Deem Finance and Airpay Technologies have launched a strategic partnership to revolutionize merchant financing for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the UAE. The collaboration introduces “Purpose-Powered Liquidity” by embedding credit solutions directly into AirPay’s digital payment ecosystem, eliminating traditional barriers that stall business growth.
Addressing Critical Financing Gaps
SMEs represent over 94% of businesses in the UAE and drive job creation, supply-chain resilience, and economic diversification, yet accessing capital remains their biggest challenge. The partnership shifts away from rigid legacy credit models toward cash-flow-based lending that reflects actual business turnover cycles.
Under the arrangement, Airpay will refer qualified SMEs within its network to Deem, which will then offer tailored, short- to medium-term lending solutions. This approach ensures financing aligns with real-world business operations rather than outdated credit assessment methods.
Embedded Financial Solutions
The partnership leverages Airpay’s extensive platform, which supports over 160 payment methods, to deliver contextual credit at the point of need. Business owners can access capital without leaving their primary management tools, streamlining the entire financing process.
Key features include agile lending solutions designed for time-sensitive opportunities, support for fluctuating cash flow patterns, and inclusive reach targeting underserved segments often overlooked by traditional banks. Deem offers merchant loans up to AED 200,000, collateral-free with fast approvals and minimal documentation.
Leadership Vision
Christopher Taylor, CEO of Deem Finance, emphasized the human-centred approach: “SMEs are not just businesses; they are families, communities, and the lifeblood of economic resilience. This partnership reflects our belief that financial access should meet entrepreneurs where they are”.
Saurabh Arora, Regional Vice President of AirPay, added that the collaboration creates pathways for businesses traditionally overlooked but critically important to economic growth.
Company Backgrounds
Deem Finance, established in 2008 and regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE, was acquired by the Gargash Group in September 2021. The company provides personal loans, credit cards, merchant financing, and auto loans with a focus on accessibility and innovation.
Airpay operates across India, the UAE, and Tanzania with over 13 years of experience in digital payment infrastructure. The RBI-licensed platform partners with more than 200 financial institutions and 1,000 business partners globally, making formal financial services accessible to all.
Supporting National Economic Goals
The partnership aligns with the UAE’s vision for a digitally enabled, diversified economy where entrepreneurs can innovate confidently. By providing liquidity that fuels momentum and sustainable growth, both companies are contributing to the nation’s broader economic transformation objectives.
