Wise has joined the MENA Fintech Association as a corporate member, giving the regional industry group access to the international payments company’s experience in cross-border money movement. The announcement was made from Abu Dhabi on 8 September 2026.
Wise MENA Fintech Association partnership focuses on cross-border payments
The MENA Fintech Association said the partnership will bring Wise’s global payments infrastructure into its regional network. The two organisations will work around cross-border payments, payment infrastructure, digital inclusion and the technology used to move money internationally.
The announcement comes as trade, digital commerce, workforce mobility and cross-border business activity increase demand for international payment services. Wise says it served around 19 million customers and processed more than $240 billion in cross-border transactions during its 2026 financial year. It also says customers saved more than $3 billion in fees.
Wise Platform allows banks and financial institutions to embed international payment services into their own products. The company connects directly to domestic payment systems in multiple markets, which can reduce the number of intermediaries involved in an international transfer.
What Wise’s MENA membership means for the UAE
The MFTA announcement describes the membership as part of Wise’s continued engagement in the UAE and the wider region. It does not announce a new UAE product, local pricing or a change to Wise’s existing consumer service.
Mohamed Mansour, Regional Director of Wise UAE, said the company would work with MFTA, regulators, policymakers and industry partners on a more connected payments ecosystem. Nameer Khan, MFTA chairman and founder of Fils, said Wise’s experience could support the development of cross-border payment infrastructure across the region.
The Wise MENA Fintech Association membership gives the company a route into discussions with regional banks, fintechs, regulators and technology providers. Any new partnerships or services would need separate announcements.
Sources: MENA Fintech Association and Finextra.
Why did Wise join the MENA Fintech Association?
Wise joined to contribute its cross-border payments and financial infrastructure expertise to MFTA’s regional network of banks, fintechs, regulators and technology providers.
What will Wise and MFTA work on?
The partnership will cover cross-border payments, payment infrastructure, cross-border commerce, digital financial inclusion and related financial technology.
Did Wise announce a new UAE service?
No. The announcement described Wise’s regional engagement but did not include a new UAE product, consumer price or service launch.
