crafting personalised shopping experiences for users. 'These technologies, when integrated thoughtfully, promise a new era of programmable, personalised, and predictive financial services that scale across borders,' he says. Open banking is another revolutionary force shaping the future. Ahamed notes that LuLu Financial Holdings has been an early adopter, fully embracing the shift towards embedded finance. 'Open banking gives us a clearer view of customer needs, enabling us to build a diverse and responsive suite of financial products,' he says. Taking a major step forward, LuLu Financial Holdings will launch Digit9's World API next month at the Dubai Fintech Summit — a powerful tool designed to unify and simplify access to global payment networks. Ahamed believes it has the potential to profoundly reshape the cross-border money movement, making it faster, more secure, and more inclusive than ever before. Williams echoes the sentiment, emphasising that open banking is becoming 'the connective tissue' linking local banks, digital wallets, and global payment providers like PayPal. This connectivity is essential for creating a truly interoperable financial ecosystem.
